What it is

A 300-room legend since 1893, made new for the next generation in a sleek 23-story tower.

What it isn't

Hungry. Three restaurants on-site include a 23rd floor sky bar observatory that gives you a bird’s eye view of Belfast.

What we think

Everyone from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones to Winston Churchill stayed at the original building of this property...if you need proof that it’s up to snuff for your rising star. Now that the icon has been newly rebuilt in a shimmering tower, it will lure centuries of style cognoscenti to come, thanks to groundbreaking restaurants and cozy rooms fitted with ESPA toiletries and cozier-than-you-can-believe Cloud Beds. We especially love that the hotel offers a breakfast spread that’s almost entirely locavore (you don’t want to miss the Bushmills Whiskey Porridge).

You're here because

Honestly? Beyond the storied history, you’re here for location, location, location. The hotel is in the gentrifying Linen Quarter, just 10 minutes from the Titanic museum, 28 minutes from Belfast International Airport and 90 from Dublin. Easy, breezy, beautiful.

The Moment

You occasionally dream that you can fly, but now you’re all but living the fantasy. Lofted above the city for a Celestial Afternoon Tea in the Observatory, you feel like you can see every corner of the emerald isle. Not that you can peer out the windows for long, with a menu like this. Will you start with the Glenarm smoked salmon and horseradish creme fraiche sandwich? The buttermilk scone with clotted cream? Or a praline choux bun? You throw caution to the wind and just devour it all. It’s all so conversation-worthy it’s good “craic,” as they say in old Eire.

Restaurants & Bars

Seahorse Restaurant - Carefully-selected local and seasonal quality foods under the supervision of Executive Head Chef, Damian Tumilty

Grand Café - Perfect for a long latte, bistro bite or simply a glass of Sauvignon

The Observatory - Tallest bar in all of Ireland serving cocktails and drinks

Seahorse Lounge & Bar - Superb array of drinks and tasty treats from dawn to dusk

Location

Tony Bedford street, just a few blocks from City Hall and the charming boutiques of the shopping district.