The best boutique hotels in Belfast, Northern Ireland capture the city’s storied yet quirky persona

The very best boutique hotels in the UK get the art of hospitality just right. From eccentric castles in Edinburgh to buzzing new-builds in the likes of Manchester and London, demanding travellers with a penchant for good design are exceptionally well served. Leaving its troubled past far behind, the capital of Northern Ireland continues to go from strength to strength as a tourist destination with oodles of character. A city with an unmatched literary legacy, it exhibits classic Irish charm amidst undeniable British influence. Artistic, playful, celebratory, and welcoming, the best boutique hotels in Belfast mirror the city’s often quirky personality while providing avid travellers with a memorable place to stay.

The best boutique hotels in Belfast, Northern Ireland

1. The Merchant Hotel

The Merchant Hotel is one of the few boutique hotels in Belfast that can claim to be a part of the city’s centuries-old architectural history. Designed by Glaswegian James Hamilton, its building, to accommodate the headquarters of Ulster Bank, dates back to the second half of the 1800s.

Refurbished for £16.5 million in 2006, with further extensions in 2010, The Merchant Hotel is an impressive property. Its decorative plasterwork, grand interiors, and head-turning central dome that forms a part of the Great Room Restaurant (pictured atop page) are all awe-inspiring elements of architecture. The hotel’s past and present-day Italianate façade is particularly noteworthy for having sculptures representing Commerce, Justice, and Britannia.

The rooms at the hotel, named after local literary greats, follow two distinct styles; Victorian and Art Deco. However, amidst elegant interiors, commissioned art, and iconic designs, guests can relish modern facilities that go over and beyond regular services. We found the large windows, walk-in showers, bathtubs, black-out blinds, and Hollywood mirrors to be exceptional extras that will keep us coming back for more.

Find out more about The Merchant Hotel

2. The Harrison

The recently opened The Harrison in Queen’s Quarter is unique, to put it lightly. According to us, it won’t be long before this lively residence becomes a permanent fixture among the most iconic boutique hotels in Belfast.

Housed in an 1879 building, The Harrison merges its Victorian roots with a free-spirited design approach, visible through vibrant art and furnishing interspersed throughout the hotel. A former merchant’s residence, the hotel carries forth its rich legacy, adorning rooms with velvet curtains and individually collected art pieces. At the same time, floorboards from Royal Victoria Hospital and wallpapers by local designer Grainne Maher keep the bonds with the city alive.

Further giving the 16 abodes an inimitable appeal is owner Melanie Harrison, whose personal touches complement the antiquity of the four-storey building. Walking into the rooms, named after famous people with links to the city, an explosion of colour, contemporary artwork, and vivid fabrics promises wide-eyed guests a stay to remember.

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3. Benedicts of Belfast

The four-star Benedicts of Belfast is a versatile property that caters to every type of traveller. Situated in Shaftesbury Square along The Golden Mile, it offers singles, doubles, triple rooms, and suites. Moreover, the hotel’s Neoclassical meets Art Deco exterior is indeed a sight for sore eyes. As are the hand-painted pillars by Frances Mullan and fixtures in common areas, some of which are from a local church.

Benedicts of Belfast has 32 rooms, exclusively designed by interior designer Eamon Carberry. They all display lush interiors accentuated by rich colour schemes of red, gold, black, and white. Giving the abodes a snug appeal are luxury add-ons like triple-glazed windows, Italian marble en-suite bathrooms, 600 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, feather-topped mattresses, and goose down duvets.

Benedicts’ popularity extends beyond its reputation as one of the best boutique hotels in Belfast. Locals come here regularly to savour the city’s best culinary offerings. With its family-friendly atmosphere, Benedicts Restaurant is known for its hearty Irish recipes made using local ingredients. Similarly, Benedicts Bar is a place of much revelry, ideal for a fun night-out with friends.

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4. The Flint

The Flint often gets listed as one of the best boutique hotels in Belfast for being a stylish no-fuss residence in the heart of the city. Popular with tourists, its location near the Grand Opera House, close to plentiful restaurants, is convenient, to say the least.

The Flint is also the sister property of The 1852 Hotel (listed below). Managed by two brothers from Belfast, both properties have distinct personalities. Still, a keen observer will notice some similarities, especially with design firm Terry Design handling the interiors at both places.

The 55 rooms at The Flint are less flaunting and more functional in their disposition. The furniture is primarily custom-made, with a general industrial-chic design aesthetic. In-room amenities include bathrooms with rain showers, a sofa or armchair, air-conditioning, and parquet flooring.

Since the rooms also feature a kitchenette with a dishwasher and oven, they are an excellent option for an extended stay in Belfast. For us, though, it’s the little things that make a difference, and the bottle of fresh milk for tea or coffee in the mini-fridge is truly oh-so-precious.

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5. Titanic Hotel Belfast

The Titanic and Belfast are synonymous, and for that reason alone, a stay at Titanic Hotel Belfast is a must for city first-timers. Located in the Titanic Quarter, the hotel takes up space in an 1880s building, previously the drawing offices of Harland and Wolff, the company that built the ship. Today, besides offering modern-day living quarters to avid travellers, the building doubles as a maritime museum with artwork and photographs from the early 19th-century.

Owned by Harcourt Developments, the hotel honours the magnificence of the Titanic through its Art Deco and nautical themes. The team of interior designers, including ADI Studio and Tandem Design, have brought each of the spaces at Titanic Hotel Belfast together with a more industrial look.

Consequently, the 119 rooms have an elegant ambience brought about by beige, white, and dark colour outlines. Simple in their disposition, the guestrooms nevertheless feature individual fittings that contribute to their exclusivity. We especially love how different elements like vintage-style sinks in the en-suite baths, rivet doors, and ship lanterns as bedside lamps connect the rooms to the ship.

Find out more about Titanic Hotel Belfast

6. Europa Hotel

Having 272 rooms, Europa is among the largest hotels in Belfast and North Ireland. Famous for being the preferred choice of visiting dignitaries and celebrities, its location close to shops, restaurants, and entertainment centres makes it equally popular with tourists.

Originally the Great Northern Railway Station, Europa first started to welcome guests in July of 1971. Acquired by the Hastings Hotels group in 1993, it went through a complete refurbishment in 2008. Heading the design department during this renovation were RRP Architects, longtime associates of the group, and the folks at Interiors & Floor Design.

Updated with top-of-the-line facilities, guests staying at Europa are privy to an array of comfort-providing amenities. The rooms now have TVs, Ralph Lauren fabrics, Zoffany wallpapers, desks, en-suite bathrooms, automated window blinds, King Cloud beds, air conditioners, iPod docks and 24-hour room service.

For gourmands, Europa offers two casual restaurants on its ground floor. The Causerie serves Irish and Continental favourites, such as seafood chowder and lamb rump. On the other hand, The Lobby Bar is a relaxed spot to enjoy an evening drink while people-watching.

Find out more about Europa Hotel

7. The 1852 Hotel

The 1852 Hotel is something quite different, which is arguably why it is one of the best boutique hotels in Belfast. Though occupying a building dating back to, you guessed it, 1852, the hotel has a modern-day hip persona. But then, it’s not exactly your conventional accommodation either. The building’s entire ground floor, for instance, is actually the Town Square Café & Bar.

Here you can expect smartphone check-in, daily room cleaning, and an on-site cafe with a mellow vibe during the day and a buzzing DJ-led atmosphere post sundown. It’s fair to say that The 1852 Hotel, situated in Queen’s Quarter, is a fun option for a Belfast getaway.

Once you step inside, the ambience is blatantly contemporary. Conceived primarily by Terry Design and Carters Workshop, the rooms have a minimalistic functional approach with contrasting dark and light colour tones. All the furniture pieces, many of which were custom made in Northern Ireland, have a purpose and add to the industrial-like metal and wood elegance of the space.

With several modern-day niceties on hand and because of its rather dynamic setting, The 1852 Hotel is particularly great for those looking to enjoy the livelier side of Belfast.

Find out more about The 1852 Hotel

8. Bullitt Hotel

Bullitt is among the very few themed boutique hotels in Belfast. Named after the uber-cool eponymous Steve McQueen movie, it displays a groovy 60s and 70s vibe without going overboard with film memorabilia. You will, however, come across some commissioned artwork by Frank Moth that highlights the movie’s iconic status.

Conceptualised by ADO (Architecture and Design Office), the interiors of Bullitt are sophisticated, with clean lines and minimal extravagance. A hint of contemporary industrial design further gives the ambience a sense of style and sleekness.

The hotel’s 74 rooms range from cosy singles to spacious guestrooms that can accommodate up to four adults. Standard amenities include king-sized beds, rain showers, Smart TVs, and free WiFi.

Operated by the Beannchor Group, Bullitt isn’t just a hotel but also a popular culinary destination among the locals. It’s home to the award-winning Taylor and Clay. The restaurant is known for serving seasonal local produce cooked on an Asador wood-fired grill. There’s also Babel, a rooftop bar with grand city views. And then there is the laidback Lobby & Courtyard, an idyllic spot for coffee and a snack during the day.

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9. Malmaison Hotel

The Malmaison brand exudes refinement and opulence. Their hotel in Belfast encapsulates the company’s ethos, presenting guests with a luxury boutique experience in tune with modern times.

However, the hotel remains immersed in the city’s heritage. The Malmaison building was a seed warehouse in the 1860s. Presently, it is a listed structure, with original features, in Belfast’s famous Cathedral Quarter.

At the same time, Malmaison doesn’t hold back from showcasing its playful side. Its Bar and Chez Mal Brasserie, both envisioned by Dakota House of Design, are gastronomic hotspots with a fashionable character.

Taking inspiration from the region’s maritime legacy, the 62 rooms of the hotel combine distinctive interiors with colourful features. Guests can expect spacious rooms, king-sized beds, mood lighting, power showers, and large bathtubs. Those with a penchant for design will appreciate the striking accent walls behind the beds.

Our favourite, though, is the hotel’s signature suite, Samson. Featuring an emperor bed, fireplace, snooker table, two TVs, walk-in dual showers, roll-top bath, seductive dark colour schemes, and a snooker table, it’s the type of room you want to stay in forever.

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10. The Malone

Once used as a World War II hospital, The Malone first opened its doors to discerning guests as “The Bowness” in 1945. However, for the past 30 years, the Victorian townhouse has been under the care of the Macklin family.

The Malone is a great stay option that allows you to be near famous landmarks yet away from the city’s bustle. Located in the quiet South Belfast neighbourhood of Queen’s Quarter, the hotel is close to several boutique stores, restaurants, and bars. But if you prefer a stay-in, the hotel’s in-house Gallery Restaurant and Greyhound Bar make for the perfect culinary respite after a long day of sightseeing.

Having undergone significant refurbishment recently, The Malone promises comfortable and trendy abodes. The rooms feature classic décor with a homely feel. The colour schemes range from light shades of blues and pinks to deep reds and greys.

At the same time, slightly heavier fabrics in floral and checkered prints adorn the plush furniture pieces and curtains. We particularly love the inclusion of playful design elements, think bubble glass lampshades, that give the rooms a contemporary character.

Learn more about The Malone

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