In the realm of hospitality, where opulence meets comfort, there exists a sanctum of refined indulgence - Grand Central Hotel, Belfast. Standing proud amidst the picturesque city of Belfast, this hotel marvel stands as an epitome of sophistication and grandeur. Stepping into its embrace, one is greeted by an aura of tranquility and elegance that transcends the mundane, and it certainly creates a luxurious and cosy stay. We are always proud to work alongside hotels that take sustainability seriously. Hastings Hotel (Grand Central Hotel) won Sustainability Award in 2023.
Belfast. A city rich in history. From its iconic Victorian architecture to its bustling waterfront adorned with sleek, contemporary structures, the city seamlessly bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. Belfast captivates the imagination and leaves an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of exploring, but in order to fully enjoy it, excellent accommodation certainly helps.
It is known Winston Churchill, the King of Belgium, and the Beatles have all been guests at this incredible hotel. Following an investment of £53 million, Grand Central Belfast is a fine gem of Northern Ireland and the city's tallest hotel. Following a delightful two night stay with breakfast, Floraison had the pleasure of experiencing the unparalleled hospitality of Grand Central Hotel firsthand. The staff were incredibly kind and check-in was easy. This 23 floor hotel is at the heart of Belfast and is an eye catcher. A large lobby, incredible restaurant on the ground floor, and idyllic interiors with crystal chandeliers, it's beyond luxury. There was exquisite attention to detail that permeated every corner of the hotel, no less the room. Plush, quiet, very opulent, the little touches such as leaving the lights on for a late check in and quiet music, added brilliant ambience. From the plush furnishings to the tasteful decor, every element seemed to have been curated with a singular focus on luxury and comfort. With crisp linens and the perfect size pillows, it beckoned me to indulge in a night of restorative slumber. Touches of teal and modern art was lovely. There was a huge bathroom, with amazing rain shower and bath. Toiletries from ESPA. The large comfy bed and incredible view from the 21st floor was a delight.
The culinary offerings at Grand Central Hotel further cemented its status with a tasty but selective choice of foods. Local produce added to the tastes. Excellent coffee and again, great ambience, ideal for solo travel and parties alike. There were vegan options available, and on the buffet you can find English breakfast delights, mini smoothies - utterly delicious - as well as granola, again super tasty, fruits, continental options, including salamis and brie cheese bites. Their restaurant we did not sample this time, however, after taking a peek at the menu, The Grand Café, open to non-residents of course, and the Seahorse Restaurant looked divine! Last year the hotel was awarded a five-star rating by the AA and the Seahorse Restaurant was awarded an AA Rosette.
The observatory bar with a panoramic view of the city is a delight as sun sets. Not only is it luxurious and warm in taste, but boasts lounges across the whole of the top floor, which tie in to the gorgeous interiors. Chic and opulent, with gorgeous details, there are numerous cocktails, named after areas of the city. A nice homage to this vibrant city.
Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Grand Central Hotel said: “Over the last five years, the Grand Central Hotel has gone from strength to strength. The hotel was open less than two years when the pandemic hit so it’s fair to say that we have already experienced a lot of challenging times in our time. Despite this, we are proud to have engrained ourselves in the local community and are proud to be a key player in Belfast’s success story.”
For any type of trip, Grand Central Hotel is by far a leading choice. Suited to a luxury traveller, wanting to splurge a little, it does feel very relaxed and cosy, with nice niches to work from if needed. On the whole, Belfast boasts friendliness, choice, good transit and varied choice of food. But of course, the weather can't be promised, but a beautiful stay can be. To take a look at booking at the Grand Central Hotel, please click here.