Northern Ireland’s capital may not have the expansive suites of other cities in Europe, but the birthplace of the Titanic is becoming known for its burgeoning food scene as well as its turbulent history.
1. The Merchant Hotel
2. The Titanic Hotel
3. The Culloden Estate and Spa
4. Ten Square Hotel
5. The Fitzwilliam
6. Regency House
7. The Europa Hotel
8. AC Marriott
1. The Merchant Hotel
The Telegraph reports, “Belfast’s most luxurious hotel in the grand 1860 Italianate former Ulster Bank HQ remains a stylish way to run up an overdraft. It’s a superb location to experience the Cathedral Quarter nightlife and offers an excellent spa and fantastic dining – from daily jazz nights at Bert’s to plant-based menus at two-AA-Rosette The Great Room. Grande luxe and then some in the public areas, and Victorian meets the 1970s in the rooms, as if Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen and Mary Quant had gone on an acid trip then fallen out. The faint-hearted may suffer panic attacks being led by a porter wearing a blue, white and black striped shirt along a lime, white and black-striped carpet into a room of orange and black striped carpet, autumnal floral bedding and brown walls. A £16 million extension in 2011 – which added 38 rooms – is, by contrast, cool art deco.”
Victorian Suites
There are five Victorian Suites are all one-bedroom in the Grade A listed building.
More suites at The Merchant Hotel.
2. The Titanic Hotel
Conde Nast Traveler says, “The 119-room boutique Titanic Hotel resides in the former headquarters of the Harland & Wolff headquarters and printing room, where the blueprints for the fated Titanic ship were drawn up. A legendary location in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, rooms look out onto the expansive slipways, where the ship first set sail, and the iconic Belfast yellow cranes Samson and Goliath. The rooms lean into the nautical setting, with bright Art Deco interiors. An exclusive art and heritage collection includes over 500 artworks and photographs, passenger portraits, and White Star Line memorabilia for a time-travelling experience. The in-house restaurant, The Wolff Grill, uses fine locally sourced ingredients and was named Ireland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year by the Irish Hotel Awards.”
Superior Suites
The four Superior Suites – Majestic, Canada, Oceanic and Titanic – have a large bedroom, a separate living room, and bathroom with a total floor area of 485-sq.ft., which is twice the size of a Standard room.
More suites at The Titanic Hotel.
3. The Culloden Estate and Spa
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Set just outside of Belfast on the edge of affluent and sea-salty Holywood and with stunning views of the Antrim coastline, The Culloden Estate and Spa is a traditionally elegant hideaway. It was originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down and comprises 12 acres of vibrant gardens. 98 bedrooms and suites are individually designed – Estate Suites are perfect for entertaining a group, with high ceilings, fires, and dining areas for up to six people. Three Tower Suites have uninterrupted views of the lough, doubly high ceilings, and plush furnishings for the feeling of ultimate luxury.”
Palace Suite
The Palace Suite spans 1,150-sq.ft. and is the largest suite on the state.
More suites at The Culloden Estate and Spa.
4. Ten Square Hotel
The Telegraph writes, “This hotel occupies a mid-19th century former linen warehouse behind City Hall, meaning the location is as good as it gets. There are 131 cool, contemporary and comfortable rooms and a popular bar. The restaurant serves the best steak in town. There’s a handful of suites, notably the Jaffe Penthouse suite, and for sophisticated hen parties or close golfing chums, the Vegas suite has five queen-sized beds in a giant bedroom and an extra-large hot tub outside.”
Jaffe Penthouse
The 900-sq.ft. Jaffe Penthouse features 800-sq.ft. of rooftop space.
More suites at Ten Square Hotel.
5. The Fitzwilliam
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Enter into the dramatic lobby and be greeted by a roaring fire at this five-star city centre destination, The Fitzwilliam. The rooms are contemporarily styled, with duck down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets. Great British Menu’s Gemma Austin rose through its restaurant kitchen as a pastry chef, so you won’t want to miss the delectable afternoon tea. The Fitzwilliam’s proximity to the Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre, Ulster Hall, and Accidental Theatre make it a strong choice for culture lovers, and its pre-theatre menu is compact and tasty. The restaurant was recently awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, and the low-lit bar offers an enclave for cozy nightcaps.”
The Penthouse
The 1,300-sq.ft. Penthouse features panoramic city views.
More suites at The Fitzwilliam.
6. Regency House
Forbes reports, “The Regency isn’t a traditional hotel by any means- it’s a collection of five residences. However, guests are pampered with all the amenities plus so much more that come with a high-end hotel stay. Located in the heart of the city’s Queen’s Quarter, a sophisticated upscale neighborhood that’s a throwback to another era with its historic buildings, the property makes for a grand presence in front of the picturesque Crescent Park.”
Presidential Suite
The largest of its two-bedroom suites, this 1,050-sq.ft. split-level first floor suite occupies a prime position with views of the historic Crescent Park, with a spacious living space and fully equipped kitchen, bathed in natural light.
More suites at Regency House.
7. The Europa Hotel
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Maybe the city’s greatest survivor, The Europa Hotel. It is known as the most bombed hotel in Europe, having weathered 36 bomb attacks during the Troubles. It stands grand on Great Victoria Street in the heart of the city, with 272 hotel rooms including 92 executive rooms and suites. It has kept its grand exteriors and magnificent, New York-feeling lobby. The bistro, central bar, and the elegant piano bar lounge get lively in the evenings with events, comedy evenings by regional and international acts, and live music. Afternoon tea with a particular Belfast charm and local delicacies can be booked daily in the piano lounge.”
Titanic Suite
The 950-sq.ft. Titanic Suite provides high-floor city views.
More suites at The Europa Hotel.
8. AC Marriott
The Telegraph says, “This AC Hotel offers a lovely riverside setting within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions. The service is impeccably attentive, and the restaurant delivers inspired cooking that will make you feel as if you’re in the sunny Mediterranean, rather than Belfast.”
One Bedroom Suites
The 613-sq.ft. one-bedroom suites provide views via floor to ceiling windows.
More suites at AC Marriott Belfast.
