2 Best Hotels in Central District, Northern Ireland

A mix of glorious Victorian grandeur and Art Deco–inspired modernity, this hotel—regarded by some as Ireland's most spectacular—was built as the headquarters of Ulster Bank in the mid-19th century and still leads the way in style and sophistication. Once past the exuberantly Italianate facade, made of formidable Giffnock sandstone and crowned with a dramatic group of sculptures, you are greeted with a marble riot of tall urns, fruit, foliage designs, and plump ebullient cherubs on show, climaxing in the magnificent Great Room restaurant (the former banking hall) with Ireland's biggest chandelier. Upstairs, the ornate guest rooms come with antique furnishings, works of art, rich fabrics, and enormous flat-screen TVs. Children can hear a recorded bedtime story, "The Children of Lir," specially narrated for the hotel by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt. There's an underground spa with five treatment rooms and a champagne nail bar; afterward, repair to the cool Bert's Jazz Bar, which serves French bistro–style food—ranging from moules frites to chateaubriand—in an informal setting. Sink into the rooftop hot tub or while you work out in the gym enjoy panoramic views over the city skyline.

Best value room rates are available through online booking via the hotel website.

Step inside this city-center hotel and you will feel the refreshing glow of a place that has been given a £9 million makeover and upped its game. The bar and restaurant have benefited from a crisp new look, while the reception has introduced self-check-in kiosks to help speed up the process at busy times. But it's the 80-bedroom extension that steals the show, where pebble-gray decor and burnt-orange furnishings set the scene. Most coveted are the spacious executive rooms, which along with the superior rooms, are stylishly dressed with king-size beds, a/c, walk-in showers, individual toiletries, and free soft drinks. Each new room is also decorated with a large wallpaper mural showing local landmarks. The Kitchen menu is perfectly adequate for dinner (rather than the more formal restaurant) and showcases burgers, chicken, artisanal pizzas, and a range of healthy options including Greek, Caesar, or farmhouse salads at an average price of £17. But if you wish to venture out, there is a vast choice of eateries on your doorstep and attractions such as the Grand Opera House one block away.