Belfast has well and truly patched up its bullet holes and shrugged off its industrial funk, and now has plenty of the other kind of funk. Yes, Belfast is as lively as ever, but it’s now a lot of fun too. The development of the Titanic museum has spread to a whole area of the docks, and the Titanic Quarter is now a stunning hub of visitor appeal that’s spread contagiously throughout the city. Titanic Quarter even has its own hotel, the Titanic Hotel Belfast, which is on our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Belfast. Converted from the offices of the shipping company, Harland & Wolff, this is an easy choice, but our Gurus’ list also includes a converted bank, a converted warehouse, apartment-hotels, B&Bs, and even a country estate which is surprisingly close to the centre of town.

As well as the Titanic Museum, this quarter now has several floating museums, and they’ve retained the two huge shipping cranes, Samson and Goliath, which are an incredible sight. Beyond Titanic are the relics of ‘The Troubles’: the white, pillared, neoclassical facade of Stormont, the Ulster Museum and Crumlin Road Gaol, which offer a fascinating reminder of this city's violent past. Today you’ll find more of a gentle melding of Irish and British culture, which makes for a unique city, totally unlike London or Dublin. Belfast's many years as a no-go zone means its relatively unspoilt and undiscovered — and one of the best ways to see it, is on a Black Taxi Tour, where an experienced driver, usually one who worked through 'The Troubles', will show you their city, complete with personal details. 

If you’re here to have fun, to eat, drink and be merry on local craic, you’ll definitely find some of the best places to stay in Belfast around the centre of town, but you might also want to keep an eye out for accommodation in the Cathedral Quarter. Belfast is now awash with great places to eat and drink, and the real problem will be finding enough mealtimes to sample all you want to.

The Best Places to Stay in Belfast

For a Special Occasion

• Right beside the stunning Titanic museum, converted from the offices of the ship’s designers, Harland & Wolff, the Titanic Hotel Belfast is both historic and hip. You’d expect a bit of maritime opulence in a hotel of this name, and you’ll find it here, but in a simple form, against a sleek, white backdrop that makes the most of this gorgeous building. There are 119 guest rooms, plus an award-winning bar with a fantastic cocktail list, and an award-winning fine dining restaurant. A chic Belfast choice.
• The Culloden Estate and Spa is a luxurious hotel and spa overlooking Belfast Lough and the city. This is perfect if you’re looking for a country house hotel feel, as there are green views and extensive gardens. The historic building offers some grand suites, but there are plenty of simpler and more affordable options too. Five star service and great food, plus a beautiful indoor pool and expansive sauna. Great for families too.
• Originally the headquarters of the Ulster Bank, the Merchant Hotel building has kept its grand facade and high ceilings during its conversion into a luxurious, 62 room hotel, but a lot more velvet and ornate wallpaper has been added, as well as a rooftop spa. The superb bar serves what they claim, is the world’s most expensive cocktail!

For a City Break

• Malmaison Belfast has been converted from a warehouse — in typical Malmaison style — and is now a fine representation of the brand’s stylish, slightly masculine aesthetic. There are 64 rooms and suites, the largest of which have their own entertaining areas — with a pool table if you want one. But there are plenty rooms of a much more reasonable size and price. All have bold, statement wallpaper, large windows and contemporary bathrooms. As with all the Malmaisons, the bar is a hip place to hang out for locals and guests, and there’s an extensive menu in the restaurant. Surprisingly good for families too, because of the range of rooms.
• The Bullitt is a hip choice, just across the road from Malmaison Belfast, in a great spot for exploring, shopping, visiting the museums and going out of an evening. Inside the mirrored glass facade are 43 rooms and suites, cleverly designed and decorated, with a mid-century/industrial edge, and cool photographs adorning the dark charcoal walls. King sized beds and satellite TV come as standard. The bar and restaurant are equally cool, and they offer a breakfast-to-go daily.
• Central and smart, the Europa Hotel is a large hotel with excellent facilities including a full business centre and a piano bar. There are 272 rooms and suites in a wide range of sizes, all decorated in classic hotel style, with fine linens and large lampshades. The bar and restaurant serve an exemplary afternoon tea, as well as a full bistro menu.

For a Central Spot

• Ten Square has been developed from a Grade 1 listed building in the centre of Belfast, close to Belfast City Hall, Ulster Hall and the Grand Opera House. Considering it’s listed, the interiors are surprisingly contemporary, and light and spacious with it. The restaurant is a popular steakhouse, but there are plenty of other places to eat and drink nearby.
• The Flint is a cleverly designed collection of 55 suites and apartments just around the corner from Ten Square. As well as fitting everything guests need into a stylish compact space, these suites are cool too, with parquet flooring, dark blue walls, and small contemporary kitchens. This could be a good pick for families, and while there’s no restaurant, there are reams of places to eat and drink just a short stroll away.

For Fun

• Benedicts Hotel is a boutique-style property just outside central Belfast, close to Botanic Station. We like the unique bar and restaurant on the ground floor, which is a bit like a cosy, Gothic cavern, and has been decorated with interiors salvaged from local churches. It’s a great late night spot. Upstairs are 32 rooms and suites, decorated with stylish colour schemes. Great value too.

For Romantics

• The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a stylish city break hotel in a central spot, close to the Grand Opera House, with just enough distance to offer city views from floor to ceiling windows as well. The top floor suites are fantastic, with lots of space, as well as the views, but all the rooms are chicly decorated, with an Art Deco style print against a pastel colour scheme that unites the whole building. The lounge bar is stylishly sexy, and the minimalist restaurant is perfect for two. 

For Great Value

• House Belfast is a chic choice in a central Belfast spot in the Holylands. its 31 rooms and suites are decorated with plenty of smart fixtures and fittings, including walls of fancy wallpaper, quirky artwork, and velvet cushions. Downstairs in the bar and restaurant there’s a gently industrial edge, complemented with cosy wood panelling and furniture upholstered in plush velvet. There’s also a great cocktail menu and a friendly restaurant, with many more places to eat and drink nearby.
• Tara Lodge is a collection of 34 stylish, yet affordable, rooms and suites in a fantastic spot for exploring Belfast. Facilities include parking, complimentary breakfasts, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities, but no restaurant (there's plenty of eateries close by).

Best B&Bs

• Maryville House is a Victorian mansion turned B&B, just outside the centre of Belfast, in leafy Musgrave Park. There are six guest rooms, all individually decorated, in keeping with their location in the house — for example, the attic rooms are large, but with low ceilings. There’s a light, airy dining room, which has been turned into a very good tea room, and all the communal areas are stylish and welcoming. Owner managed.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Belfast has two airports of its own: Belfast International Airport, and George Best Belfast City Airport. The international airport is about 20 minutes outside of the centre town by taxi, or just under an hour by public transport, and Belfast City Airport is about six minutes from the centre of town by taxi, or eight minutes on the train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Belfast is a proper city break destination, and we see it as a year round pick. Summer is still the most popular time for visitors, though most locals will tell you that the nicest time of year, weather-wise, is April through June: you get the longer days and the spring flowers. St. Patrick’s Day is a stand out date for visiting Belfast too — the parades and cultural events are always incredible — and the Belfast Film Festival is held around Easter. Belfast also hosts a popular International Arts Festival in October.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in County Antrim or the best places to stay in County Down
• Refine your search to just Belfast Hotels with Parking?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.