Places to Stay

The best hotels in Belfast

The top hotels in Belfast, from boutique spots and relaxing getaways to hotels with history in their walls
Harrison Hotel
Philip Lauterbach

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Whether you’re enamoured with Kenneth Brannagh’s seven-time Oscar-nominated movie Belfast, a Game of Thrones fan for life, a serious history buff or foodie scene-spotter, there are a myriad of reasons to fall in love with Northern Ireland and its thriving capital. Rather than a turbulent political landscape or dragons traversing the skies, you’ll be met by a vibrant, welcoming Belfast. With the mighty Black Mountain and rocky Cavehill overlooking the grand Edwardian architecture, there’s a city dappled with a restaurant circuit that punches well above its weight, a colourful art scene, and raucous nightlife culture where ‘the craic is always 90’.

When you’re done exploring the Victorian Botanic Gardens and tropical ravine, sampling the local fudge and cheese wares of St George’s Market, and bar-hopping on the famous cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, where are you to lay your head? Here’s our pick of where to stay on your trip to Belfast.

  • Harrison Hotel

    The Harrison

    The Harrison is housed in sublimely restored Victorian merchants' residences that date back to 1879. Its 16 rooms have distinct personalities, and highlight owner Melanie Harrison and her house’s playful aesthetic: bathtubs in the bedrooms, thick velvet curtains, and dramatic antique furnishings. It oozes character and fun – check the C.S Lewis and Aristocrat rooms for true period style interiors. Melanie and her friendly staff are on hand to provide curated itineraries and city guides for those staying (ask for ‘Mel’s map’ for picks of the best bars and restaurants), as well as special package offers on rooms that include tandem bike outings, picnics, and whisky experiences. This is one for the culturally curious visitor too, as The Harrison is close to The Lyric Theatre, Ulster Museum, The Frank Matcham-designed Grand Opera House, and Queen’s Film Theatre. Green spaces like the Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park are also close by, as well as the famous Maggie May’s for an Ulster Fry (extra potato bread), but you might not want to venture for long outside the opulent walls when The Harrison’s in-house Spa with Nola is available for facials and massage.

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  • The Merchant Hotel

    The Grade A-listed Merchant Hotel’s magnificent front steps have graced plenty of Instagram grids. They’re famous for their afternoon tea with delectable homemade scones and Merchant blend tea (with vegan and vegetarian menus too) set in its Victorian high-ceiling Great Room underneath a huge chandelier. The Merchant houses several bars and restaurants – The Cloth Ear is a quintessential twist on the traditional Irish pub, while Bert’s is Belfast’s only dedicated jazz bar with a French bistro menu and a globe-trotting cocktail list that celebrates 1920s glamour. Its rooms – some Art Deco-inspired, others taking from the Victorian period – are spacious and bright, nodding to furnishings of each period. The Art Deco rooms feature furniture from iconic designers including Eileen Grey and Le Corbusier, as well as specially commissioned art.

    Its spa offers five tranquil treatment rooms, a relaxation room, and a hydrotherapy area, incorporating luxurious brands like VOYA and Elemis into its extensive list of treatments. The Merchant particularly caters to golfers too, with equipment cleaning, storage, and handling on-site, as well as transfers to courses of choice in the region.

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  • Titanic Hotel

    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. Intimate cocktails can be shared at the island bar of the Drawing Office Two below a stunning, three-story high barrel-vaulted ceiling. Eye up the authentic interior features, including the Villeroy & Boch tiles on the main bar – the same ones used for Titanic’s swimming pool and first-class bathrooms.

    It’s a premier spot for weddings and events, and hotel stay packages also include a holistic yoga retreat option, guided historical tours, and passes to the Titanic Belfast attraction. A two-minute walk will take you to Titanic Belfast, with full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features that explore the story in thrilling detail.

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  • The Culloden Estate and Spa

    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.

    It’s a dreamy wedding and events space, but also a must for anyone looking for deep breaths of fresh, Celtic air and relaxation. Though you get the full rural retreat experience, it’s only 10 minutes away from Belfast City Airport by car, 40 minutes to the International Airport, and 20 minutes into the city centre. 

    There's a traditional Irish inn on the estate grounds where hotel guests and locals go for pub-grub, while the in-house restaurant Vespers serves more modern Irish cuisine in a Gothic-grandeur setting. Top tip: the midweek spa escape offers are reasonably priced, with access to the central swimming pool, linear vitality pool, and ESPA spa with steam room and hammam.

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  • Brendan Gallagher

    The Malone Hotel

    The recently renovated boutique Victorian townhouse hotel is a bit of an open secret in Belfast, hidden away in the leafy avenues of south Belfast, yet mere steps from the bustling shopping haven, the Lisburn Road. The hotel prides itself on its history and family hospitality – it was first opened in 1945, as ‘The Bowness’, and for over three decades, the Macklin family have developed its reputation. The Malone Hotel runs the gamut for hotel guests of all kinds – city breakers, couples, and corporate events will find solace in its function rooms, new Gallery Restaurant, and upgraded Greyhound bar. Executive chef Andrew McConnell has curated a menu that celebrates seasonal produce with Irish flair, with a wine and cocktail list that centres on Northern Irish spirits. Expect local, fresh salmon and wheaten bread on the breakfast menu, and a perfectly poured Guinness to go with the craic-filled ambience of the bar.

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  • Bullitt Hotel

    Bullitt is among the younger, hip hotel upstarts in Belfast’s city centre, a part of the Beannchor group which brought the city its flagship, five-star Merchant Hotel. It has 74 chic and compact rooms slap bang in the centre of the city, but even its ‘Dinky’ two-sleeper has a lush king-size to sink into. No-nonsense, no-frills, yet still fun and stylish – it’s named and themed after Steve McQueen’s 1968 neo-noir action thriller of the same name, which inspires the McQueen-style artworks and dark, cinematic interiors. 

    The Taylor & Clay restaurant, led by head chef Saul O’Reilly, makes good use of a bespoke Asador wood-fired grill for some impressive steak and seafood options. The wine selection is also inspired by what goes on the grill – the Argentinian Malbec is a crowd-pleaser. A stunning, panoramic view of the city is to be had at Babel, Bullitt’s rooftop bar and garden, enjoyed with a wide selection of gins, while the open Courtyard hosts evening DJ sets and acts as a hangout for people watching with a signature Espresso Martini.

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  • The Fitzwilliam

    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 cosy nightcaps. Fancy a night with the girls? The 'Girlie Getaway' offer includes sparkling afternoon tea, a full Irish breakfast, and an overnight stay for two. And if that’s not your style, weddings, murder mystery, and cocktail experiences are available. They’re dog-friendly too, so don’t forget your pups.

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  • The Europa Hotel

    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. Its Grand Ballroom acts as a popular wedding venue, too. And if you’re feeling particularly presidential, the Clinton Suite is available – Bill and Hillary Clinton stayed here during peace talks in 1995. A saxophone in honour of the former president and Northern Ireland peace advocate hangs on the wall. An extensive renovation recently upgraded all of its guest bedrooms and gave interiors a refresh, so anyone can have a superior stay. Plus, seasonal offers start at a reasonable £55 a night.

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  • J Filipe Wiens

    AC Marriott

    Belfast’s riverside AC Marriott is an urban retreat with a sweeping glass front facade and scenic views of the Lagan river and Belfast Hills, in a prime position for access to both Belfast airports and the city centre offerings. With 188 rooms, this is one of the city’s largest hotels. It’s owned by Belfast Harbour, and the 25-million-pound development is the first built-to-specification AC Hotel in the UK. Jean Christophe Novelli, who has overseen multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, runs the riverside restaurant, cooking Mediterranean food made with local produce. The County Tyrone dry-aged tomahawk steak to share from the Novelli Grill,and the Ballylisk cheese board are particular highlights. The terrace is a pretty place to eat al-fresco (should the Belfast weather allow) at sunset. But if you’re to venture out, Ox, Muddlers Club, and Mourne Seafood Bar are all strong independently-run, local cuisine-focused restaurants close by.

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TopicsBelfastNorthern IrelandUKEuropePlaces To StayHotels