The Merchant Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Belfast. There is so much within a short walking distance of the hotel: great shopping, a variety of pubs and restaurants such as The Crown Liquor Saloon and plenty of iconic/historic landmarks e.g. City Hall, The Albert Clock and the Titanic attraction.
But to be perfectly honest, once you step inside The Merchant Hotel there is no reason or wish to leave it. Everything you could possibly want resides within its walls.
We were lucky enough to be invited to spend a night there and we did not want to leave.
HISTORY OF THE MERCHANT HOTEL
Once the headquarters of the Ulster Bank, the exterior of the sandstone building is stylishly elegant. This entrance leads you into the appropriately named ‘The Great Room Restaurant’. More on this later.
In 2006, this Grade A-listed building was transformed into The Merchant Hotel, the only 5-star hotel in the city. And four years later, new rooms in Art Deco style, new reception area (below) and lots of amenities (including quirky coloured washbasins in the ground floor restrooms) were added. I just learned that designer/artist Sarah O’Neill styled the images on the doors and walls. I particularly love the Rubenesque lady on the door in the restroom off the Great Room Restaurant.
We were given an Art Deco suite (absolutely gorgeous) and everything one expects in a 5-star hotel was at our disposal. The bed was so comfortable and I loved the pillows. I often bring my own pillow, but as were travelling by train from Dublin to Belfast, that was not an option!
The bathroom was huge, offering a large stand-alone bath and fantastic power shower. Would love to have a similar one at home.
SPA AT THE MERCHANT HOTEL
Everything about the spa is designed to help you relax and recover. The entire area is calming, tranquil and soothing, an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Belfast. My Pro Collagen Elemis facial, accompanied by a shoulder and neck massage, was just what I needed. Julie, my lovely therapist, then brought me to the Relaxation Room where I sipped peppermint tea.
The following morning, we spent some time in the Hydrotherapy Pool, Steam Room and Sauna, also part of the spa facilities.
ROOF TOP HOT TUB
As I said, everything about The Merchant Hotel is designed to give you a 5-star experience. Graham and I spent 20 minutes before dinner in the hot tub on the roof, gazing out over Belfast and landmarks such as the famous yellow Harland & Wolff shipyard cranes.
Do not miss this. My back had been giving me gyp and it definitely eased the pain. There is also a good-sized gym. No, I did not venture past the door.
THE COCKTAIL BAR
Instead, I preferred spending time in the award-winning Cocktail Bar. Firstly, the surroundings are beautiful: a stunning fireplace with a lit fire and antique chandeliers. Secondly, the cocktails are on another level entirely and we were extremely well looked after by Aaron, the Cocktail Bar Manager and his highly skilled mixologist Kevin.
FOOD AT THE MERCHANT HOTEL
You are spoilt for choice as the hotel offers so many different dining experiences. You can choose to eat in ‘The Cloth Ear’, a Victorian Pub, Bert’s Jazz Bar, The Cocktail Bar or you can indulge in The Great Room Restaurant like we did.
I have never eaten in such a spectacular room. The main banking hall with its grand central dome, vaulted ceilings, massive columns, crystal chandeliers and magnificent friezes was the setting for our dinner.
It was a wonderful experience. The food was exquisite, beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.
Every detail from the table setting, to the attentive but not intrusive service, was on point. Dinner was a culinary masterpiece from start to finish.
Breakfast was also here and again it was perfect. As you would expect, it was full table service.
STAFF AT THE MERCHANT
A hotel is only as good as its staff. Every single person was welcoming, highly efficient, willing to chat. GG loves to talk.
The entire experience was on a different level. Never saw a chambermaid when we were there. We checked out at 12 and I presume they only started cleaning the rooms then.
FOR YOU
We all deserve a little luxury in our lives.
The Merchant Hotel has offered my followers a 10% discount on Bed & Breakfast bookings between Sundays and Thursdays until December 17th (excluding suites). Add the code HILDA10 at the checkout when booking online at www.merchanthotel.com
Our stay was gifted.
Check out Instagram and Instagram stories for more.
Thank you for reading. I hope you had a lovely Halloween.
Love Hilda x
