11 Best Boutique Hotels In Belfast
If you're seeking an extraordinary experience that combines elegance, personalised service, and a touch of local Belfast charm, you've come to the right place.
In this curated list, we'll unveil the 11 best boutique hotels in Belfast, revealing the hidden gems that offer unparalleled comfort and an immersive stay in Northern Ireland’s dynamic and vibrant capital city.
Whether you're a discerning traveller or a local looking for a memorable getaway, join us as we embark on a journey through the city’s most captivating accommodations, providing you with the ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Belfast.
So, let’s dive into: Best Boutique Hotels in Belfast
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Best Boutique Hotels in Belfast: Quick Overview
Best Budget-friendly Boutique Hotel in Belfast: Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Most Romantic Hotel in Belfast: The Merchant Hotel
Best Boutique Hotel in Belfast with a Spa: Culloden Estate and Spa
Our personal favourite Hotel in Belfast: Grand Central Hotel
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Boutique Hotel in Belfast
Choosing a boutique hotel offers a different experience than staying in a regular chain hotel and can often be the highlight of your trip. There are several factors to consider when choosing a boutique hotel in Belfast to ensure it meets your preferences and desires. Here are our top factors to consider:
Location: the majority of the best things to see in Belfast are within a short walk of Belfast city centre, so ideally, you want to find a hotel that is either within walking distance of Belfast city centre or that has good transport links to the rest of the city.
Size and Ambience: boutique hotels differ from regular chain hotels because they are known for their unique and intimate atmosphere. Assessing the size of the hotel in Belfast will give you a good indication of what the atmosphere will be like (though be careful, sometimes the best and most romantic atmospheres can occur in the biggest of hotels).
Reviews and Reputation: we have made sure to only add boutique hotels in Belfast to this list that we have personally stayed at, or we have had close friends staying there. Don’t just take our word for it; use comparison sites like Booking.com to read reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel you’re considering.
Price: something to be aware of before booking a boutique hotel in Belfast is that it will cost more per night than a regular hotel, but you certainly get what you pay for in terms of more personalised service and intricately furnished rooms. Our advice would be to aim for around 1.5-2.0 times your regular budget for an ordinary hotel; that way, you’ll be able to aim for something in your price range.
Unique Selling Points: the final thing to consider before booking a boutique hotel in Belfast is what makes it special and differentiates it from a regular hotel. Some boutique hotels, like the Titanic Hotel Belfast, may feature a heavily-themed interior. In contrast, others, such as the Grand Central Hotel Belfast, may have a rooftop cocktail lounge where you sip on a masterful mixology creation while overlooking Belfast’s iconic skyline. Regardless of the selling point, it has to stand out to you!
Belfast City Hall
Where to stay in Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital city offers plenty of different areas or ‘Quarters’ to stay in, depending on what you want to get from your stay in Belfast. One of our handy Belfast travel tips is to learn what you want to do in the city before visiting so you can plan which area of Belfast is the most convenient to stay in for your itinerary.
The Titanic Quarter, located near the waterfront in the city, is famous for its historic roots to the world’s most famous ocean liner while also being the best place to stay in Belfast for unrivalled access for visiting the Titanic Museum.
The vibrant Cathedral Quarter is renowned for its lively bar scene, artistic creativity and historic architecture - staying in the Cathedral Quarter means staying in the city's beating heart.
The Queen’s Quarter, named after the famous Queen’s University Campus, is the most popular place to stay in the city for younger visitors who enjoy hanging out in hipster coffee shops and taking in the relaxing atmosphere at the Botanic Gardens.
There are many fantastic places to stay in Belfast, and whichever area you head to, you’ll find a vast array of bars, restaurants, cafes and museums to enjoy.
So, let’s finally dive into our recommendations of the 11 Best Boutique Hotels in Belfast.
Queen’s University Campus - Belfast
Best Boutique Hotels in Belfast
The Merchant Hotel - Best Hotel in Belfast
Relaxed bar in the Merchant Hotel
Location: Cathedral Quarter
Signature Feature: 5-star Hotel with distinctive architectural style including Rooftop gym, spa and jacuzzi
Read reviews on Booking.com
The Merchant Hotel, found in the heart of Belfast, is a truly exceptional boutique hotel that offers a remarkable experience for its guests. The Merchant is renowned in Northern Ireland for its elegant ambience, impeccable service, and luxurious amenities.
Housed within a stunning Grade-A listed building, the hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with the architectural grandeur of its Victorian roots. The charming design features, from the opulent chandeliers to the ornate furnishings, create an atmosphere of timeless charm.
The suites are lavishly furnished and divided among the 3 unique wings of the hotel (Art-Deco, Celtic, Victorian) - each wing showcases a distinct character that adds to the overall charm of the hotel. Whether you opt for a deluxe room or indulge in the luxurious splendour of a suite, every room offers a unique boutique experience in Belfast.
The hotel’s unmatched blend of refined elegance, personalised service, and prime location makes it a truly exceptional place to stay in Belfast. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, The Merchant Hotel promises a delightful and unforgettable experience.
2. The Flint - Great Boutique Hotel in Belfast
The Flint - entrance foyer and reception
Location: Belfast City Centre (300m from Belfast City Hall)
Signature Feature: Individual studio rooms with private kitchen facilities
Read reviews on Booking.com
The Flint is one of the most modern hotels to feature on our list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast, but this sense of modern luxury and comfort makes The Flint a standout choice for travellers seeking a great place to stay in Belfast.
The most unique feature of The Flint is the studio, apartment-style rooms that come furnished with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living space.
Boutique Hotels are often defined as being ‘design-driven’ hotels that focus on authenticity and personalisation, and in this regard, it’s easy to see why The Flint features on our list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
No other hotel in the city offers such a unique and authentic studio room. The traditional hotel room doesn’t feature at The Flint and is replaced with modern, stylish, thoughtfully-curated apartment-style studios.
Beyond the aesthetics of the rooms, the hotel’s prime location allows visitors to explore the sites of Belfast effortlessly. The beautiful City Hall is only 300m away, while the Waterfront Hall Music Venue is a short walk away.
The Flint offers a unique and refreshing twist on traditional boutique hotel experiences in Belfast.
3. Grand Central Hotel Belfast - Our Personal Favourite Hotel in Belfast
Grand Central Hotel Belfast
Location: Heart of Belfast City Centre
Signature Feature: The Observatory - a Luxury Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
Read reviews on booking.com
Potentially our favourite hotel in Belfast City Centre, the Grand Central Hotel is a modern twist on the boutique hotel. It’s so grand that US President Joe Biden stayed at the hotel during his state visit in early 2023.
We have stayed at this hotel a few times in the past, and although the beds are ridiculously comfortable, the rooms are handsomely sized, and the staff are wonderfully accommodating; the one thing that keeps us returning to the Grand Central Hotel is The Observatory.
The Grand Central Hotel is the tallest fully-completed building in Belfast, and on the very top floor, you will find The Observatory. In this luxury cocktail lounge, sky-high sips are enjoyed with unparalleled views of the city centre below.
The Grand Central Hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Belfast city centre, with the Belfast Empire Music Hall only 800m away and the Titanic Quarter being less than a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
The warm and inviting atmosphere of the Grand Central Hotel makes it one of the best places to stay in Belfast, and that is why we keep on returning to this wonderful boutique hotel.
| Tip
The Grand Central Hotel is only a 5-minute walk from Trademarket - a fantastic outdoor street-food market in the heart of Belfast that is packed with flavours from around the world
4. Europa Hotel - Top Hotel in Belfast
Piano Lounge - Europa Hotel
Location: Belfast City Centre (Next to Great Victoria Street Railway Station)
Signature Feature: The Piano Lounge and it’s range of signature cocktails
Read reviews on booking.com
The Europa Hotel is one of the most iconic landmarks in Belfast, with a storied past that only adds to the charm and intrigue of this wonderful place to stay.
The hotel seamlessly blends a contemporary style with classic sophistication, offering an inviting atmosphere that appeals to guests yearning for comfort and refinement.
Found directly on Belfast’s Golden Mile, the Europa Hotel features luxury bedding with designer fabrics from world-renowned Ralph Lauren.
The hotel's signature feature is the Piano Lounge, an expression of elegance and style that has become synonymous with its famous afternoon tea experience.
Indulgent, opulent, splendid - however you want to describe it, the Europa Hotel has been proudly serving guests in Belfast for over 50 years, and in this time, they have become quite adept at creating a wonderfully inviting and charming boutique experience in Belfast.
5. Titanic Hotel Belfast - Best Luxury Hotel in Belfast
Titanic Hotel Entrance
Location: Titanic Quarter
Signature Feature: Historic Titanic-themed rooms and furnishings
Read reviews on booking.com
The history of the Titanic and the city of Belfast are forever intertwined, so the Titanic Hotel Belfast is unsurprisingly the world’s most authentic Titanic-themed hotel.
The hotel itself is built inside the old headquarters of the Harland and Wolff shipping company. This building was used to create, devise and formulate the original plans for the infamous ocean liner.
As one of the best places to stay in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, the Titanic Hotel features elegant furnishings inspired by the ship’s iconic design, including unique art-deco accessories and ship lanterns as bedside lights.
Individual deluxe suites effortlessly integrate separate living areas with spacious bathtubs and unrivalled views of the Harland and Wolff Cranes - the iconic landmarks on the Belfast Skyline.
On top of offering a luxury stay in Belfast, the Titanic Hotel also doubles as a maritime museum, displaying a wonderful collection of unique paintings, photographs and memorabilia from a bygone age of ocean venturing.
While the convenient location makes it an exceptional base to explore the Titanic Museum and visit the SSE Arena, the remarkable charm of the Titanic Hotel earns its place on this list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
6. Culloden Estate and Spa - Luxury 5 Star Hotel in Belfast
Culloden Estate and Spa Lobby
Location: Cultra (10-minute drive North of Belfast City Centre)
Signature Feature: Bollinger Champagne Garden and world-renowned indulgent spa facilities
Read reviews on booking.com
The Culloden Estate and Spa is a luxurious 5-star hotel and resort overlooking the beautiful Belfast Lough in Culta, a short drive North of Belfast City Centre.
Originally built as a palace for the Bishops of Down, the Culloden Estate boasts a rich heritage that contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere as soon as you walk through the grand front doors.
The stunning architecture, lush gardens and exquisitely intricate furnishings make the Culloden Estate one of the finest and grandest places to stay in Belfast.
Perhaps what sets the Estate apart from the rest, however, is the world-renowned Spa that offers an extensive array of indulgent treatments, set in the tranquil surroundings of 12 acres of secluded gardens and woodlands.
Each of the 98 rooms and suites in the Culloden Estate are immaculately furnished, intricately refined and individually decorated - creating a truly bespoke and exclusive stay in Belfast.
Vespers, the notorious in-house dining experience, is one of Northern Ireland’s premier restaurants, serving local Belfast and Northern Ireland classics with a hint of luxury.
The Culloden Estate and Spa effortlessly earns its place as one of the best boutique hotels in Belfast and, indeed, Northern Ireland more widely.
7. The Malone - Cute Boutique Hotel in Belfast
Signature room in The Malone Hotel
Location: Queen’s Quarter
Signature Feature: Renovated Boutique Victorian Townhouse
Read reviews on booking.com
The Malone is a recently-renovated, boutique, Victorian townhouse hotel in Belfast’s historic Queen’s Quarter.
Arguably one of the lesser-known hotels on this list, The Malone could be described as a hidden gem for the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
Classic boutique bedrooms offer comfort for a modest price, while the more costly suites provide lavish indulgence and tranquillity.
Luxurious boutique hotel rooms are coupled with superb local cooking at the Gallery Restaurant - providing ‘unpretentious’, locally sourced, classic Northern Irish dishes.
The Macklin Family (2 different generations) have owned The Malone for the past 30 years and have helped to shape its unique charm over this extended period of time. Independently owned, quaintly sized and with unmatched customer service, The Malone is one of Belfast’s best boutique hotels in every sense of the term.
8. House Belfast Hotel - New Boutique Hotel in Belfast
Colourful bar inside House Belfast Hotel
Location: Queen’s Quarter
Signature Feature: Boutique hotel with relaxed terraced bar and bistro
Read reviews on booking.com
House Belfast is found on a sleepy, leafy street in the heart of Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, giving it an idyllic and calming atmosphere from the moment you enter the entrance foyer.
The 31 stylish boutique bedrooms in House Belfast are a wonderful fusion of modern elegance and warm hospitality, with comfort at the forefront of their design.
The hotel's chic interior boasts contemporary design elements and a tasteful nod to Belfast's rich cultural heritage.
House Belfast is also home to a relaxed terraced bar, which is the perfect place for a quiet drink in the evening before taking a short stroll into Belfast city centre to continue the festivities.
Staying at the House Belfast is also all about casual, affordable luxury, making it one of the most desirable places to stay in Belfast.
9. Ten Square Hotel - Grand Boutique Hotel in Belfast
Loft Bar in the Ten Square Hotel
Location: Belfast City Centre
Signature Feature: Loft Bar on the 7th Floor
Read reviews on booking.com
Ten Square Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel in the city's heart, featuring 131 luxurious guestrooms for an effortless, hassle-free boutique stay in Belfast.
With 3 different styles of guestrooms, from contemporary standard rooms to the Deluxe offering houses within the original 19th Century linen warehouse, Ten Square has something to offer for every boutique budget.
For a truly once-in-a-lifetime hospitality experience, a stay in the Jaffe Penthouse - complete with an extensive rooftop terrace - is the ultimate boutique stay in Belfast and Northern Ireland.
The Loft Bar on the 7th floor is a real showstopper, offering incredible views of the Belfast skyline alongside a dazzling selection of decadent cocktails and liquors. At the same time, the newly-opened Doffer Bar on the ground floor is an excellent place to visit for a casual drink and to grab something hearty to eat.
Ten Square is billed as being the ‘height of luxury in the heart of the city’, so it’s easy to see why it makes our list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
10. The Harrison Chambers of Distinction - Best New Luxury Hotel in Belfast
Four-poster Beds in Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Location: Queen’s Quarter
Signature Feature: Quirky collection of Victorian Chambers and Suites - Rainshowers, stand alone bathtubs and four-poster beds
Read reviews on booking.com
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is a bohemian boutique hotel like no other in Belfast. Having been featured in world-renowned publications National Geographic and The Travel Magazine, it is clear that the Harrison Chambers of Distinction offers something unique.
If the hotel deserves a feature-length piece in those publications, it has certainly earned its place on our list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
In 2021, the hotel earned the distinguished title of being the ‘Best Value New Hotel’ from National Geographic, and it is no surprise that it was the winner, given that its lavishly elegant rooms will only set you back just over £100 per night.
Melanie Harrison, the hotel's owner, decided to transform a 19th Century Merchant’s home close to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast into a chic, bohemian boutique hotel that has proved to be a welcome addition to the Belfast hotel scene.
You can expect to find grand four-poster beds, luxury stand-alone bathtubs, and ornate record players in the glamorous rooms at the Harrison Chambers of Distinction.
The hotel is an intricate blend of the past and the present, making it one of the best places to stay in Belfast.
11. The Fitzwilliam Hotel - Great Hotel in Belfast
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Location: Belfast City Centre
Signature Feature: Stylish Cocktail Bar where all drinks are served in Crystal Glasses
Read reviews on booking.com
The Fitzwilliam Hotel is described as being a ‘new definition of boutique’, thanks largely to its stylish and contemporary design coupled with a traditional, warm and friendly service.
The sophisticated ambience created by the contemporary decor oozes charm, while the 146 rooms and suites are intricately decorated and furnished with crisp Egyptian linens and comforting, fluffy bathrobes.
Guests can relax in relaxing luxury lounge areas or head straight to the stylish cocktail bar, serving some of the best aperitifs in Belfast.
Their signature ‘Crafternoon Tea’, a delightful mix of craft beers and afternoon tea, is the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon at the Fitzwilliam Hotel.
The 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel is an elegant masterpiece in the city's heart and truly deserves a place on our list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
11.5 Honourable Mention: Galgorm Hotel and Spa - Best Luxury 5 Star Hotel near Belfast
Outdoor Bar at the Galgorm Resort and Spa
Location: Ballymena (30-minutes North of Belfast)
Signature Feature: Thermal Spa Village - the first of its kind in Northern Ireland
Read reviews on booking.com
The reason our final recommendation for the best boutique hotels in Belfast is considered an honourable mention is because, well, it’s not technically in Belfast.
The Galgorm Hotel and Spa is located in Ballymena, a 30-minute drive North of Belfast city centre. Despite it not technically being in Belfast, however, we wanted to include it in this list because we have stayed there, and it is a truly unique place to stay in Northern Ireland!
Yes, the rooms are extravagant and swanky, and yes, the afternoon tea experience served in The Conservatory is absolutely divine, but what really makes a stay at the Galgorm Resort so special is the unprecedented access to the world-renowned Thermal Spa Village.
Celtic saunas, hot tubs, outdoor pools, salt caves and steam rooms - the award-winning Thermal Spa Village really does have everything.
Our favourite thing to do at the Galgorm is to sip on a glass of prosecco in one of the glorious wood-fired, riverside hot tubs - it’s impossible not to feel relaxed when you have a glass of bubbly in your hand while listening to the river whooshing by beside you.
While we appreciate that the hotel is a little further from the city than the rest on this list, we feel as though the extra drive is more than worth it and ultimately, the award-winning Thermal Spa is the reason we decided to add the Galgorm Hotel and Spa to our list of the best places to stay in Belfast.
Tips for Booking a Boutique Hotel in Belfast
Book well in advance: Belfast has limited options for boutique hotels, and as they tend to have a smaller occupancy than traditional hotels, the boutique hotels in the city can get booked up pretty quickly. To not miss out, we’d recommend booking at least 3 months in advance, particularly if you’re travelling to Belfast during Christmas, New Year or the height of Summer.
Look for package deals when booking a room: many of the boutique hotels in Belfast on this list offer additional services alongside their basic room packages. For example, the Galgorm offers discounted spa treatments for overnight guests, whereas other hotels, such as the Grand Central, offer complimentary breakfasts with certain packages.
Read guest reviews: we know we already mentioned this at the top of the article, but please don’t just take our word for it; get yourself onto Booking.com and read the most recent and up-to-date reviews on the hotel before booking - we always do this before booking a hotel room, even in our hometown city of Belfast!
The famous Titanic Museum Belfast
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotels in Belfast
Which hotel is closest to the Titanic Museum Belfast?
It may come as no surprise to learn that the closest hotel to the Titanic Museum, Belfast, is indeed the Titanic Hotel itself - a mere 1-minute walk away from the Titanic Museum. In fact, the hotel was built in the original Harland and Wolff shipyard headquarters building, where the initial plans for the ship were formulated.
Which hotel has the best views of Belfast?
Undoubtedly, the Grand Central Hotel offers the best views of Belfast. The hotel stands in the tallest, fully-finished building in the city and the views from the Rooftop cocktail lounge, particularly in the evenings, are fantastic.
You get a full 360 degree of the city, even being able to make out Belfast Castle in the distance, with Cavehill looming ominously above.
What is the most unique hotel in Belfast?
While there are many great hotels in Belfast, we’d suggest that the most unique hotel in the city is the Harrison Chambers of Distinction. Nowhere else in Belfast offers a chic, bohemian, boutique experience like the Harrison Chambers of Distinction.
The renovated 19th Century Merchant’s house features modern artwork alongside several nods to Belfast’s incredible history and heritage. Throw into the mix grand fourposter beds and elegant stand-alone bathtubs, and you get a truly unique hotel in Belfast.
What is the closest hotel to the US Embassy/Consulate in Belfast?
If you plan to visit the US Embassy/Consulate in Belfast, we recommend staying at The Malone Hotel in the Queen’s Quarter. The hotel is a 20-minute walk, or a 5-minute taxi ride, from the US Consulate in Belfast.
Belfast Castle - a hidden gem in North Belfast
Final thoughts on the Best Boutique Hotels in Belfast
There we have it, folks, our round-up of all the top boutique hotels in Belfast. Some of the hotels on this list are large, expansive hotels that offer the very best service in Northern Ireland, while others are smaller in stature but just as grand on the inside.
Each of the hotels featured in this article will provide you with an excellent place to stay, so you will have a great night's sleep and feel refreshed and ready to explore all of the best tours in Belfast.
Wherever you decide to stay in Belfast, we hope you have a wonderful time in the city that we call home.
Still trying to find the right hotel in Belfast for you? Try searching underneath for more options!
