Malmaison Belfast

"Belfast is ready for its close-up, thanks to a trove of superb Victorian architecture, a groovy club scene, and now a first-rate hotel. The Mal’s 64 rooms—housed in two stone Victorian-era seed warehouses—are spacious and comfortable, with all the niceties you’ll ever need: down duvets and pillows, Aromatics toiletries, free Internet access, and even a little card to hang outside your door should you want fresh milk to go with morning coffee or tea from your in-room machine. The cozy Château Mal, a thoughtful library lounge with a TV and a gas fireplace, is available for meetings; the food in the brasserie, including fine Dundrum Bay mussels, is tasty indeed; and room service delivers a world-class burger and fries in less than 30 minutes. Our only qualm was about the oddly odiferous drains—keep them plugged when not in use."