Europa Hotel

In the 1970s and 1980s the Europa Hotel was unfortunately well-known for all the wrong reasons.  Although it offered impressive 4 star accommodation in the heart of the city, it earned the reputation as being 'the most bombed hotel in the world' and the nickname 'the Hardboard Hotel' as its windows were constantly boarded up after city centre blasts during the 'Troubles'.  Thankfully those days are long gone and the hotel's glory days have returned after a multi-million refurbishment programme around 20 years ago, and it now attracts some of the city's most salubrious visitors, from A-list celebrities to American Presidents.

An extension in 2008 means that it offers an impressive 272 bedrooms, including 92 executive suites and a 12th floor Penthouse, making it Northern Ireland's largest hotel.  There's an understated grandeur throughout that flows from the lobby through to the restaurant and on to the bedrooms.  The double beds are enormous and when coupled with tasteful Ralph Lauren bedding, they promise a good night's sleep after a busy day of sight seeing.

 The hotel's location is ideal for checking out the city's key attractions.  It's nestled beside the Grand Opera House and only a short walk from the main shopping drag and Belfast's City Hall.  There may be trendier boutique hotels on offer in Belfast these days but the Europa is steeped in history and offers charm in spades... It also sits opposite the legendary Crown Liquor Saloon and that's got to be considered a huge bonus!