Upon arriving at the luxurious Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast, you are warmly welcomed by sophisticated doormen dressed impeccably in silk attire and top-hats, setting a delightful tone for your visit.
This initial impression only gets better as you explore the 146-room, 5-star hotel in the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Situated next to the Grand Opera House on the bustling Great Victoria Street, the hotel offers a convenient location for exploring the city’s attractions.
As you step through one of the two entrances from the busy streets, you are greeted by a spacious lobby adorned with plentiful seating and two remarkable collections of books covering a wide range of topics from novels and biographies to historical references of Belfast and Ireland, including the nation’s sporting triumphs in rugby and soccer.
The vibrant color palette of the lobby captures attention, with pink leather couches, wall-padding, and backdrop behind the reception desk contrasting elegantly with gray floor tiles, wall columns, carpets, and plush seating resembling thrones. The twenty-foot high glass walls overlook Grosvenor Road, a prominent thoroughfare in Belfast, while an inviting gas-fed fire adds a cozy touch. Upstairs, ambient-lit corridors, mirrored doors, and vintage wall lamps create a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era in this friendly city nestled between the Black Mountain and River Lagan. The vintage rotary dial telephones in the rooms further enhance the nostalgic feel.
Our well-appointed room, 711, offered panoramic views of the downtown area, including the striking Victorian twin towers of Inst, a historic 19th-century college, and the iconic ‘Napoleon’s Nose’ geological feature in the distance. The room featured comfortable furnishings such as a turquoise Queen Anne style sofa, a spacious TV, and a sleek writing desk with smoked glass panels above, complemented by elongated hanging ceiling lamps on either side. The chic black decor, reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s style, added a touch of elegance.
Dining experiences at the hotel are exquisite, with food and drinks served at tall Regal-like seating in the restaurant. The menu boasts a variety of options including steak, salmon, venison, hake, and duck. I opted for a starter of basil and olive marinated burrata with crispy prosciutto, followed by a sizzling sirloin with delectable accompaniments like bone marrow, roast plum tomato, portobello mushroom, and Béarnaise sauce. The menu’s highlight was the traditional Irish dish, boxty, adding a unique touch to the meal.
The hotel’s bar offers a selection of classic cocktails and local drinks, including gins and whiskies from nearby towns, and beers with local flavors from Whitewater Brewery in Castlewellan. The wine selection spans across various countries, catering to diverse preferences.
Breakfast at the hotel is a substantial affair, offering a range of options including the ‘full Irish’ breakfast. For the health-conscious, choices like toasted sourdough bread with smoked salmon and avocado are available. The Fitzwilliam Hotel may lack a spa, gym, or pool, but it compensates with a cozy ground-floor cocktail bar featuring live weekend music.
Belfast’s charm and The Fitzwilliam Hotel’s hospitality make it a compelling choice for a memorable stay in this delightful city.
Image Source: Audley Travel
