The Merchant Hotel
Hotel · Belfast
16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ, United Kingdom
Highlights
Grand Victorian/Art Deco hotel, spa, jazz bar, rooftop gym
Grand Victorian/Art Deco hotel, spa, jazz bar, rooftop gym
"An upscale Belfast hotel recommended for visitors attending the nearby Open site, notable for offering arrangements such as transfers to the rural course for guests who prefer city-based luxury lodging." - Kelsey Ogletree Kelsey Ogletree Kelsey Ogletree is a Chicago-based writer and editor. When she's not chasing down a story, her idea of a perfect night is whipping up a batch of cookies, then curling up on the couch with her husband, rescue kitty Monty, and a good book. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A luxurious hotel in a restored Ulster Bank building, known for its opulence, art deco and Victorian wings, and multiple dining options."
"For another A+ option, Belfast’s most upscale hotel, The Merchant, is an imposing Italianate building from the 1800s. Aside from its curb appeal, it’s also home to an excellent restaurant, Bert’s Jazz Bar, with—you guessed it—live jazz every night. And don’t miss the luxurious candlelit spa in the basement. For unbeatable views of the city, head to the rooftop gym and outdoor hot tub."
"Along with Belfast’s commercial rebirth as a hip capital comes new life for the former headquarters of the Ulster Bank, a mid-19th century Italianate building that’s still collecting cash as the city’s coolest pad. The Merchant one-ups Belfast’s other boutique hotels with its private club vibe, the best beds in town, 24-hour room service, and a silver Bentley Arnage available for airport transfers. Located in a cobbled quarter that’s buzzing with restaurants, galleries, and clubs, the chic 62-room hotel screams exclusivity right down to fine dining at the Great Room Restaurant on the former banking floor and state-of-the-art sound in the vaults at Ollie’s Club, the city's hottest nightclub. Spacious guest rooms feature striped plush wool carpets, aubergine walls, antique mirrors and artwork, custom-designed furnishings, plus complimentary wireless, while huge bathrooms come with large rain showers, heated mirrors and towel bars, and a soft light over the tub so you can bathe without being in the dark or full light. The service was lovely and very warm. Staff seems to be young and polished, except for the head concierge, William, an elegant older gentleman who is full of charm, chat, and great tips on Belfast culture. With its vaulted ceiling, enameled glass dome, towering Corinthian columns topped by gold-leafed capitals, ornate plasterwork, crystal chandelier, rare clavi-harp dating back to 1830, and a menu just as grand, the Great Room Restaurant earns its name. And the Victorian-style cocktail bar and a sleek contemporary Private Members and Residents Bar are just as glam. Listen up at the casual ground-floor pub called the Cloth Ear—the name comes from the hotel’s owner, Bill Wolsey, whose mum used to ask him if he had cloth ears, meaning that he wasn’t listening to her. At The Merchant, even the ice is five-star—Fiji Water is frozen into blocks, hand-sawed into cubes, placed in glasses, and frozen in a blast freezer for the ultimate chilled cocktail. Brown spirits come with large ice balls that melt so slowly they last through two drinks without melting. For $1,500, you can score a cocktail of rare 17-year-old Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum, orange curacao, and almond-flavored orgeat—they’ve sold three so far."
"The 5-star Merchant Hotel is in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast's city centre. It offers luxurious air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a spa, and a rooftop gymnasium and hot tub. The Merchant is the winner of the Best UK Hotel 2011 award in the International Hotel Awards. All of the elegantly appointed rooms are decorated with original artwork. They each have black-out blinds, a flat-screen TV, and spacious en suite marble bathrooms. The Merchant is a Grade I Listed building dating back to 1860. Its Great Room Restaurant has a huge domed ceiling and offers a fine à la carte menu and traditional afternoon teas. There is a selection of bars, and an elegant on-site nightclub to enjoy, including the Veuve clicquot champagne lounge. Berts Jazz Bar serves food and has live music 7 nights a week. The Spa has 5 treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy area. There is also a sauna and a steam room located on the rooftop." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
