No one can out-do the Irish when it comes to hospitality and their luxury hotel hospitality must be experienced first-hand to be fully appreciated. There is a stunning array of choices, so travelers considering Northern Ireland accommodations need to discover the amenities that are their particular “cup of tea.”
One cannot go wrong staying at the handsome Everglades Hotel. Located on the banks of River Foyle in Derry, it offers views of the river and the gorgeous nearby Donegal Hills. From here, one might explore the 17th century walled city of Derry.
The Everglades provides 64 deluxe, spacious, elegantly furnished rooms and suites, with a golf course right next door.
In Belfast, a favorite luxury hotel is Ten Square. With 22 rooms, this chic boutique-style hotel is a favorite of both locals and celebrities. Right in the center of things so all your Belfast sightseeing is close at hand, the Ten Square has a decidedly modern flair.
At the opposite end of the spectrum from contemporary to classic is awe-inspiring Culloden Estate. Built on the slopes of the Hollywood hills, it overlooks Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coast. Situated on 12 acres of elaborate and breath-taking private gardens and woodlands, it is secluded while at the same time near the center of Belfast. It offers 105 bedroom suites, eleven self-catering apartments, and six private banquet suites.
Castle-like, it was built in 1876. In 1967 it was purchased by the Hastings Hotels Group and converted into the excellent luxury residence that it is today. In 1996, the Culloden Estate was the first Northern Ireland hotel to be granted 5 start status, and is a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” exclusive organization.
The Culloden Estate has experienced many improvements over the years, none the least of which is a world-class health club and spa with eight spa treatment rooms and also a beautiful swimming pool.
The Slieve Donard Hotel stands before Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain by the same name. The hotel rises above sand dunes at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Built in 1897, it is the finest example of Victorian architecture and Victorian appointments, all of which are scrupulously maintained. It is appointed with six acres of private gardens and the Royal County Down golf course, one of the world’s most noted golf courses. Or one might take an energizing walk among the sand dunes of Newcastle Bay.
The Slieve Donard Hotel provides both luxury and casual dining options, lounges with warm, cozy fireplaces, bars in nooks and crannies and all in the ambience of the outstanding hospitality for which the Slieve Donard Hotel is known. It offers 176 luxury bedrooms, of which six are suites. If you have a fascination with the Victorian era, this is definitely the place to stay.
For a particular cozy charm, consider staying at the Merchant Hotel Belfast. With 21 spacious bedrooms and five suites, the Merchant Hotel is known for its custom-made furniture and cutting-edge modern day features such as blackout curtains and flat screen televisions. At the same time, the Merchant Hotel is a historic building, filled with cherubs, objects, art and antiques.
These are just a few examples of the several luxurious hotels in Northern Ireland. The question is not where will one stay, but, instead, how to decide which hotel to choose?