Grand Central Hotel Belfast

I was recently gifted an afternoon tea experience and was really looking forward to it. The setting itself was lovely, with beautiful views and very comfortable furnishings that made the space feel relaxing and inviting. It certainly looked the part of somewhere you’d expect to enjoy a special treat. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite live up to the surroundings. The afternoon tea costs £90, which sets fairly high expectations. What arrived felt very underwhelming for that price: a bite-size sausage roll, four finger sandwiches, two scones and four bite-size pastries. While everything was pleasant enough, there simply wasn’t the quality, creativity or quantity you would expect at that price point. The staff were friendly and polite, but they were clearly very young — teenagers seemingly working part time for extra cash. There’s nothing wrong with that of course, but the service lacked the polish and attentiveness you’d normally associate with a five-star experience. Overall, the venue and views were beautiful, but the afternoon tea itself felt like poor value for money. For £90, I expected something far more memorable and refined. Sadly, aside from the setting, there was nothing about the experience that felt five star.

I recently stayed at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast and had a really great experience. The room was lovely — very clean, comfortable, and nicely done. Everything felt fresh and well looked after, which made the stay really relaxing. Breakfast was also really good, with plenty of choice and everything tasting great. It was a brilliant way to start the day. Overall, everything about the stay was spot on. I’d happily stay again and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Belfast.

Two visits to the Grand Central over a weekend and had the pleasure of meeting Sean who is on a management programme. Before I knew this I had expressed that he definitely has the qualities and ambition to lead a hotel of this stature. We had such a beautiful experience here simply because of the care and attention we recieved from Sean and also being part of the amazing atmosphere in the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. The Sunday lunch was superb as were the cocktails. We will definitely be back to stay at some point! Wishing Sean the very best for the future, he will be a great asset to the hotel that is lucky to have him manage it! 👏👏👏

Had an overnight stay in this central Belfast luxury hotel. Lovely welcome on arrival by Ellen, our room was spotlessly clean, with a decor that has a luxurious feel. Two choices for an afternoon cocktail with an extensive menu to suit all tastes. Breakfast was an ode to local produce, it was a standout for me with every aspect tasty and locally sourced. Staff were friendly and couldnt do enough for us. All in all excellent stay, will hope to be back

We have stayed a few times at the hotel. As before, the hotel room was beautifully appointed and felt like a true retreat. Additionally, the staff were consistently warm and professional, doing their best to ensure we felt welcomed throughout our stay. Despite the lovely surroundings, several issues detracted from the "luxury" experience:||||The Afternoon Tea: This was, unfortunately, the biggest disappointment of our visit. The service felt disjointed; significant delays in bringing out food items meant our scones were cold by the time the jam/cream arrived. We also found ourselves having to prompt the staff frequently for tea refills. The sandwiches weren't very fresh either. There was only one other table in addition to ours during the afternoon. The staff more than courteous though. ||||Atmosphere: The ambiance in the dining area was disrupted by loud, unpleasant music that didn't quite fit the refined setting one expects during a high tea service. Sadly I am not sure we would come back to the hotel, as we were underwhelmed by the afternoon tea. As we didn't have breakfast or another meal this time, I wonder if we came again and had food, would we be disappointed?

Over great service, excellent breakfast options and staff is very accommodating and friendly, but lacking a gym facility that it's rare for a modern 5 star hotel, I would recommend that you look how you can make a partnership with a near by gym to provide gym access to your guests, there are other hotels near by who do this. Finally there were issues with the lifts during my stay. Not a full 5 stars due to not having access to a gym.

We had an overnight stay with friends to enjoy a show in the ulster hall. The hotel is very convenient to the ulster hall so the location was perfect. Our room was clean, warm, well furnished and comfortable. We need a wheelchair accessible room and this one was excellent. The bathroom was spacious, accessible and well stocked with essentials. Breakfast was the usual hotel fayre- good quality and plentiful. None of our group had ever in our long lives heard of whiskey with porridge so that was a new one! Staff were friendly and helpful. The trip was spoiled somewhat as the heating in both the other couples rooms didn't work, and at sub zero temperatures it made for an unpleasant experience. The matter was not resolved. The lifts were good and valet parking worked well.

We visited recently for Afternoon Tea and had the most wonderful experience. From start to finish we were made to feel very pampered and the service from the staff was first class. Special mention should be made about Ryan. He was positively charming. Nothing was too much trouble and he seemed to know exactly when we needed refreshed tea/coffee etc without being called upon. My niece is due her first baby shortly and he was so engaging when he spotted both her and the near life size balloon teddy. Ryan you were a star! We hope your Manager realises how lucky he/she is to have such a valuable staff member who ensured we will book a return visit.

The young staff especially Katie and Jambi make the guests feel special and welcome The rooms are nice and well maintained but a bit careless in restocking water and coffee the location is grand and central Breakfast is a bit lame it's a good place to stay

Very elegant Oder historic hotel in Glasgow next to central train station. Convenient walk to city center shopping all within a short walk, abundance of restaurants. Staff is superb. Glasgow is known for the people. They say here what makes them different is the people. I noticed it right away from cab driver to hotel to restaurants. The people are so much friendlier than Edinburgh. It's night and day.

Tea in the observatory was amazing, the view is grand, but the food is the star here. The best tea sandwiches I'd ever had! The salmon has a little tiny ball of cucumber. Starter was goat cheese in a pistachio cone with little balls of balsamic vinegar that looked like cavier. For Sammie's also a nice egg&chicken salad. The scones are the star along with fresh raspberry jam and cream, they rival my own(if they don't beat). Also I'm not much of a pudding person but the panda cotta with passion fruit topping was amazing. A absolute delight. Mathew was our server and also Cairghn (hope I spelled correctly) who was brilliant, engaging and kind. Must recommend

An exquisite and vast hotel, beautifully decorated in an understated but elegant style. Just had drinks in the upstairs bar (Saturday 07/07/18) but have not eaten here yet. Service was good, but not great given the prices charged. We had quite a wait for the drinks menu and our drinks were slow to arrive at our table. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio (one of the cheapest on the wine list at £29.00) to share between three, but never got the tap water we also asked for. Other similarly priced hotels in Belfast will ensure glasses of water and complimentary olives/ nibbles are immediately placed on tables, so Grand Central Hotel is definitely currently lagging behind the competition - but it's still early days so maybe they'll improve over time. Nice to visit once to see what all the fuss is about, except I don't think I'd rush back due to the overpriced drinks and second-rate service.

Beautiful modern hotel with terrific amenities, comfortable, quiet rooms. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel were very good and service was friendly and fine. I enjoyed my short stay in the heart of Belfast.

This has to be my favourite hotel stay ever! First of all the staff are amazing. So friendly & ensure everything is done to make your visit perfect. We had dinner & cocktails before going to the observatory for some more! Rooms perfect with the best amenities. Breakfast has everything you could possibly want & more.

Phenomenal , the grand central Hotel Belfast is possibly my best experience yet , the food was unbelievable ive never tasted such delicate and beautiful courses. The service was so personal and just exceptional all in all . If you are thinking of going ... do it . Worth every penny . Inside is absolutely beautiful aswell and the observatory was stunning