Top 8 hotels in Belfast: a cozy vacation in the United Kingdom

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Northern Ireland and choose it as your next travel destination, whether you're passionate about the passions of the popular Game of Thrones series or the seven-time Oscar-nominated Kenneth Branagh film Belfast, or you're a history buff or have a particular eye for the gastronomic scene. Instead of dragons and a tumultuous political background, you'll be greeted by a welcoming, cozy Belfast. With rocky Cavehill and the majestic Black Mountain, and grandiose Edwardian architecture, the city is filled with restaurants and cafes, galleries, museums, eclectic shops, and a vibrant nightlife culture.

After tasting cheese and local fudge at St. George's Market, exploring the Victorian Botanical Gardens, and strolling the cobblestone streets of the Cathedral Quarter, you'll need a place to rest and relax. The following list contains the top 8 best hotels in Belfast, where you should stay while traveling in the atmospheric Northern Ireland.

Titanic Hotel

Located in the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff and the printing house where the blueprints of the most legendary infamous ship were created, Titanic Hotel has 119 rooms. The boutique hotel boasts a legendary location in the heart of the Titanic Quarter. Its windows offer breathtaking views of the huge boathouses from which the famous ship first set sail, and two yellow "cranes" - Samson and Goliath (double shipbuilding cranes).

The apartments are decorated with bright Art Deco elements and decorated in a nautical style. Titanic Hotel boasts an extensive collection of art, including photographs and portraits of the wreck's passengers, White Star Line memorabilia, etc. We recommend paying attention to the authentic interior elements. For example, the main bar is decorated with Villeroy & Boch tiles, the same ones that were used for the Titanic's pool and luxurious bathrooms.

It is worth visiting the hotel's restaurant, The Wolff Grill, which uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare dishes and do not miss the cocktails at the Drawing Office Two bar under the fantastic vaulted ceiling.

One of the best hotels in Belfast is especially popular for weddings and other important events. You can also choose from package deals that include, for example, historical tours, yoga and passes to the Titanic Belfast attraction with innovative interactive elements and full-scale reconstructions.

Harrison

Occupying a beautifully restored Victorian merchant's residence dating back to 1879, The Harrison is one of Belfast's finest hotels. It has only 16 comfortable rooms, all decorated in a distinctly individual style, reflecting the playful aesthetic of owner Melanie Harrison, with spectacular antique furniture, heavy velvet curtains, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms. The hotel exudes character and fun throughout. Just take a look at the Aristocrat and CS Lewis rooms, which feature an antique-style interior.

Not only can you book a room, but you can also choose special package deals that include, for example, picnics and tandem bike rides. If you want to relax, head to the elegant Nola Spa, where you can book a massage or facial, and more.

The Harrison is conveniently located close to many of Belfast's attractions and iconic locations, such as the Frank Matcham-designed Grand Opera House, Ulster Museum, Queens Cinema, The Lyric Theatre, Botanic Gardens, and more. Don't forget to ask the staff for a "Mel's Map", which contains the best restaurants and bars in the city.

Merchant Hotel

The Merchant Hotel is worthy of attention at least because of its incredible grand staircase, which is listed as a category A cultural heritage site and has already graced more than one page on social media. The popular Belfast hotel is also known for its traditional afternoon tea with fluffy homemade scones, a Merchant blend, served in the Victorian Great Room with a high ceiling under a luxurious chandelier. There are also several bars and restaurants on-site, including:

• The Cloth Ear, a traditional Irish pub;
• Bert's, the city's only dedicated jazz bar with an outstanding cocktail list celebrating the glamor of the 1920s.

The Merchant Hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, but all rooms are bright and spacious; some are decorated in Art Deco style, others showcase the charms of the Victorian period, accompanied by matching furniture and custom-made artwork.

Special attention should be paid to the luxurious spa center, which includes five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a relaxation room, and products from VOYA and Elemis brands. In addition, the hotel is in demand among golf lovers, who can rent equipment on-site and order a shuttle service to certain courses in the region.

The Malone Hotel

Hidden amongst green avenues in the southern part of the city, yet a stone's throw from the bustling Lisburn Road shopping district, the recently renovated Belfast hotel occupies a Victorian townhouse. The Malone Hotel prides itself on family hospitality and a rich history, having opened in 1945 as The Bowness. For more than three decades, the Malone family has been working on its reputation and development in the hospitality industry.

We advise you to visit the new Gallery restaurant and the excellent Greyhound bar. The menu for the restaurants was developed by the talented chef Andrew McConnell. Seasonal products with Irish flavor are used for the dishes, and the wine and cocktail lists focus on Northern Irish spirits.

Culloden Estate and Spa

The Culloden Estate and Spa, located near Belfast, offers amazing views of the Antrim coast. Originally built as an official palace for bishops, the elegant retreat includes 12 acres of manicured gardens that are a delight to stroll through.

The top hotel in Belfast has 98 rooms and suites, all individually decorated. If you are traveling with a large family or company, you can stay in the Estate Suites, with fireplaces and high ceilings, dining areas for up to six people. Tower suites are also in demand, offering unobstructed views of the bay. The apartments have extremely high ceilings and luxurious furnishings.

The hotel is often chosen for important events and weddings. This place is also popular with lovers of outdoor activities and fresh Celtic air. The complex has an inn with a traditional Irish pub, which attracts both locals and tourists. For more contemporary cuisine in a majestic Gothic setting, head to the excellent Vespers restaurant.

Bullitt Hotel

One of the best places to stay in Belfast is the trendy and modern Bullitt Hotel, located in the heart of the city and part of the Beannchor group, which also owns the five-star flagship Merchant. The hotel was named and decorated in honor of Steve McQueen's 1968 action movie of the same name, so dark cinematic interiors await you inside. Key amenities available to guests include:

• Taylor & Clay restaurant, run by Chef Saul O'Reilly and specializing in seafood and steaks;

• Babel rooftop bar and garden with panoramic views of the city;
• a cozy patio, where parties accompanied by DJs are organized, etc.

Bullitt Hotel has 74 rooms in different configurations, but always comfortable.

Europe Hotel

Known as the most bombed hotel in Europe, having survived 36 attacks, this extraordinary establishment has retained its grand exterior and luxurious New York-style lobby. The Europe Hotel is located on the majestic Great Victoria Street in the heart of Belfast. You can stay in one of 272 rooms, including 92 suites and executive apartments. If you want to get the most out of your hotel experience, book the Presidential Clinton Suite; this is where Bill and Hillary Clinton stayed in 1995 during the peace talks.

The elegant lounge bar comes alive every evening with live music from local and international performers, laughter during comedy performances, and during the day it serves traditional afternoon tea with a special charm and delicious delicacies. The luxurious Grand Ballroom is a popular venue for weddings, and The Europe Hotel also has a bistro and bar.

The Fitzwilliam

This luxury hotel in Belfast is located in the heart of the city. The five-star Fitzwilliam offers rooms decorated in a contemporary style with high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets and duck-down duvets. The hotel is popular with culture lovers, as it is close to the Lyric Theater, the Grand Opera House, Ulster Hall, and the popular Accidental Theater. Before attending a performance, stop by the award-winning hotel restaurant for a delicious gourmet meal.

Don't miss Fitzwilliam's afternoon tea, which has been designed by pastry chef Gemma Austin of Great British Menu.