During the decades of strife which locals quaintly called the Troubles, the only hotel in Belfast doing much business was the Europa, the most bombed hotel in Western Europe (33 times, since you ask). Today, you’re spoiled for choice for places to stay in a city reborn, from basic budget chains to sumptuous five-star luxury, with some quirky and unique boutique hotels in between.
And the good news is that wherever you stay, the city is compact enough to see the sights on foot. For foodies, there are two Michelin-starred restaurants, and countless others which are more affordable but hugely satisfying.
For nightlife, cobbled Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter is the buzzing heart of the city’s nightlife, and for culture, there’s a great live-music scene and some memorable museums such as Titanic, honouring the great doomed liner which was built here, and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museums.
How we review
All our reviewers are either resident destination experts or travel writers that specialise in hotels. Often they will have stayed at a hotel many times and so can see how it has changed for better or worse over the years. They know what makes a great hotel in that particular destination and will compare it contextually against local competition. When our reviewers first visit a hotel, they stay for at least one night, eat one meal in addition to breakfast and will experience all of the facilities on offer. Whichever category of room they stay in, they will see the entry-level rooms in order to assess them.
After their stay, our reviewers then give the hotel six scores out of 10, rating its location, style and character, service and facilities, rooms, food and drink, and value for money. The average of these scores then determines the overall score. Our experts then select reviews for curated lists like this – the best hotels in a particular destination for families, for instance – together with the Telegraph Hotels team.
At a glance: the best hotels in Belfast
Best luxury hotel in Belfast: The Merchant Hotel
Best boutique-style hotel in Belfast: Bullitt Hotel
Best budget hotel in Belfast: Leonardo Hotel Belfast
The Merchant Hotel
8/10
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.
Ten Square Hotel
8/10
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.
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
8/10
In a magnificent townhouse once owned by a department store magnate, owner Melanie Harrison has created a funky, eclectic, entertaining and unique boutique hotel where each room pays witty homage to the great and the good of Northern Ireland.
The Culloden Estate and Spa
8/10
The Culloden Estate and Spa was built in 1876 as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, who picked a heavenly spot on a wooded slope overlooking Belfast Lough. It’s been sympathetically extended over the years, is set in 12 acres of mature gardens, and offers a great spa and outstanding food.
Bullitt Hotel
8/10
This is the latest jewel in the crown of Belfast hospitality king Bill Wolsey, the man behind the five-star Merchant Hotel and a host of right-on pubs and restaurants. He’s a Steve McQueen fan, hence the name, and Bullitt has nailed the McQueen vibe of laid-back, effortless cool.
AC Hotel Belfast
8/10
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.
Europa Hotel
8/10
During the Troubles, the Europa was the most bombed hotel in the world. It’s now finished a five-year, £15 million refurbishment and subtle elegance pervades throughout, with tastefully refreshed bedrooms, a choice of two bars (including the stylish Piano Lounge) and a restaurant for wining and dining.
Tara Lodge
8/10
This lovely boutique hotel has for years been ranked as one of the top hotels in Belfast, and it’s easy to see why, with a handy location, friendly and helpful staff, scrumptious breakfasts, free parking, comfortable rooms and stylish details throughout – all for great value.
Grand Central Hotel
7/10
One of Belfast’s newest, tallest and biggest hotels. It’s in a great location, with great food and amazing views from the upper rooms and the 23rd-floor Observatory bar, which is a gloriously stylish spot with plush velvet seats, great cocktails and a panoramic vista.
Titanic Hotel Belfast
7/10
Belfast’s hit visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast, is housed in a landmark, purpose-made building in the city’s regenerated shipyards, now known as the Titanic Quarter. It has been joined by an exciting hotel fashioned from the historic headquarters of the Titanic’s builders, Harland & Wolff.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
7/10
The Fitzwilliam Hotel’s great location, dramatic lobby with an open fire, cosy cocktail bar and great views from the upper rooms are tempered only by a slightly average food experience. You’re right next door to the Grand Opera House and five minutes to Donegall Place, the main shopping street.
Benedicts of Belfast
7/10
With fittings salvaged from a church – supersized mahogany balustrades, stone arches, stained glass, leather banquettes – and hand-painted interiors, it’s like staying in the Vatican, except with good food and more than just communion wine. You’re also right on the Golden Mile, a lively area popular with students from nearby Queen’s University.
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
7/10
The Leonardo Hotel Belfast is in a great city-centre location, right next door to the Grand Opera House. Interiors have been completely renovated, prices are good (especially for families) and it has a brilliant website on what to do and see in the area. You can catch the hop-on, hop-off city tour bus from the front door.
Malone Lodge Hotel
7/10
A huge ballroom makes Malone Lodge Hotel popular for weddings and events, but for those seeking a holiday it’s a comfy hotel in a pleasant and leafy location (and just a short bus ride from the city centre). It’s also family-friendly, with activity packs and family rooms available.
Malmaison Belfast
6/10
This boutique hotel, converted from an 1867 seed warehouse in 1998, has stayed both funky and popular since then, close to the city’s major attractions, with friendly staff and a buzzing bar. Interiors are said to have been designed by Leonard Cohen, Prince and Captain Birdseye – anticipate lots of black and purple.
Additional review by Fiona Duncan