Luxurious city stays

Find a luxury city stay in Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland has some of the best city escape hotels and apartments hiding away in plain sight. If you want to add a touch of chic or a spark of urban razzle-dazzle to your weekend away, here are some of the ritziest places around.

Escape to Belfast’s bright lights 

If you've a head for heights, and a taste for luxury, how about a stay in Northern Ireland’s tallest hotel?  The most recent addition to the Belfast hotel scene, the Grand Central Hotel (4*) comes complete with a 23^rd floor rooftop cocktail bar, The Observatory.  With a cocktail in hand enjoy the epic views from here across the city.  The hotel is at the heart of the city with cool restaurants, lively bars, theatres and shopping all within a few minutes’ walk.

Right in the heart of the city, The Flint (4*) is modern, convenient accommodation with beautifully designed rooms - simplicity at its finest.  The Flint prides itself on having the comfiest of beds – why not try it out for yourself and take advantage of the numerous restaurants and bars nearby while you're here.

While its former life as Ulster Bank HQ may set off an array of banking metaphors and idioms, let’s vault over those and talk about how the Merchant Hotel (5*) has a dazzling mix of Art Deco chic and Victorian pomp that will leave you awe-struck. 

Or how its stunning luxury spa, fine dining menus or glorious afternoon teas will confirm this as the best escape plan ever planned. 

If that doesn’t do it, maybe hiring the hotel’s chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Phantom for a day out will have you purring quietly or finding an exclusive bag or pair of shoes at Harper will have the Cheshire cat looking at you jealously.

High above, you can use the rooftop gymnasium and enjoy panoramic city views as you work out – and work out how to stay an extra day. And with the Cathedral Quarter on your doorstep, another quick look to the heavens in thanks may also be in order. 

Standing discreetly in plain sight beside the Grand Opera House is five-star superstar powerhouse, the Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*). This masterpiece of elegance and design on Great Victoria Street redefines what boutique hotel chicness is all about. 

This unhidden gem is effortlessly cool. And that stuff oozing from every corner? That’s called elegance. 

As for your room - well, just wait until you get there. Talk about making a great first impression.  It then backs it up with even better second, third and fourth impressions. If you bundle five-star fabulousness in state-of-the-art splendidness and then wrap it in tactfully attentive service splendiferousness, you’d have this place summed up.  

As its name quite rightly suggests, this self-catering apartment, Lagan View (4*) has spectacular views overlooking the Lagan and is close to the Waterfront Hall for all you theatre and concert goers.  Open plan living accommodation with a south facing balcony that gets sun all day means you can have the best of both worlds for a spot of relaxing or getting out and exploring the city.

Escape behind Derry-Londonderry’s walls 

If you’re going to visit an historic walled city, the chance to stay in a 19th century building should appeal to just about everyone. 

Palace Street Apartments (5*) are just the ticket - luxury self-catering apartments within the old walled city, located just 150 metres from the city centre. Now you can’t get much closer to history than that. You’re less than 0.5 km from St. Columb’s Cathedral, The Diamond and Free Derry Corner. 

However, everything else about the apartments is pure 21st century – wifi, microwave, flat-screen TV, washing machine and coffee machine, and all the usual conveniences of modern life.  

Opposite the apartments, you’ll find the exquisite Bishop’s Gate Hotel. This listed building built in 1899 boasts stunning Edwardian architecture which has been sensitively restored in homage to its rich heritage. 

But 21st century sensibilities and needs have been seamlessly integrated including a cocktail and champagne bar. Not surprising to learn that a Hotel of the Year gong recently made its way here. You will follow the footsteps of some illustrious visitors to the hotel, among them Winston Churchill, Field Marshall Montgomery and poet W.B. Yeats. So, maybe arise and go there. 

These sister B&B’s, Bridge (3*) and Station (4*) are both in excellent locations within walking distance of the city walls, shops, bars and restaurants.   The stunning boutique Station B&B boasts spacious luxurious rooms, off-street parking within the grounds and first-class amenities.  Enjoy breakfast in the beautifully refurbished dining room, while looking out onto the dreamy tree-lined garden.

Guest comfort is key at Bridge B&B which was featured on local country star Daniel O’Donnell’s B&B TV show a few years ago.  In an ideal city centre location with unrivalled views across the River Foyle, each room is individually designed and guarantees a real home-from-home stay.

Shipquay Hotel (4*) is a modern, boutique style hotel overlooking the City Walls and the Guildhall and with just twenty-one bedrooms is the perfect place for an intimate and luxurious stay in the city. 

The Holiday Inn Express (3*) is perfectly located close to the River Foyle and Peace Bridge.  This new addition to the city’s hotel offering, provides the perfect affordable base for your break in the city.  Modern rooms with blackout blinds and your choice of goose feather pillows guarantee you a great night’s sleep after a day on the go.

A night in Newry

Newry has two new city centre apartments overlooking the city and canal. Both of these 4 star, two bedroom apartments are finished to a very high standard.  Custom House Apartments (4*) in an unrivalled rooftop location provides spacious, luxurious accommodation while Godfrey Mews (4*) also offers bright, modern open plan luxurious living.  Both in a perfect location for exploring the city.

At the Canal Court Hotel and Spa (4*) enjoy a luxury spa break in the heart of the city.  Pamper yourself with a dip in the rooftop outdoor hot tub, and afterwards enjoy a spa treatment.  The hotel is within easy walking distance to shops and local bars and restaurants so you can make the most of your city break.

Escape to Armagh

Soak up the sights and sounds of Ireland’s oldest city with a stay at Armagh City Hotel (3*).  Perfect for a city break or for exploring the surrounding orchard county, this hotel has a swimming pool on-site and modern bedrooms.

That’s a little taste of what a break away in our cities could be like, but there’s so much else for you to discover here, not least another little bit of luxury in the shape of our city hotels and apartments for you to discover all on your own - and all for you. 

We hope you enjoy these suggestions.  Let us know how you get on and join the conversation online with #MyGiantAdventure.