CHECK-IN
Impressed by Belfast’s unique Grand Central Lodge – a glamorous deal with that after hosted the Beatles and the Rolling Stones however was demolished within the Nineteen Eighties – this new incarnation ranks as Northern Eire’s tallest resort. Rising 23 storeys, it is a sibling of the well-known Europa, which was labelled “essentially the most bombed resort in Europe” after being focused 33 occasions throughout “The Troubles” of the late twentieth century. You are proper in the midst of the revitalised Northern Irish capital right here, a couple of streets from the Europa, in eye-sight of Metropolis Corridor and a part of the rising Linen Quarter, which harks again to the Victorian age when industrious Belfast was nicknamed “Linenopolis”.
THE LOOK
The outdated Grand Central was a spot to see and be seen, and so is that this. The double-height foyer is vivid and glossy, with veined marble flooring and huge home windows for watching Belfast blur by, both from the cosy upholstered chairs close to reception or on the Grand Cafe, a chic all-day eatery, the place company go for first rate continental and cooked-to-order breakfasts. Upstairs, there are areas for conferences and weddings, plus The Observatory, a top-floor piano bar the place cocktails from £14 ($26) are named after the Belfast sights and districts you may glimpse. Amongst them are “Titanic Quarter” – the place mighty yellow cranes loom on the yard that constructed the long-lasting ship – and “Napoleon’s Nostril”, a craggy cliff seen in Belfast’s backdrop of inexperienced peaks. Beers, wines, spirits, bar bites and afternoon tea (with gin, in the event you like) are additionally served right here.
THE ROOM
There are splendid views, too, from lots of Grand Central’s 300 rooms, which vary from 25-square-metre doubles to 77-square-metres for the suite honouring the resort’s late founder, Sir William Hastings. I am in a deluxe double, on the twenty second ground, and after I’m not gazing over Belfast, I am enjoyable in a cotton gown on a king Cloud Mattress, laden with goose feather and down duvets and pillows, or scenting bergamot and jasmine ESPA toiletries within the lavatory, the place there’s a separate tub and walk-in bathe. Properly-soundproofed, my room is quietly stylish and purposeful, with woven carpets and vibrant material chairs, throw and cushions, a generously-sized built-in wardrobe, giant wall TV, Roberts Bluetooth radio, and tea-making amenities, although sadly for this caffeine addict, there’s simply immediate fairly than “actual” espresso. Suites, together with ones named after distinguished outdated Belfast linen retailers, have espresso machines.
FOOD & WINE
Within the trendy first-floor Seahorse Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, mull over bygone maritime Belfast images and craft shows and order from creative menus wealthy in Irish produce. Starters (£7-12) embody roasted native scallops with Jerusalem Artichoke veloute and black olive oil. Herb-crusted rack of Mourne lamb with potato fondant, celeriac puree and rosemary is among the many mains (£17-30). For a room-service snack, the seasonal soup with Guinness and treacle bread (£6) might entice.
OUT & ABOUT
High Belfast eating places like Deanes Meat Locker and James Road South are not far away, and extra eateries, pubs and cultural venues scatter the Cathedral Quarter, a 10-minute stroll away. It is just a little additional to the Titanic Quarter, the place you may discover an award-winning museum concerning the ship, plus the “Glass of Thrones” path, the place stained-glass home windows immortalise characters and scenes from Sport of Thrones, a present largely shot in Northern Eire.
THE VERDICT
The Grand Central is a slick possibility for company and leisure travellers alike, with a useful Belfast location and panoramas you will not overlook in a rush.
ESSENTIALS
Rooms from £117 ($221). Wi-Fi is free; Grand Central Lodge, 9-15 Bedford Road, Belfast, BT2 7FF. See grandcentralhotelbelfast.com
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
HIGHLIGHT
The dizzying views from the resort’s higher ranges.
LOWLIGHT
The worth might deter the beer-guzzling crowds, however £8 ($15) for a pint of pale ale on the Observatory is a bit steep – virtually double what you’d pay in most good Belfast pubs.
Steve McKenna was a visitor of Tourism Northern Eire (discovernorthernireland.com) and Tourism Eire (eire.com)
