The Shelbourne Dublin, Autograph Collection

The Shelbourne is one of the most famous hotels in Dublin -- indeed in Ireland -- and its icon status is immediately clear from the moment guests arrive. St. Stephen's Green is one of the most popular (and crowded) tourist areas in the city center, and The Shelbourne's stately brick facade, colonnaded entrance, intricate wrought iron fence, and doormen with top hats draw plenty of attention; it's not unusual for the flow of pedestrian traffic to slow or stop in front of the hotel as tourists pause to stare.

The hotel makes an even grander impression once visitors pass through the wooden vestibule into the foyer, which has gleaming marble floors, crystal chandeliers, Palladian columns, gold gilding, and intricate moldings. The Lord Mayor's Lounge, an elegant space where a first-rate afternoon tea is served, is located off to the right, and the buzzing No. 27 Bar, one of the top places to see and be seen in the city, is located to the left. Horseshoe Bar, which gets its name from the horseshoe shape of its wooden bar, is a dimly lit pub that's popular with officials who work in the nearby Government Buildings. Visitors may even spot a politician or celebrity at these hot spots (Julia Roberts popped into No. 27 for a drink during her stay).

The Shelbourne has a long history of attracting such notables -- VIPs have been choosing to stay here for a hundred years. Famous past guests include Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, the Kennedys, Princess Grace, and more recently, Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Bill Clinton, and Bono. The hotel is understandably proud of this heritage, and has a short video with photos of these guests on display in the lobby. In addition, a number of suites are named for the notable guests who have slept in them.

Celebrities aside, the most notable aspect of the hotel's history is arguably its role in Ireland's politics. In 1922, the Irish constitution was signed in Room 112, now dubbed The Constitution Room and open for guests to view. A small museum dedicated to the hotel's rich history is located off the lobby.

The downside to The Shelbourne's evident popularity -- and it's relatively minor -- is that it can feel a bit too busy at times, particularly when the hotel is hosting a wedding or private event. Some may prefer The Merrion's quiet exclusivity to The Shelbourne's pomp and circumstance.

The Shelbourne has a prime location right on St. Stephen's Green near many popular tourist sights. Grafton Street, a popular shopping drag, multiple museums, and Trinity College (where the Book of Kells is displayed) are all within easy walking distance.

• Right on St. Stephen's Green
• 5-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History
• 3-minute walk to the National Museum of Archaeology
• 9-minute walk to the National Gallery of Ireland
• 10-minute walk to Trinity College and the Book of Kells
• 7-minute walk to Grafton Street, a popular shopping destination
• 17-minute walk or 7-minute drive to St. Patrick's Cathedral
• 17-minute walk or 5-minute drive to Christ Church Cathedral
• 8-minute drive to The Old Jameson Distillery
• 9-minute drive to Guinness Storehouse
• 13-minute drive to the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that's now a museum
• 2-hour drive to Belfast

The Shelbourne's rooms have elegant decor in shades of gold and cream, and all come with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. As is common in historic buildings, some rooms are quite small -- the standard Queen Rooms start at a mere 194 square feet (compared to 330 square feet for the standard rooms at The Merrion). Marble bathrooms come with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos in the lower-level rooms; guests should upgrade to a Heritage Premium Room or above for separate showers and tubs.

Rooms have views of either the park, an interior courtyard, or neighboring buildings. Park views are more desirable (and more expensive), but may get some noise on lower floors as a result of facing the street.

• Flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Free bottled water
• Comfortable beds with pillow-top mattresses
• Coffee/tea facilities
• Stocked minibars
• Bathrooms have electrical sockets for shavers only (typical in Ireland); compatible with two-pronged U.S. electronics

• 24-hour room service
• Dedicated concierge and 24-hour concierge service
• Free shoe shines
• Genealogy butler to help guests trace their Irish ancestry