Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [518]
Malmaison Hotel (Map; 9022 0200; www.malmaison-belfast.com; 34-38 Victoria St; r from £95, ste from £315; ) Housed in a pair of beautifully restored Italianate warehouses (originally built for rival firms in the 1850s), the Malmaison is a luxurious haven of king-size beds, deep leather sofas and roll-top baths big enough for two, all done up in a decadent decor of black, red, dark chocolate and cream. The massive, rock-star Samson suite has a giant bed (almost 3m long), a bathtub big enough for two and, wait for it…a billiard table, with purple baize.
TOP END
Fitzwilliam Hotel (Map; 9044 2080; www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com; 1-3 Great Victoria St; r from £110; ) A brand new hotel in a truly central location, the Fitzwilliam pushes all the right style buttons with its use of designer fabrics, cool colours and mood lighting. Bedrooms have crisp linen sheets, fluffy bathrobes and powerful showers, and the staff are unstintingly helpful. There’s an excellent restaurant, too Click here.
Merchant Hotel (Map; 9023 4888; www.themerchanthotel.com; 35-39 Waring St; r/ste from £160/240; ) Belfast’s most flamboyant Victorian building, the old Ulster Bank head office, has been converted into the city’s most flamboyant boutique hotel, a fabulous fusion of contemporary styling and old-fashioned elegance.
Ten Square (Map; 9024 1001; www.tensquare.co.uk; 10 Donegall Sq S; r from £170; ) A former bank building to the south of City Hall that has been given a designer feng-shui makeover, Ten Square is an opulent, Shanghai-inspired boutique hotel with friendly and attentive service. Magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Conde Nast Traveller drool over the dark lacquered wood, cream carpets, low-slung futon-style beds and sumptuous linen, and the list of former guests includes Bono, Moby and Brad Pitt.
South Belfast
To get to places on or near Botanic Ave, take bus 7A or 7B from Howard St. For places on or near University and Malone Rds, take bus 8A or 8B, and for places on or near Lisburn Rd, take bus 9A or 9B; both depart from Donegall Sq E, and from the bus stop on Great Victoria St across from the Europa BusCentre.
BUDGET
Paddy’s Palace Belfast (Map; 9033 3367; www.paddyspalace.com; 68 Lisburn Rd; dm £7.50-13.50, d £37; ) Paddy’s offers clean and comfortable dorms, a big, well-equipped kitchen and a bright and homely common room, though the dorms are a bit gloomy. It has free wi-fi and friendly staff who are happy to point you to the best local pubs. There’s no sign outside, so it’s easy to miss – bang on the door on Fitzwilliam St, at the corner of Lisburn Rd.
Arnie’s Backpackers (Map; 9024 2867; www.arniesbackpackers.co.uk; 63 Fitzwilliam St; dm £9-12; ) This long-established hostel is set in a quiet terraced house in the university area, with plenty of lively bars and restaurants nearby. It’s a bit on the small side, but real coal fires, a friendly crowd, and the ever-helpful Arnie himself (and his two cute Jack Russell terriers) make it more cosy than cramped.
Ark (Map; 9032 9626; www.arkhostel.com; 44 University St; dm £12, s/d £20/32; ) The Ark is on the corner of University St and Botanic Ave (look for the tiny sign above the door), bang in the heart of Queen’s student quarter. It’s small, convivial and kitted out with all the mod cons. It has its own internet cafe, and is more family friendly than other hostels; there’s also a 2am curfew.
Kate’s B&B (Map; 9028 2091; www.katesbnb.com; 127 University St; per person £25) Kate’s is a homey kind of place, from the window boxes bursting with colourful flowers to the cute dining room crammed with bric-a-brac and a couple of resident cats. The bedrooms are basic but comfortable, and the showers are a bit cramped, but at this price – and only a few minutes’ walk from Botanic Ave – we’re not complaining.
MIDRANGE
All Seasons B&B (off Map; 9068 2814; www.allseasonsbelfast.com;