The Merchant Hotel occupies a 1860 building designated as a national monument, in the historic cathedral quarter of Belfast. Five stars, 62 rooms spread across six floors, a restaurant with two AA rosettes and a full spa: the address embodies the prestige segment of Northern Ireland's capital.

Why choose The Merchant Hotel

The establishment brings together three assets rarely found combined elsewhere in Belfast: a strong heritage setting (former Ulster Bank headquarters, listed Victorian facade), recognised gastronomic offering (The Great Room with its original chandelier beneath a glass dome), and a central location in the Cathedral Quarter, within walking distance of the city's main cultural attractions. Service is English-speaking and available 24/7.

Atmosphere: between Victorian and Art Deco

Two design registers coexist within the house. The historic section cultivates the building's original Victorian spirit: period textiles, bespoke furniture, mirrors and artworks punctuate the common spaces and much of the rooms. A second set of bedrooms embraces Art Deco, lighter in feel, with furnishings inspired by Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier alongside artworks commissioned specifically for the hotel. The result is a characterful hotel where décor plays a central role, without sacrificing contemporary comforts: individual climate control, high-speed wifi, 32-inch LCD TVs with thematic channels.

Rooms and suites

The six-storey building contains 62 rooms and suites. Depending on category, you stay in the Victorian wing or the Art Deco wing. Spaces are generously proportioned, bathrooms feature a large bathtub and rainfall shower. Suites occupy the upper floors and overlook the rooftops of the Cathedral Quarter.

Room amenities

• Individual climate control
• Complimentary high-speed wifi
• 32-inch LCD TV, digital thematic channels
• Bathroom with bathtub and rainfall shower

Dining and bars

The Great Room is the hotel's flagship address: two AA rosettes, original Victorian interior, glass dome and monumental chandelier. The cuisine highlights seasonal produce and the wine list is comprehensive. Service covers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

On the bar side, two complementary atmospheres:

• Cloth Ear: reimagined Irish pub, more refined than a traditional pub, carefully curated drinks menu.
• Berts Jazz Bar: dedicated jazz bar, live programming, cocktail selection.

Spa and services

The spa spans five treatment rooms and features a hot tub, sauna, massage room, hammam and treatments in aromatherapy or hydrotherapy. Other notable services: 24/7 concierge, babysitting on request, accessibility for guests with reduced mobility.

The hotel has no on-site parking. A valet service takes your vehicle and parks it at GO Car Park on High Street. For transport, the establishment provides a shuttle service in an Executive Car or Mercedes People Carrier.

Location

Address: 16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ. You are in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, in close proximity to St Anne's Cathedral and the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre). Waterfront Hall and SSE Arena are quickly accessible, and Titanic Belfast can be reached on foot in around twenty minutes along the River Lagan.

Nearby attractions

• St Anne's Cathedral: within walking distance, in the same quarter.
• MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre): Belfast's leading contemporary art centre.
• Titanic Belfast: maritime museum in the Titanic Quarter, approximately 20 minutes on foot.
• SSE Arena and Waterfront Hall: major entertainment venues in the city.

To prepare your stay in Northern Ireland's capital, consult our comprehensive Belfast guide.

Book your stay

The Merchant Hotel fits naturally into a prestige itinerary across the island. Discover our trips to Ireland and their extensions to Belfast and Northern Ireland.