A selection of the best luxury hotels in Northern Ireland, UK. A selection by Laura Becker
The Merchant Hotel (Belfast)
Experience the utmost in sophistication and luxury at the 5 AA Red Star Merchant Hotel in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Offering air-conditioned rooms with blackout blinds, flat-screen TVs, and marble en suite bathrooms, this Grade I listed building from 1860 is the proud recipient of the Best UK Hotel 2011 award from the International Hotel Awards. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, a spa with 5 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a sauna, a steam room, a rooftop gym, and a hot tub. Dine in the Great Room Restaurant, with its huge domed ceiling, for an exquisite à la carte menu and traditional afternoon tea, or stop by one of the hotel’s bars, such as the Veuve clicquot champagne lounge or Berts Jazz Bar, which serves food and has live music 7 nights a week.
Rooms: 62 Stars: 5
Check availabilityMe & Mrs Jones (Portstewart)
Me & Mrs Jones is a 4-star hotel in Portstewart with a stylish, charming interior design. It offers a range of amenities, such as a garden, shared lounge, terrace, restaurant, room service, 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, evening entertainment and luggage storage. The rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, private bathroom with shower, toiletries and hairdryer, desk and TV. Breakfast is served daily and the hotel is close to Portstewart Strand and Giants Causeway, with City of Derry Airport 48 km away.
Rooms: 12 Stars: 4
Check availabilityKilleavy Castle Estate (Meigh)
Experience luxurious accommodation at Killeavy Castle Estate, one of Northern Ireland’s finest hotels. This delightful property offers a relaxing atmosphere, stylish interiors and a range of amenities to provide an enjoyable stay. Located in Meigh, 16 km from Proleek Dolmen, the hotel features a garden, free private parking, a terrace, a restaurant, free WiFi and room service. Guests can also pamper themselves with a visit to the spa and wellness centre, which includes a sauna, hot tub and bar. All rooms are fitted with a kettle and a private bathroom with shower, free toiletries and hairdryer, as well as a desk and flat-screen TV. A buffet or Full English/Irish breakfast is provided each morning. The hotel is 18 km from Louth County Museum and 21 km from Carlingford Castle. George Best Belfast City Airport is 77 km away.
Rooms: 45 Stars: 4
Check availabilityBishop’s Gate Hotel (Derry Londonderry)
Experience the elegance of a bygone era and the modern luxuries of today at Bishop’s Gate Hotel. Located within the historic city walls of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter, this Grade B1-listed building was built in 1899, blending Edwardian architecture with stylish appointments and luxurious amenities. Guests can relax in their choice of 30 luxurious guestrooms, including 2 suites, or take advantage of the hotel’s many facilities, such as the residents lounge, fitness area, restaurant, champagne and cocktail bar, and 90-person capacity ballroom. Valet parking is available for an additional charge, and the hotel also offers bike hire. Explore the nearby attractions, such as The Diamond (100 metres away) and The Craft Village (200 metres away), or take the 12 km trip to City of Derry Airport. Enjoy a memorable stay in a truly majestic setting.
Rooms: 31 Stars: 5
Check availabilityThe Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast (Belfast)
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast offers an unparalleled luxury experience in Northern Ireland. Its boutique bedrooms feature free Wi-Fi, crisp Egyptian linens, and elegant bathrooms with fluffy robes and designer toiletries. Enjoy a creative menu and fine wines at the chic restaurant, and cocktails and champagnes in real crystal glasses at the modern bar. The hotel also features designer interiors, modern artwork, and colourful furnishings. Plus, it’s conveniently located near the Grand Opera House and Belfast Central Station, and just half a mile from Castle Court Shopping Centre. And when travelling with canine companions, an extra charge of £30 per dog, per stay applies.
Rooms: 146 Stars: 5
Check availabilityGalgorm (Ballymena)
Galgorm Resort and Spa is a 4-star luxury retreat situated in 163 acres of lush parkland, with the River Maine running through. All rooms boast modern bathrooms and flat-screen TVs, along with a cosy seating area and work desk. Some offer stunning views of the grounds. Guests can enjoy a range of restaurants and bars, as well as extensive conference and banqueting facilities. The highlight is the Thermal Village & Spa, the only one in Ireland, with riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. It’s just 3 miles from Ballymena and 17 miles from Belfast International Airport. Free on-site parking is available and Galgorm Castle Golf Club is a 3-minute drive away.
Rooms: 122 Stars: 4
Check availabilityThe Culloden Estate and Spa (Belfast)
Boasting a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, the 5-star Culloden Estate and Spa is one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious hotels. Offering a variety of facilities, including a spa, a pool, a fitness suite and fine-dining restaurant, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Belfast city centre and a 5-minute drive from Belfast Airport. With elegant rooms featuring satellite TV and tea/coffee facilities, plus stunning gardens and period features, the Culloden Estate and Spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Rooms: 79 Stars: 5
Check availabilityLough Erne Resort (Enniskillen)
At the Lough Erne Resort, guests can enjoy a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere, exceptional views and a wide range of activities. Relax and unwind in the sumptuous rooms, take in the stunning surroundings, and enjoy the array of spa treatments and dining options.
Rooms: 120 Stars: 5
Check availabilityGrand Central Hotel Belfast (Belfast)
Hastings Grand Central Hotel is a luxury hotel situated in Belfast, offering breathtaking views of the city. Featuring the Observatory Bar, the hotel is the tallest building in the city, and is conveniently located close to several well-known attractions, such as The Belfast Empire Music Hall, SSE Arena and St. George’s Market. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious guestrooms, each equipped with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom, as well as air conditioning and a desk. Guests can enjoy a delicious Full English/Irish breakfast, while the in-house restaurant serves a variety of local dishes. Furthermore, the hotel features a rooftop bar, providing beautiful views of the city. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour front desk service and the proximity to St. Annes Cathedral Belfast and St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast. George Best Belfast City Airport is just 4 km away.
Rooms: 300 Stars: 5
Check availabilityClandeboye Lodge Hotel (Bangor)
Experience the luxury of Clandeboye Lodge, a boutique hotel situated just 5 minutes’ drive from Bangor. Relax in stylishly designed rooms with scenic views, free Wi-Fi and HD TVs with Freeview. Enjoy the contemporary atmosphere of the Coq & Bull brasserie, where you can savour locally sourced produce and an eclectic wine list. Take in the lush landscaped gardens and designer sculptures or explore the nearby attractions, such as the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum and Mount Stewart with its stunning gardens. With 8 golf courses nearby and the picturesque Bangor Marina just 10 minutes away, Clandeboye Lodge offers a truly unique experience and a delicious breakfast to start your day.
Rooms: 43 Stars: 4
Check availabilityBest areas to find hotels in Northern Ireland, UK
Northern Ireland is a beautiful and unique part of the United Kingdom. It is steeped in history and culture, and is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. With its stunning coastline, charming towns, and vibrant cities, Northern Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
When looking for a hotel in Northern Ireland, the best areas to search are those that offer easy access to the many attractions and activities the region has to offer. Belfast, the capital city, is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from budget to luxury, located in the city centre and within easy reach of the many cultural and historic sites in the area. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs to explore.
If you’re looking for a quieter stay, the picturesque towns of Derry, Armagh and Newry are all great options. These towns are rich in culture and history, and offer a range of accommodation options. Here, you’ll find charming hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, as well as self-catering apartments and cottages.
For those looking to explore the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coast is the ideal spot. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, as well as self-catering accommodation. The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, as well as the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
If you’re looking for something a bit more rural, the Fermanagh Lakelands are the perfect place to stay. This area is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland, with rolling hills and lush green valleys. Here, you’ll find a range of charming hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, as well as self-catering apartments and cottages.
No matter what kind of accommodation you’re looking for, Northern Ireland has something to offer. From budget to luxury, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a city break, a rural escape, or a coastal getaway, Northern Ireland is the perfect destination.