The Merchant Hotel is an intimate, sumptuous property, situated in the historical Cathedral Quarter of Belfast's city centre. It is housed in a magnificent Grade 1 listed building, which started life in 1860 as the headquarters of The Ulster Bank and has been sensitively restored to its original splendour. The architectural grandeur of the exterior and the opulence of the interior (especially in the Great Room) are combined with an excellence of service and warmth of welcome that immediately sets guests at their ease. Accommodation at the hotel comprises 26 guestrooms, including 5 suites. All the rooms are elegantly and opulently appointed and offer air conditioning, black out curtains, high-speed wireless internet access, flat screen televisions, spacious en-suites with travertine marble and every other luxury imaginable. The hotel also offers a wide array of dining options.
The jewel in the crown of this superlative Grade A listed building is the former main banking hall, which now houses the stunning “Great Room Restaurant”. Sculptures around its huge dome symbolise Science, Poetry, Sculpture and Music. It is open for breakfast, lunch, traditional afternoon tea and dinner, with menus that unite influences from around the world, while honouring the best of traditional Irish, British and French classics.
The Victorian Grandeur of the building is abundantly evident in “The Bar”, with its ornate ceilings, silk damask walls, antique Baccarat chandeliers and a cocktail list to which all the superlatives apply. Alternatively, the Cloth Ear is The Merchant Hotel’s comfortable public bar. Its warm and welcoming interior provides the ideal environment in which to relax and enjoy oneself in style.