Add a touch of glamour to your getaway
From the cities to the countryside to the coast, Northern Ireland offers stunning 4 star and 5 star accommodation – each redefining luxury in its own way with an abundance of outdoor activities, shopping, adventure and history around every corner.
If you’re looking for sophisticated short city breaks in particular, you are guaranteed to find that touch of luxury in Northern Ireland, even on a budget. After all, we deserve some quality time with our friends and family, so what better way to treat ourselves than planning an indulgent pampering trip, while supporting our local tourism industry and rediscovering Northern Ireland’s giant spirit.
If you would like to add a sprinkle of glamour or a dash of urban razzle-dazzle to your getaway, here are some of the ritziest city spots in Northern Ireland.
Belfast’s Bright Lights
5* Merchant Hotel
While its former life as Ulster Bank HQ may set off an array of banking metaphors and idioms, let’s vault over those and talk about how the Merchant Hotel (5*) has a dazzling mix of Art Deco chic and Victorian pomp that will leave you awe-struck. This hotel’s stunning luxury spa, fine dining menus and glorious afternoon teas will confirm this as the best escape plan ever planned. High above, you can use the rooftop gymnasium and enjoy panoramic city views as you work out. And with the Cathedral Quarter on your doorstep, your will find yourself in the heart of the city. https://www.themerchanthotel.com/
5* Fitzwilliam Hotel
Awarded Five Stars by the AA, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a super-elegant masterpiece located beside the Grand Opera House. With 146 fabulous guestrooms and suites, incredible food, a much-loved bar and exceptional service, this hotel is booming with elegance as the design redefines what hotel chicness is all about. https://www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com/
4* Malmaison Hotel
This one-time seed warehouse is one of Belfast’s landmark buildings, just a short walk to Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square. This intimate hotel boasts 62 individually designed bedrooms with all the Malmaison ingredients – including plasma screen TV and DVD/CD player, drench showers, naughty nibbles and exclusive toiletries. In addition, there are two rock n roll ‘Samson and Goliath’ suites with free standing baths, gas fires, Bose sound systems and even a purple baize pool table in the Samson suite. A bright and stylish brasserie serves classic French bistro style cooking and locally inspired dishes. https://www.malmaison.com/locations/belfast/
4* Grand Central Hotel
If you’ve a head for heights, and a taste for luxury, how about a stay in Northern Ireland’s tallest hotel? The most recent addition to the Belfast hotel scene, it is based in the Linen Quarter and comes complete with a Bistro, Seahorse Restaurant and 23rd floor rooftop cocktail bar, The Observatory. It is the highest bar in all of Ireland with views across Belfast and beyond. The art deco nods, high ceilings and sense of space add a distinctive drama. https://www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/
Harrison Chambers of Distinction
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction Belfast are restored, landmark Victorian merchants’ residences dating from 1879 designed to serve the culturally curious traveller. Each of the 17 rooms combines pieces collected by owner Melanie with the very best facilities that the 21st-century traveller demands and expects. Huge bay windows, antique furniture, sumptuous velvet curtains and bathtubs in the bedrooms combine elegance with underlying mischief and tongue-in-cheek humour lurking beneath. Eccentric curios and surprises await to delight around every corner. https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
5* Rayanne House
Venture to the Belfast suburbs for the best balance between city centre access and room to move. The Victorian elegance of Rayanne House (5*) in Holywood is a boutique 10-bedroom gem and private restaurant with spectacular views over Belfast Lough. Its ‘Titanic Menu’ has achieved global renown; a nine-course recreation of the dinner served to the First Class passengers on board the great Belfast built ship. https://rayannehouse.com/
Behind the Derry~Londonderry Walls
4* Bishop’s Gate Hotel
This listed building built in 1899 boasts stunning Edwardian architecture which has been sensitively restored in homage to its rich heritage. An iconic landmark with a unique history, the hotel is an intimate urban oasis featuring 31 luxurious guestrooms, fitness area, The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant and the Hervey Library. You will follow the footsteps of some illustrious visitors to the hotel, among them Winston Churchill, Field Marshall Montgomery and poet W.B. Yeats. https://www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com/
4* Shipquay Hotel
Overlooking the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall, this Grade 2 listed building is luxurious and intimate. With 21 bedrooms, many with views over the city’s famous landmarks, delicious food and wine in the restaurant and moreish cocktails in Lock & Quay Bar, Shipquay oozes personality, character and style throughout. https://www.shipquayhotel.com/
*All accommodation featured has been through Tourism Northern Ireland’s certification process and hold the We’re Good to Go industry standard which shows they have agreed to comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines.
For more information on great places to visit when it is safe to do so, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.
Visitors should be sure to check availability directly with each provider and to be aware of each venue’s cancellation policy when booking.