Stay & Play

The Evolution of the Grand Central Hotel Belfast

by Cherie DeLory

It’s Northern Ireland’s newest, largest, and most expensive hotel. The Grand Central Hotel Belfast, in the capital city, is a nostalgic ode to its inspiration, the Grand Central Hotel (GC) on Royal Avenue. Ireland’s belle of hotels opened in 1893 and hosted the who’s who of politicians and celebrities, until closing in 1971 due to civil unrest during the Troubles. It became a base camp for the British Army and was the target of terrorist bombings. The building was eventually demolished in 1984 and would become the Castle Court shopping centre, now the third largest in Northern Ireland.

The reincarnation of the Grand Central Hotel, conveniently located minutes from City Hall and Belfast Central Train Station, is a converted office building on Bedford Street. It’s an homage to the glory days of its predecessor, where guests stayed prior to travelling on the maiden voyage of the White Star Liner RMS Titanic in 1912, and was host to the gala dinner. The wall in the dining area on the first floor boasts a whimsical art installation of the authentic silverware and dishes from the dinner. Enjoy a botanical cocktail and panoramic views of the city and Belfast Hills in the Observatory Lounge on the 23rd floor, the highest bar in Ireland.

Nearby must-dos include the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum in the Queen’s Quarter, Belfast Castle, Titanic Belfast, and a brownie at Co Couture.

“The hotel has really became an iconic landmark and venue in Belfast and Northern Ireland,” says General Manager Stephen Meldrum.

www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com