By Paddy Clancy

THE grand old dame of Dublin’s Stephen’s Green, the Shelbourne Hotel, has reopened its doors two years after it shut down for the first time in its colorful history for a $132 million makeover.

First through the rotating doors was 68-year-old Dubliner Marjorie Higgins, who was a frequent visitor in the 1970s when she worked as a secretary in nearby Fitzwilliam Square.

She reflected the loss felt by many fellow citizens as she recalled, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard it was closing and I came here for a final dinner on the last day before it shut down.

“We always used to come here after work, for drinks with friends in the Horseshoe Bar. I’m so pleased it’s open again. It was always a beautiful place. It’s absolutely out of this world now, but still a lovely homely place.”

The Shelbourne, haunt of the famous and notorious, of the wealthy and not-so-rich alike, of ordinary Dubs, and the place where the Constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann, was drawn up in room 112 under the chairmanship of Michael Collins in 1922, had seen many better days by the time of the decision in 2005 to refurbish, it.

It was in grave danger of losing its five-star status at the time. Newer establishments were tempting her clientele.

Now, it’s ready to take on all opposition.

Manager Liam P. Doyle said, “We intentionally kept the reopening very simple and low key. This hotel doesn’t need a fanfare. It’s grand in itself.”

First-day visitors agreed that although it’s now all spruced up, the favorite haunt of politicians, journalists, horse-racing fans and artistes still has its familiar charm under new owners Marriott International.