Craic is a fine old Irish tradition that, for the locals, is all about having a good laugh, and for visitors is all about looking bemused and gathering some memorable anecdotes to take home and share with friends and family. Here are just a few boutique hotels in Belfast that can help you to enjoy some good craic on your trip!
The Grand Central Hotel Belfast is described (by the hotel themselves) as “an ode to Belfast.” It’s beautifully centrally positioned on Bedford Street, in the Linen Quarter, which is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the Titanic Quarter’s waterfront or the Cathedral Quarter’s charming cobbled streets and pubs. The rooms in this hotel are spacious and luxurious, filled with excellent amenities and sweeping views of Belfast, the Lagan Valley, and far-off Mournes.
For artsy and cultural sorts, Dukes at Queens is excellently situated in the Queen’s Quarter of South Belfast. It’s only 15 minutes from the city hall and it’s near to the stunning Botanic Gardens, and the iconic Queen’s University and Ulster Museum. There’s a great theatre to check out, too. Guest rooms are spacious and stylish, offering a great place to rest and regroup after a day’s adventuring — and guests receive a complimentary continental breakfast and access to a great restaurant and bar.
With a leafy suburban setting overlooking Belfast’s Royal Mile up to the Stormont Parliament Buildings, and minutes from the city centre, the Stormont Hotel’s central location is hard to beat. In addition to being beautifully furnished and loaded with modern creature comforts, the Stormont Hotel offers beautiful views of the Stormont Castle gardens and is home to one of Belfast’s finest restaurants.
Tradition, tranquillity, elegance and warm hospitality are the watchwords of The Malone boutique Victorian Townhouse hotel, which is situated on the leafy avenues of the Queen’s Quarter. Guest rooms allow for a comfortable night’s sleep, with many little luxuries added on, and a good restaurant and modern Irish pub bar on site.
If “funky contemporary style” is what you’re after, the Malmaison Belfast may just be the hotel for you. With individually designed rooms, moody lighting, bold decorative features, and a brasserie serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is a brilliantly unique location to spend a night.
Situated just a 5 minute walk from Belfast Central train station and with the Waterfront, Cathedral, Titanic Quarter and much more within walking distance, the ETAP Hotel Belfast is a great and convenient choice for anyone on a quick getaway. Guest rooms are cosy and modern and a full breakfast is served every morning.
Nestled in the picture-perfect countryside of County Down but still just 15 minutes from Belfast city centre, this hotel is ideal for family vacations and leisurely weekend getaways. In addition to modern and luxurious guest rooms, this establishment boasts an indoor pool, gyms, tennis courts, jacuzzis and more, in addition to a great restaurant and lounge.
This stylish and modern hotel is situated in the Gasworks area of Belfast’s city centre, which means it’s a good staging ground for trips to the city’s hotspots, while still being relatively on the quiet side. With floor to ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the city or River Lagan, and a restaurant that serves everything from local favourites to great Italian cuisine, this is one to keep your eye on.
The Europa hotel is well-positioned to allow for easy travel to many of Belfast’s iconic attractions, including the Ulster Museum, Grand Opera House, City Hall, Titanic Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and SSE Arena. The rooms of this hotel feature a deluxe atmosphere with a hint of urban chic, and a great on-site restaurant and popular local bar.
This luxury boutique hotel, although modern itself, is centred heavily around the era of the Titanic. It is situated directly opposite Titanic Belfast, in the Titanic Quarter, with views of the historic slipways where the Titanic and her sister ships were constructed. All of the guest rooms of this hotel feature a touch of nautical flair, along with great Art Deco furnishings — and the restaurant is an experience all its own, as well.
Whatever your particular preferences are for a holiday or weekend break, one thing’s very clear – Belfast is the kind of place where you can be sure of some great craic, day or night. Whether by having a great meal with your significant other in a historic setting, or visiting the local pubs with your friends, this city provides. What will you try first on your visit? Let us know on Insta or tweet us @justhooit, and don’t forget to check out how to make an offer on a hotel room with hoo for a bargain on your next stay, wherever it is.