The 5* Merchant Hotel on Waring Street in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is one of the most beautiful hotels in Ireland. The former headquarters of the Ulster Bank, this Grade A listed building received a multi-million-pound rejuvenation under the hands of local businessman and entrepreneur, Bill Wolsey, and opened its doors in 2005. The original building began construction in 1857 with the main facade of the building having an Italianate style, popular with High Victorian architecture of the time. A meticulous renovation of the central banking hall, now the ‘Great Room’ involved a year’s worth of hand painted gilding to the ceiling alone. The Merchant is Belfast’s only AA 5 Red Star hotel.
The hotel comprises 62 highly appointed rooms and suites, in two very contrasting styles. The original part of the hotel is overwhelmingly furnished in a Victorian style. Lavish soft furnishings in deep red velvets and opulent silks, period works of art and beautiful furniture of the time adorn these fabulous high-ceilinged rooms. On the other side of the property, the newer extension that was added in 2010 you will find a different Art Deco influence. The rooms are reflective of that period – sleek lines and vibrant colors are set in uncompromising patterns and distinct angular, symmetrical deco shapes. The bedrooms are large and light with marble bathrooms, ‘Hollywood Style’ vanity mirrors and period Corbusier chairs. The Art Deco Twin bedded rooms, in particular, are ideal for two golfers sharing as there is ample space for man and machinery!
The hotel also has several beautifully appointed suites – Junior Loft Suites and five Sumptuous Suites. These are the epitome of luxury, with four-poster beds (in some), stunning antique furniture throughout, original fireplaces, marble bathrooms with roll top baths and rain soak showers.
The entire ambiance of the Merchant Hotel screams luxury and decadence. The Cocktail Bar is the place ‘to see and be seen’ and is where in 2010 it won World’s Best Cocktail Bar and has also been home to the world’s most expensive cocktail in the past! Adjacent is the ‘Great Room’ where breakfast is served each morning, Afternoon Tea is iconic and, in the evening, where fine dining is simply an experience not to be missed. The weekend vibe, with regular jazz and blues entertainment, creates a lively yet relaxed ambiance. The Champagne Bar, just off the Great Room is for pure indulgence where you can sample the best of champagnes from around the world in the most luxurious surroundings.
Further additions to the food and beverage offerings come in the shape of ‘Bert’s Jazz Bar’ and also the more traditional ‘Cloth Ear.’ Bert’s is laid out to reflect the old New Orleans’s Jazz Clubs with all the glitz and ambiance you would expect. Dinner is served nightly, and the entertainment is always right on key. If, however, you are looking for something a little more ‘traditional’ the Cloth Ear pub is where you will find great Irish pub grub, live sport, great company, and a great atmosphere.
For those looking for a little pampering and relaxation, the Merchant won’t disappoint either. The spa has a range of fabulous treatments to soothe those bodies after a tough day on the links, and there is a thermal and hydrotherapy suite compromising sauna, steam room, hydro-pool, experience showers, and ice fountains to revive the body and soul! Also, the rooftop gym provides all of the latest fitness equipment is guests are looking for something more rigorous. Topping it all off is the rooftop, outdoor hot tub overlooking the city skyline, where you can sit back and take in the sights and sounds of Belfast.
The Merchant is a fabulous base for your golf vacation. Since the full benefits of the peace process have befallen the city, it has grown and grown in confidence and is now witnessing a massive influx of visitors annually. The hotel is located in the revitalized Cathedral Quarter with many and varied restaurants and bars literally on its doorstep, so you don’t have to wander far to get a real sense of the very welcoming Belfast atmosphere. Moreover, in the same way as Killarney has been a golf hub for the southwest of Ireland, Belfast is becoming the same for Northern Ireland with the likes of Royal Portrush, Royal Co. Down and Portstewart a maximum of 1hour 20minutes away from the city, so it is easy commuting whilst having all of the entertainment options you could wish for on hand.
The Merchant is the perfect base from which to start or end your golf trip to Northern Ireland.