Sheldon Park Hotel

From the outside, the Sheldon Park Hotel looks like it could be a repurposed mansion, instead of a hotel built in 1996. It has a red brick exterior, pointed roofs, and its name in curly white font. Once inside, the hotel's nostalgic vibe is ever-present; large white columns, deep red patterned carpet, and an elegant chandelier mark the bottom of a grand staircase. The lobby and hallways are filled with various cozy seating arrangements and antique furniture. The leisure center with an indoor pool, sauna, and gym, attracts families, couples, and solo travelers. The restaurant is in a quaint room with gold-framed paintings, a fireplace centerpiece, and wooden chairs and tables. The large bar area with a center wood bar with several tables surrounding it; brown leather armchairs; and a fireplace is a comfy spot to relax.

The hotel is located about 15 to 20 minutes west of the city center of Dublin. There's not much in the immediate area, except for a popular 24-hour McDonalds just down the road. The Luas tram system has a stop just a two-minute walk from the hotel, and then it takes 15 minutes to reach downtown. Downtown, guests can visit popular sights such as the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. The airport is a 20-minute drive away and the hotel has a large parking lot available for free.

Furnishings vary widely based on room types. The Standard and Single Rooms have bland dark wood furnishings, including detached headboards, work desks, and small round tables with armchairs. The beds are comfy and have white linens with mauve blankets. The Family Rooms are more spacious and include three beds. Bathrooms have standard shower/tub combos. All rooms have electric kettles, ironing boards connected to the wall, trouser presses, and cable TVs (though some are in an old tube-style). Views are either of the parking lot with mountains in the background or run-down neighboring houses; some rooms don't have a window at all. 

Suites are styled more like the common spaces, and have a traditional look. Expect red carpeting, bed drapery in gold and red fabric, jetted tubs, and chandeliers. The Superior Suite has a canopy bed, larger dining table, nicer tea kettle, and a living area with striped red love seats. 

The main feature at the Sheldon Park is the Leisure Center, which is in a separate building next to the hotel. It houses a well-equipped fitness center with rows of cardio machines, a spinning room, and weight room. Classes are free for hotel guests, but note that locals also use the facility. There's also a dimly lit heated indoor pool with a shallow area for kids and a hot tub; swim caps have to be worn and can be purchased there. Spa treatments are available and a sauna and steam room are spread throughout the center.

The on-site Heuston Restaurant serves traditional Irish dishes in a quaint room with white cloth-covered tables, gold-framed mirrors and a fireplace. Minnie McCabes Bar has a typical Irish atmosphere and serves bar food in addition to cocktails. There's also live music on the weekends. The hotel has several meeting and conference rooms.