SimplyAbuDhabi XLVII

Hospitality Service at The Shelbourne exemplifies Irish hospitality at its most refined. The staff are polished yet unaffected, blending the reassurance of practiced ritual with a light-hearted touch that is distinctly local. Whether you ask for assistance planning a city adventure or a quiet fireside drink, the team responds with enthusiasm and a readiness to share their city’s best-kept secrets. Door staff know the quickest route to the Abbey Theatre. Concierges can arrange a picnic in the Green or a front-row seat at a rugby match. No gesture is too grand, and no detail is overlooked—from midnight requests for Barry’s Tea to evening turndowns where slippers are lined up just so at your bedside. “For centuries, The Shelbourne has been Dublin’s premier venue for celebrations, whether christenings, weddings, or other rites of passage,” explains JP Kavanagh, “It’s the real story of Dublin, played out through the countless people who have experienced their most cherished occasions here. What continues to draw guests back, generation after generation, is a genuine warmth and hospitality that has been at the hotel’s core since the very beginning. There’s a natural easiness, both familiar and special, that makes every visit feel effortless and inviting, ensuring guests always have a good time. This unique blend of history, location, and heartfelt service is what keeps people returning to The Shelbourne, time and time again.” Dining The Shelbourne’s culinary programme is a love letter to Ireland’s larder, elevated by Dublin’s cosmopolitan flair. The Saddle Room is the flagship restaurant and it specialises in seafood from the Atlantic, dry-aged Irish steaks, and seasonal produce from local farms. Aged cheeses, hand-churned butter, and house-baked breads frame each meal in culinary tradition. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is the setting for the hotel’s legendary afternoon tea, featuring tiered stands of warm scones, dainty sandwiches, and exquisite pastries. The ritual is enhanced by bone china and the soft notes of a harpist drifting over the clink of teacups. Simply Abu Dhabi | 257