The Shelbourne Dublin review: This is why the iconic five star hotel has attracted VIPs for 200 years

'It's grand', is a well known Dublin phrase that sums up The Shelbourne but nowhere near does it justice. When the concierge wears a top hat to greet you before you can even step out of your car, you know the service is going to be beyond excellent.

It was good enough for JFK and Jackie O, who visited this imposing columned hotel twice, so it was most definitely good enough for me. In fact, there were so many elements of our stay that were above expectations ... I am already dreaming of returning.

This is a hotel that is unshakably proud of traditions and its history, but has carefully balanced that with all the glory of modern luxury. It is smack bang in the centre of Dublin, just across the road from St Stephen's Green and many of the city's highlights.

You can tell a lot about a hotel by its floral offerings and there aren't enough stars in the sky to rate how I felt about the breath-taking display of blues and reds at the main entrance. The small glass bowls with single orchids dotted around the hotel - even in our bathroom - raised the standard yet again.

The attention to detail and little gestures are out of this world but it is the glamour that really elevates any stay at the Shelbourne. The walls throughout the hotel are dotted with iconic black and white images of past guests and historic moments. There are also eye-catching parts of the past around every nook and cranny including stained glass windows sparkling with colourful coats of arms.

This building feels like it has woven its own story through the centuries of Dublin's history. It is easy to imagine the elegant outfits of guests through the changing eras and remarkable that this five star establishment maintains that alongside all the conveniences of modernity.

It is hard to overstate the impressive feel of walking through the door into our junior suite. Perhaps better described as stepping onto a movie set than back in time, the rotary dial telephone in the toilet made it clear that business can take place anywhere. The dark wooden desk and all the necessary big boss accessories almost made me wish this was a working trip rather than leisure.

The shower and bath were both luxurious marble and the lighting, reflected off pristine mirrors, could have fitted right into a Hollywood home. We had two king size beds for our family of three and there was still tons of room. Comfy sofas created a cosy seating area and sitting on velvety chairs by the window offered the ideal spot for people watching with glee. We were only visiting for one night but the desk and all its gorgeous accessories persuaded me I could quite happily have lived in this suite forever.

I don't often recommend hotel restaurants if you are visiting somewhere new. My advice would usually be, get out and explore what the city has to offer. But, if you are ever lucky enough to stay at the Shelbourne, you absolutely must dine in. The food is out of this world and the service is impeccable.

Our sommelier Lorenzo not only paired our drinks superbly with each course, but shared lots of insider details about the city and its best places to eat or drink. Lorenzo also had a joyful knack of entertaining, while not imposing. He couldn't really go wrong by starting our meal with Bollinger and oysters but every course was partnered beyond belief.

We went with the a La Carte Menu. Just to warm us up for starters, we tested the most luscious oysters you can imagine, served on a bed of crushed ice and seaweed - topped with slivers of chilli and spring onion.

Dublin has some great seafood to offer and the chefs know how to make the most of it. The waiters are also keen to ensure you experience true Dublin and will happily recommend the very best seafood restaurants that are not-to-be-missed.

Each dish is a work of art, far too pretty to eat if you hadn't already had insight into the delightfully artistic tastes that the chef creates on your tongue. The West Cork Crab starter was almost too gorgeous to eat. With creme fraiche, kohlrabi, nori cracker and asetra caviar - why would you ever want to eat crab any other way?

The Slow Braised McCannen Pork Belly was a sight to behold. Perfectly pink, generous portions with chimichurri, wholegrain mustard mash and broad beans. The Roast Centre Cut Fillet of Kells Black Angus Beef was also a king among royal dishes. It came with pomme Anna, girolle mushrooms, roscoff onion and cauliflower - delicious. A side of Shelbourne Truffle Fries, served in a tiny golden pan, are a must.

Everything here is a feast for the eyes, heart and tummy. Pudding steps up the presentation by yet another level. The Chocolate Orange Mousse looked as if we had been served a flawlessly round, unpeeled fruit - but smash it open and we found the incredibly light delights inside. Strawberry Frasier was the most delicate desert imaginable and melted on the tongue. A pistachio sable biscuit layered with strawberry compote insert, vanilla cheesecake and nameleka cream.

When we were fit to burst, we were presented with four delectable petit fours. Well, it would have been rude to refuse!

Dublin is famous for being friendly and this is captured in every aspect, from the silver service at dinner to the tips on how to make the most of the city that is offered with a smile by every member of hotel staff ... and locals.

There could never be enough time to savour the luxurious comfort of our suite and we fell into deep, happy sleep which flew-by. Before we knew it we were excitedly heading downstairs for another feast.

Breakfast is a buffet and, as you can imagine, the standard is very high. There are tropical fruits, fresh smoothies, a huge range of breads, cheeses and meats as well as every possible ingredient for a good Irish breakfast. There are seeds of all kinds, preserves and honeycomb. But it doesn't end there. The menu offers many other options which are made to order. We recommend the pancakes, although a jog through the park would probably be a good idea first.

There is a spa offering a sparkling finish to any stay at the Shelbourne and, as we were too busy enjoying every other corner of the hotel, the fact we didn't manage to use it just creates an excuse for us to return. The pool was idyllically calm and the relaxation area was very hard to resist. The Shelbourne is a very special hotel in a wonderful city. Every guest is treated like royalty and tourists are offered an intimate glimpse into a world that is rarely recreated to such high standards. We enjoyed an absolute dream of a visit, in fact, we're still pinching ourselves.