“Stunning transformation of a former 19th century bank. Eclectic contemporary rooms evoke a romantic Napoleon III-style Paris - luscious velvets and silks, rich wool carpets, gold and red chintz wallpapers, and statement artwork. Superb bar, spa and gym plus a live jazz bar. Divine.”

Hotel review

The former 19th century HQ of the Ulster Bank, complete with gloriously pompous decoration in the Great Room and lofty suites that were once the private rooms of the Director, has helped to restore Belfast's status with its stunning transformation into an evocation of romantic Napoleon III-style Paris, including a superb bar serving, amongst many others, the world's most expensive cocktail. Though atmosphere isn't quite as louche as its decor suggests – once a bank, always a bank – it's admirably unusual and dramatic for a city hotel. Affordable standard rooms.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Spa breaks

    • One of they city's most renowned spas with five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and a relaxation room
  • Foodies

    • Berts Jazz Bar serves delicious dishes, fine cocktails accompanied by live music
  • City Style

    • Historic accommodation in the heart of Belfast
  • Close to nightlife

    • Belfast's lively bars and pubs are stumbling distance away
  • Golf

    • A number of fantastic golf courses 1 hour from the hotel
  • Sights nearby

    • UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway
  • Great walks

    • The Lagan Valley Regional Park
  • Local markets

    • St. George’s Market
  • Designer Shopping

    • Victoria Square
  • Family Suites

  • Roof terrace

  • Wedding license

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Chic

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Contemporary

  • Four poster beds

  • Free wifi

  • Conference facilities

Facilities

  • Rooms

    62 rooms in this hotel
  • Roof terrace

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Wedding license

  • Four poster beds

  • Fireplace

  • Airport transfer

  • In room DVD

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Bath robes

  • Internet

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • No pets

  • Bicycle hire

  • Private dining room

  • Billiard/pool table

  • Good wine list

  • Suites

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Room service

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Disabled access

  • Safe

  • Hot Tub

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • In room music system

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

  • Conference facilities

Activities

  • Close to nightlife

    • Belfast's lively bars and pubs are stumbling distance away
  • Golf

    • A number of fantastic golf courses 1 hour from the hotel
  • Sights nearby

    • UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway
  • Great walks

    • The Lagan Valley Regional Park
  • Local markets

    • St. George’s Market
  • Designer Shopping

    • Victoria Square

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Merchant Hotel Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is a city on the up, and nowhere is this more evident than the Cathedral Quarter, where the The Merchant can be found. Grand in style, with elements of Victorian and the 1970s thrown into the mix, this is the kind of establishment where guests can book the resident Rolls-Royce Phantom for an afternoon.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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