Belfast’s Merchant Hotel opened in 2006 in an Italianate- style bank that retains most of its heritage features, including sculptured figures & urns atop the building’s façade. You can avoid having 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 High Victorian style of this listed property includes a restaurant encircled by a magnificent frieze adorned with fruit & foliage & plump cherubs sitting on Corinthian columns.The Merchant has 21 rooms & five suites, all lavishly decorated with antiques, original art & custom-made furnishings. All have a desk, bureau, overstuffed chairs, flat-screen TV & CD/DVD player. Our only complaint was the insufficient lighting, which made it difficult just to see the contents of our suitcase, let alone attempt to read a book or newspaper.
The spacious bathrooms have heated mirrors & towel bars. In some rooms, the bathroom is a step below the bedroom floor, a potential hazard in the middle of the night. The hotel has a billiard room, two bars, a nightclub, an adjacent pub & 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; considerably lower 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 help push forward the peace talks, he stayed at the Europa. Known as the most bombed hotel in Europe (targeted nine times by the IRA), the four-star hotel is popular with journalists & visiting VIPs. Pillars in front distinguished the hotel from the neighboring Grand Opera House, & an impressive burning fireplace warms the lobby.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1022367
