Fancy Stay: House Belfast

Ooh I do like a fancy stay. A night when I say fuck it, I’m not staying a hostel and splash out on a cool, boutique hotel. (A side effect of being 30, maybe?)

But this edition of fancy stay goodness is actually from a press trip I went on to Northern Ireland a couple of months ago (read about my Game Of Thrones tour over here, it was epic!). We stayed at House Belfast for 2 nights as part of the trip and I just thought it was so cool that I had to tell you about it.

House Belfast

House Belfast is located on Botanic Avenue, surrounded by lots of restaurants and cafes. It’s quite a busy area and feels like there’s a lot going on around here. Which is nice if you don’t want to stray too far.

But let’s talk about the hotel itself. And I definitely need to start with the creme de la creme of this place: the bar. The bar/restaurant area is open plan with really cool decor and furnishings. It feels like East London with floral wallpaper, retro lampshades, colourful chairs and quirky pineapple lights. But the bar… THE BAR.

I’m sorry, I’m just going to have to show you because WOW.

Yep, I could sit here all night with a cocktail, pal! And the cocktails were really good by the way. (Okay, I had mocktails because pregnant, but still, delicious.)

We had a meal there one night too which was really lovely. I mean, I feel like I can’t comment on the food fully because I was in my first trimester and nothing tasted good to me (literally the case in most of my blog posts these days!) but everyone I was with enjoyed  it! And I just really loved the refreshing drinks and cool decor, so I was happy.

Oh but I did REALLY enjoy breakfast – good pancakes, pal.

 

The rooms are decorated just a nicely as downstairs, with a bit of a vintage feel to them. My double room was painted pink with art deco wallpaper, quirky artwork and retro furniture. It was quite small for a double, but I think you expect that when you’re in a big city, right?

Plus, it had a comfy bed, a coffee machine and Netflix on the TV so I mean, what more could you ask for?

But there’s just one downside to House Belfast, so here’s a heads up: it’s loud.

The bar/restaurant actually turns into a bit of a nightclub at night, with a live DJ and loud music. They do provide ear plugs in every room, but some of the people I was with on the trip with had real trouble sleeping with the noise.

I was totally fine, but I don’t need silence to sleep. I didn’t even use the ear plugs. I think it has something to do with growing up in London though, I prefer noise to silence. But it’s worth noting that if you’re a light sleeper this probably isn’t the place for you.

Overall I thought House Belfast was a cool place to stay. I think it would be fab if you’re in Belfast for a weekend with friends, and want somewhere fun and buzzing that will also look good on your Instagram grid. This is the one. (Check out their website over here.)

DID YOU SEE THAT BAR THOUGH? Can’t stop thinking about it…

Would you stay at House Belfast?

Let me know in the comments or head over to my Twitter and Instagram accounts for regular updates on my travels and life more generally.

Total Blogger Transparency: I enjoyed a complimentary stay at House Belfast as part of a press trip with Tourism Ireland, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.