Shelbourne hotel plans upgrades after completing room restoration

The hotel spent in the tens of millions on upgrading rooms and restoring the facade

The facade of the Shelbourne Hotel following a restoraton project.
The facade of the Shelbourne Hotel following a restoraton project.

Dublin's iconic Shelbourne Hotel has completed the refurbishment of its rooms and facade and now plans to embark on projects to upgrade other internal spaces.

Having completed the final phase of its guest room upgrade led by Guy Oliver, the group is planning for future investment in larger spaces including the Lord Mayor's lounge, the ballroom, and a raft of meeting rooms.

The most recent project began with the restoration of the hotel’s 193-year-old facade, followed by a refit of its suites and rooms overlooking St Stephen’s Green.

While the exact figure for the work was not disclosed, it was understood have cost new owners Kennedy Wilson tens of millions. Speaking to The Irish Times, Yvonne Donohue, the hotel's sales and marketing director, said the work coupled with future investment plans demonstrates the company's commitment to the Shelbourne.

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The lounge of the recently refurbished Princess Grace suite.
The lounge of the recently refurbished Princess Grace suite.

Opened in 1824, the Shelbourne hotel has 265 bedrooms including 19 suites. Midweek rooms at the hotel in November start from €248 per night ranging up to €5,000 for the Princess Grace presidential suite. The rates for a midweek stay in May 2018 are priced from €344 to €7,500.

Commenting on the hotel's rates, Ms Donoghue said they are "very much in line with the other five star hotels in the city".

In terms of outlook for next year, Ms Donoghue said advance demand from the US is “very strong”, while growth is also expected from the domestic market.

Peter Hamilton

Peter Hamilton

Peter Hamilton is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in business