We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Dublin

Free Newsletter

Interested in Dublin?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Dublin each week.

Explore the world! TripAdvisor has reviews and information on over 400,000 locations, including:
Travel Destinations
Hotels

Dublin Forum: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin

Hotels travellers are raving about...

All hotels in Dublin (180)
Top questions about DUBLIN
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=475How can I transfer from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre? Part One
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=4662How can I transfer from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre? Part Two
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=481How can I transfer from Dublin Airport to the suburbs?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=4703How can I get from Dublin Airport to either of Dublin's mainline railway stations?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=534Where can I stay in Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=533What can I see and do in Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2195What do locals like to see and do in Dublin with their own visitors?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=532How can I get around Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=5008Where's the best location to rent/hire a car when leaving Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=920Where can I eat in Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=474Where are the best traditional pubs in Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=3821How do I organise my own traditional Dublin pub crawl?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=473Where can I go for a day trip from Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=955Where can I find online maps of Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2197Visiting Dublin on a budget?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2196Visiting Dublin as a solo woman traveller?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=1122In Dublin for St. Patrick's Day?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=1337In Dublin for New Year's Eve?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=1882In Dublin for Easter?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2342In Dublin for just one day?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2340On a cruise ship visiting Dublin for a day?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=3801What's open in Dublin on Sundays?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=5023What's open on Bank Holiday Mondays in Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2220Staying in Powerscourt, Enniskerry and want to visit Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=2498Is the Dublin Pass or Freedom Ticket worth it?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=3145Is Howth a good place for walking/hiking?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=3257How do I pay tolls on Dublin's M50 orbital motorway?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=3883Are there beaches near Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=4648Are there any left luggage facilities in Dublin?
  •  ABS:ForumFAQ?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&faqid=206&qid=5075Where can I find trip reports about Dublin?
DUBLIN Itineraries
  •  ABS:ForumItinerary?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&id=410Day trips: Urban Exploration
  •  ABS:ForumItinerary?action=detail&i=90&g=186605&id=411Longer trips: Culture
Collected by our Destination Experts
BOXtheFOX
BOXtheFOX
2,266 forum posts
Domhnall
Domhnall
2,887 forum posts
dublinminx
dublinminx
1,434 forum posts
KthSch
KthSch
1,917 forum posts
Lollymcd
Lollymcd
2,082 forum posts
Suzy_flag
Suzy_flag
5,064 forum posts
tapl
tapl
6,593 forum posts
irish_eyes1000
irish_eyes1000
1,787 forum posts

Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers’ questions frequently.
Free Dublin Guide

Get your quick guide to the top hotels, restaurants and things to do.

Grab it and Go!
Beyond destination forums
› See all
Which Dublin hotels are on sale?
See hotels
Watch this Topic
joshr001
Cambridge...
posts: 5
“ The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin ”
13 February 2012, 7:06

I am torn. I am looking for the right hotel to stay with my wife on our 4 ½ day trip to Dublin. Location is of critical importance. We want to be close to all the Dublin treasures but want to have a great hotel as well.

That said, I cannot decide between the Westin or Shelbourne.

I do anticipate many visits to Irish pubs as well as Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, Guiness Brewery tour, etc. What concerns me the most is being able to walk places, choosing a great clean, comfortable hotel, and being safe on our return walks home (after the pubs close).

This history of the Shelbourne is enticing with its historic and opulent advantages, but is it too far from the areas I will be spending the majority of my time? Seems like the Westin is extremely close to Trinity and Temple Bar district. Also, I wonder how modern/updated the Shelbourne truly is....

Any expert opinions on how to choose between the two? How long is the walk from Shelbourne Hotel to Temple Bar District?

At this point, budget is not an issue with this choice.

If I am missing any great hotels please let me know.

Reply
Save this Post
14 replies
Expand view  
wrappido
Dublin
posts: 3,220
reviews: 1
1. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
13 February 2012, 7:53
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Valletta

The walk from the Shelbourne is about 10-15 minutes you have to walk the length of Grafton Street the Westin is much nearer all the places you want to get to even the bus to Kilminham and Guiness.

Reply
Save this Post
Domhnall
Dublin
posts: 2,887
reviews: 8
2. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
13 February 2012, 9:26
Destination Expert   What's this?
for County Donegal, Dublin

The Shelbourne has undergone a major renovation in the last 5 years and is quite comfortable. I personally prefer the pubs near the Shelbourne (such as Nesbitts and O'Donoghues) over those in Temple Bar which are more tourist focussed. The Shelbourne has a nicer setting overlooking St Stephens Green. That said, both hotels are pretty central with little to choose between them and both are in quite safe locations.

Reply
Save this Post
lordkimmage
dublin
posts: 3,352
3. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
13 February 2012, 9:28

The location of the Westin is best. But I prefer the Shelbourne.

Reply
Save this Post
society
dublin
posts: 177
reviews: 27
4. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
13 February 2012, 12:43

And a better hotel the either The Shelbourne or The Westin is The Merrion. If money is not an issue then The Merrion is the hotel of choice for a little luxury and superb location.

Reply
Save this Post
dublinminx
Dublin...
posts: 1,434
reviews: 22
5. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
13 February 2012, 21:18
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Dublin

Another vote for the Shelbourne

Reply
Save this Post
soonas
Ventry...
posts: 3,884
reviews: 36
6. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
13 February 2012, 22:42
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Dingle Peninsula

Another vote for the Shelbourne

Reply
Save this Post
Lollymcd
Dublin...
posts: 2,082
reviews: 157
7. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
14 February 2012, 2:53
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Dublin

I'd love to stay in the Shelbourne, just for the experience, IMHO the Westin could be any hotel anywhere.

Reply
Save this Post
KatMan1112
Dallas, Texas
posts: 847
reviews: 3
8. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
14 February 2012, 4:15

I feel blessed....we are doing both: Westin upon arrival for one night.... then to the west and south...returning to the Shelbourne for the weekend of 16-17-18 March.

Reply
Save this Post
lordkimmage
dublin
posts: 3,352
9. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
14 February 2012, 13:34

You will enjoy. Be sure to come back with your observances on both.

Reply
Save this Post
trintraveler
Libertyville...
posts: 1,545
reviews: 21
10. Re: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
14 February 2012, 13:58

I'd stay at the Shelbourne - it's unique to Dublin. Agree with Lolly - you can stay at a Westin anywhere.

Reply
Save this Post
Reply to: The right hotel - Shelbourne or Westin
Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted
Preview
Watch this Topic