User:ThereseCarey939
Belfast's Merchant Hotel opened in 2006 in an Italianate- type financial institution that retains most of its heritage characteristics, like sculptured figures and urns atop the constructing's façade. You can avoid getting to climb the steep exterior staircase at the front by going to the side door, past the black iron, gold- embellished fence. Inside, the ornate Substantial Victorian type of this listed house includes a restaurant encircled by a magnificent frieze adorned with fruit and foliage and plump cherubs sitting on Corinthian columns.The Merchant has 21 rooms and 5 suites, all lavishly decorated with antiques, unique art and custom-created furnishings. All have a desk, bureau, overstuffed chairs, flat-display Television and CD/DVD player. Our only complaint was the insufficient lighting, which produced it hard just to see the contents of our suitcase, let alone attempt to study a book or newspaper. The spacious bathrooms have heated mirrors and towel bars. In some rooms, the bathroom is a step under the bedroom floor, a prospective hazard in the middle of the evening. The hotel has a billiard space, two bars, a nightclub, an adjacent pub and an art gallery. Guests have complimentary access to the Holiday Inn's leisure facilities. You can also hire the hotel's Bentley complete with chauffeur. Doubles from about $450 in summer time considerably reduced out of season. 35-39 Waring Street. Tel: 44-289-023-4888. Fax: 44-289-024-7775. http://www.themerchanthotel.com.When Bill Clinton went to Belfast in 1995 to aid push forward the peace talks, he stayed at the Europa. Known as the most bombed hotel in Europe (targeted nine occasions by the IRA), the four-star hotel is well-known with journalists and going to VIPs. Pillars in front distinguished the hotel from the neighboring Grand Opera Property, and an extraordinary burning fireplace warms the lobby. The 235 rooms and five suites are spacious and decorated with excellent taste, while not with the degree of elegance located in the Merchant Hotel. Red was the dominant color in our space, with its burl-faced bureau, desk and finish tables. All rooms have a trouser press, iron and ironing board, coffeemaker, flat-screen digital Television and CD player. The huge bathrooms have a separate shower. The hotel has a business center, two restaurants and a piano bar. Wheelchair accessible. Doubles from about $240. Great Victoria Street. Tel: 44-289- 027-1066. Fax: 44-289-032-7800. http://www.hastingshotels.com.Deane's Restaurant & Bar, the very first restaurant in Northern Ireland to receive a Michelin star, is surprisingly informal. Located a 5-minute stroll from the Europa, it`s a single of 4 operated by Michael Deane. Our meal started out with a extremely nice foie gras and chicken liver parfait with spice fig chutney and brioche. Pan-fried halibut with parsley and potato emulsion and smoked bacon accompanied by a peashoot salad was tasty but slightly as well salty. Chocolate tart with Jersey ice cream had a wonderfully intense chocolate flavor. Dinner for two, ahead of wine, about $140. 36-40 Howard Street. Tel: 44-289-033-1134. http://www.michaeldeane.co.uk.On his pay a visit to to Londonderry (named Derry by the Catholics), the Dalai Lama stayed at the City Hotel, a quick walk from the walls encircling the old city. The 4-star hotel has 140 rooms and 5 suites. Ask for one particular overlooking the River Foyle. Our space had a fine view, but the décor was performed by someone with no colour sense--a rust carpet, two cream walls and a single dark blue, two purple chairs, one black leather desk chair. The room was clean but the smaller bathroom had mold around the tub. There's a business center, a 49-ft. pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi, steam space and monsoon shower. We did not attempt the restaurant, but one particular can get a decent drink at the separate bar. Guest parking is free. Doubles from about $185. Queens Quay. Tel: 44-287-136-5800. http://www.cityhotelderry.com.There's tiny doubt why Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle was voted the Ideal Hotel in Northern Ireland in a Tv poll. The castle-like red-brick railroad hotel was constructed in 1898 to accommodate persons coming for "sea water baths." A spa, opened in 2006, is catering to their descendants. There are 172 rooms and six suites, varying in size and shape. All have modern furnishings and amenities. Try for a front-facing space for views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne mountains. The spa has a steam area, sauna, gymnasium and Zen studio providing yoga and tai chi. Lights at evening turn the pool into a romantic grotto. There's also a pub, lounge bar, juice bar and classy restaurant serving a total Irish breakfast. The golf course at nearby Royal County Down draws champions, such as Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer, while adjacent to the course is an a lot easier one particular, Annesley Back links. Hotel doubles from about $400, together with breakfast. Downs Rd. Tel: 44-284-372-1066. Fax: 44-284-372-4830. http://www.hastingshotels.com.
