Which grande property and why (room size, restaurants, sections new vs. old, shabby rooms, living on past vs. maintaing its reputation). I'll be alone so only a single room or a double for 1.

Hi Ian - I stayed at the Shelbourne two years back. Thankfully for only one night. We must have gotten the shabbiest room in the whole place, off in an older wing, and we had to travel through a maze of weird hallways and short stairs to get to the room. Window view of the roof and air conditioning units. We must have had an "interior room". Teeeeeeny accomodation, even smaller bathroom. Reminded me of a bargain-basement stateroom on a boat. Personally, I thought the rest of the Shelbourne was ho-hum, although the bar was beautiful and we enjoyed a nice drink there. We're going to Dublin again in June for two nights, so will be seeking an alternate hotel. Best of luck!

Shelbourne for atmosphere - especially the Horseshoe bar. It is a bit shabby though. The Merrion is probably the most luxurious - and the most expensive. The Fitzwilliam is the newest, and the restaurants are meant to be very good. I live in Dublin and I'd probably go for the Merrion. All three have great locations though, so you can't lose no matter where you stay.

ok, i'm going to do what annoys me when others do it... answer your question with an option out of your 3 choices. how 'bout the Clarence? if you are solo it could be a fun place for drinks before or after dinner; be sure to have one in the private bar area. the rooms aren't huge, but are very luxurious with good views.<BR><BR>sorry again - couldn't resist! what are the price differences? just wondering.

Regardless of where you stay, the Shelbourne is a good place for tea. They serve a delicious, leisurely, well-appointed tea with all the trimmings in the lounge to the right of the lobby.