The Merchant Hotel Belfast Interior photo

The Merchant Hotel Belfast Amenities photo

Key details

About the Hotel

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DY

In the heart of Belfast's City Centre

Great

8.9

9.3

/10

4.7

4.5

Loved by The Merchant Hotel guests

Gorgeous rooms

Delicious cocktails

Attentive staff

Wonderful experience

Charming personality

"The hotel is gorgeous and the Victorian Great room with its chandelier and open dome skylight is absolutely beautiful."

Shaun H from United Kingdom

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"We had a jazz dinner in Berts which was perfect. a truly special experience"

Michael from Ireland

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"Beautiful hotel extremely well maintained, reminded us of the opulent and lavish days in the late 1800 - early 1900."

Christian from Canada

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The Merchant Hotel, a 5 AA Red Star hotel, showcases a blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco luxury in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast. Notable amenities include three on-site restaurants, an award-winning cocktail bar, and a luxurious spa, all positioned at the heart of the city's vibrant nightlife.

Rooms & Amenities

The Merchant Hotel features 63 individually furnished rooms with options in Victorian and Art Deco styles. Each room offers premium bedding, a flat-screen TV, and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers and separate bathtubs.

Dining Options

Dining options at The Merchant include The Great Room Restaurant, known for its seven-course tasting menu, and Bert's Jazz Bar offering French bistro-style food with live jazz music. Additionally, the Cloth Ear pub provides traditional dishes and upmarket pub grub.

Leisure & Spa

Leisure facilities include a rooftop gym featuring cardio equipment, weights, a sauna, and a rooftop hot tub with panoramic city views. The spa offers treatments such as massages and hydrotherapy in a candlelit, relaxed atmosphere.

Business & Events

The Merchant Hotel provides extensive event spaces, ideal for functions ranging from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Business amenities include wireless internet, personal pagers for event staff, and advanced audio-visual equipment.

“This hotel impresses with its grand architecture and meticulous attention to detail, setting a high bar for accommodations in Belfast. I'm particularly drawn to its commitment to both luxury and historical preservation, reflected in the unique spa and Michelin-quality dining. Its central location makes it ideal for experiencing the city's vibrant cultural scene.”

Sophia TurnerEditorial Director at Spahotels

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Phenomenal

Breakfast in the Great Room was a highlight. The mimosas, made with leftover room service champagne, were a treat.

Olivia from United States

Review on

Spa & LeisureRooftop Relaxation

The rooftop jacuzzi offered clocktower views. There was also a sauna with city views and an aromatherapy steam room.

Kenji from Japan

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Guest ParkingHassle-Free Parking

Parking was easy. I parked just metres away and the charge was added to the room bill.

Abdul from Australia

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BathroomLuxurious Bath

The Art Deco room had a huge bath and a separate shower. The water pressure was the best.

Chloe from Canada

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Choose your room type

The Merchant Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
room details
Suite
2 persons
455 sq. feet
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet
2 Queen Size Beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Merchant Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services

Spa & Leisure

Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Jacuzzi
Massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Merchant Hotel offers a delightful array of dining experiences that immerse guests in local flavors and charming atmospheres. From elegant meals to traditional afternoon teas, each venue ensures an authentic taste of the region, complemented by warm hospitality.

The Merchant Hotel Belfast Restaurant photo

The Great Room Restaurant

Local fine dining

Ambiance

Featuring a traditional and romantic setting with opulent decor, The Great Room Restaurant provides a serene backdrop for every meal.

Key Offerings

Savor a fine à la carte menu showcasing local specialties, alongside celebrated traditional afternoon teas that offer a delightful pause in the day.

Reservation

Recommended for high tea and dinner.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and high tea; hours may vary.

Location

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DY

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Titanic Belfast

1.2 mi

Public Building

City Hall

2300 ft

Stadium

The SSE Arena

3500 ft

Event hall

Waterfront Hall

2300 ft

Event hall

Ulster Hall

3400 ft

Museum

SS Nomadic

1.0 mi

Library

The Linen Hall Library

2200 ft

Museum

Ulster Museum

1.3 mi

Garden

Botanic Gardens

1.3 mi

University

Queen's University

1.2 mi

Opera House

Grand Opera House

3800 ft

Church

St Peter's Cathedral

1.1 mi

Nearby

Market

St George's Market

2000 ft

Donegall Quay

The Big Fish

1300 ft

17 Queens Square

Albert Memorial Clock Tower

1400 ft

Shopping Area

Victoria Square Shopping Centre

1200 ft

Museum

Royal Ulster Rifles Museum

300 ft

Library

Belfast Central Library

1600 ft

Church

Belfast Cathedral

1200 ft

Museum

1700 ft

49 Malone Road 1st Floor

Ulster Historical Foundation

900 ft

BelfastNorthern Ireland

Cathedral Quarter

500 ft

Church

Sinclair Seamens Presbyterian Church

1300 ft

Europa Buscentre Gt. Victoria Street

Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker

300 ft

Church

St George's Church

300 ft

1 Arthur Square

Spirit of Belfast

900 ft

Bridge

Lagan Weir and Lookout

1100 ft

Square

Thanksgiving Square

1100 ft

Restaurants

The Cloth Ear

200 ft

33 Waring Street

Pizza Punks Belfast

200 ft

20-22 Waring Street

The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel

200 ft

16 Skipper Street The Merchant Hotel

The Spaniard

100 ft

3 Skipper Street

2 Taps

300 ft

Cotton Court 42 Waring Street

21 Social

200 ft

1 Hill Street Cotton Court

The Dirty Onion

400 ft

Hill Street

Explore Belfast

Local Highlights Near The Merchant Hotel

City Hall

9 minutes' walk

City Hall features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, often hosting free tours that highlight Belfast's rich history.

St George's Market

8 minutes' walk

A vibrant food market, St George's offers local produce, crafts, and live music, particularly bustling during weekends.

Titanic Belfast

25 minutes walking

Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic with interactive exhibits and memorabilia, ideal for history enthusiasts.

The SSE Arena

13 minutes' walk

A major venue for concerts and sports events, The SSE Arena hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the year.

Biking at Ormeau Park

5 minutes' drive

Ormeau Park offers picturesque trails for biking, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature.

Ulster Museum

25 minutes walking

With art, history, and natural sciences, Ulster Museum provides enriching experiences suitable for all ages.

The Cloth Ear

1 minute' walk

A casual pub atmosphere serving local dishes and craft beers, perfect for relaxed dining in the heart of Belfast.

Pizza Punks Belfast

1 minute' walk

A lively spot for gourmet pizzas, where guests can customize their own toppings in a vibrant setting.

The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel

1 minute' walk

Known for its exquisite cocktails, this elegant bar offers a luxurious experience with a relaxed vibe.

Grand Opera House

14 minutes' walk

A historic venue featuring performances from musicals to operas, ideal for a sophisticated night out.

The Spaniard

1 minute' walk

This pub offers a cozy atmosphere with live music, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors.

Getting around

City Centre
Belfast 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
George Best Belfast City (BHD) 8 min · 3.0 mi
Belfast International (BFS) 45 min · 18.6 mi
Train
Lanyon Place Station 11 min · 3000 ft

Access exclusive early booking discounts.

Choose your spa escape today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 01:00-12:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Merchant provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Italian

Year renovated:

2010

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Merchant Hotel stands out with its stunning architecture, often described as feeling like a castle, and its central Belfast location is ideal for exploring nearby restaurants and bars. Many guests appreciate the spacious Art Deco bedrooms, with exceptionally comfortable beds. Bert's Jazz Bar and the cocktail room are often mentioned as highlights, though a few guests have noted that the cocktail menu has been reduced. The Great Room Restaurant is a popular choice, especially the breakfast in the beautiful surroundings.

Review score

Based on 7 verified reviews

7.2 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Location

9.7/10

Staff

9.4/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Facilities

8.9/10

Pros

Beautiful building

Comfortable bed

Delicious breakfast

Friendly staff

Spacious suite

Cons

Street noise

Dark rooms

Poor soundproofing

Aiden from Ireland

Single

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: July 18, 2025

7/10

friendly staff immaculate room ideal location loud noise poor breakfast dusty surface

the reception staff were excellent i found them very friendly and professional the hotel itself is beautiful breakfast was also fantastic i found plenty of choice there. the rooms were fine they were spacious really clean and elegantly decorated i appreciated the blend of classic and modern touches. the hotel's location is a standout feature it is right in the heart of the city it's the ideal base for exploring.

i stayed in a room on the skipper street side and the noise from a nearby bar was insanely loud it continued until the early hours of the morning.

0 Helpful

Dominic from United Kingdom

Family with children

Suite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 18, 2026

6/10

underwhelming experience

little flexibility rude staff

the restaurant decor was FIRST class.

i booked a junior suite. THERE was little flexibility regarding a travel cot for my son. reservations staff looked inflexible and almost rude. clearly, this hotel is not family friendly in ANY way.

0 Helpful

Dominic from United Kingdom

Family with children

Suite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

9.5/10

really good stay

staff kindness interior design suite upgrade professional service

the staff displayed kindness and accommodation to celebrate my mother and daughter's birthday making it feel special. customer service matched the Fine interior well. the hotel provided an amazing upgrade to the cslewis suite. all services felt professional and discreet.

i found the noise from a nearby club on the weekend went on till after two in the morning.

Rooms

9/10

our suite featured ample space. the bed provided great comfort. immaculate daily cleaning maintained the room well, therefore.

Location

9/10

the hotel location allows for easy access. transport proves easy with central positioning. key landmarks remain within comfortable distance, ensuring convenient sightseeing.

Dining

10/10

breakfast in the Great Room includes first class service. the choices available satisfy every taste. the cocktail bar boasts a lovely atmosphere and fantastic staff. good cocktails are expertly crafted.

Facilities

10/10

the architecture presents something amazing in every corner. the decor presents itself as very nice. each room surprises with a unique design. one experiences being transported back in time immediately.

0 Helpful

Hudson from Canada

Couple

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 04, 2026

6/10

adequate stay, some disappointments

dated décor spotty internet

The room décor felt a bit dated, especially considering the price. the advertised high-speed internet was spotty at best. I struggled to stream a movie one evening. the noise from nearby establishments late at night made it difficult to sleep comfortably. the minibar prices were exorbitant, and i was surprised there was no complimentary water provided. it overall left me somewhat deflated.

0 Helpful

Ella from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 08, 2025

9.0/10

wonderful art deco room!

spacious room large shower warm staff great location

the room was spacious with a lounge area. the bathroom included both a bath and a large shower. staff members were warm, friendly and very cute. the location is close to shopping areas and many restaurants.

i was asked to leave the cocktail bar, it was odd because i was a resident.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel building must really be experienced, it's an amazing building. the big hall is beautiful, worth a visit. Its central location makes it easy to reach by car.

Dining

9/10

the breakfast was delicious with super professional staff. the meal in bert's jazz bar was excellent, it had great music. i enjoyed the atmosphere and the great experience.

0 Helpful

Theodore from United States

Couple

Deluxe Double Room

5 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 25, 2025

6/10

small television excessive noise

My stay wasn't entirely flawless. I encountered a couple of issues. the television in my room was surprisingly small. it was difficult to see comfortably from the bed. also. The hydrotherapy room felt overcrowded, there were too many guests using it at once! the noise level was excessive. It detracted from the relaxation i expected though the service was attentive.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: November 14, 2025

7/10

Satisfactory stay downtown

helpful receptionist upgrade offer cooked breakfast missing fridge short robe water drainage

Check-in featured a helpful receptionist. I appreciated the offer of an upgrade to the Seamus Heaney Suite. I found the breakfast lovely with a full cooked selection. cereal, toast, and fruit..

I found no fridge in the room. The robes seemed too short. The bath immediately filled with water when showering.

0 Helpful

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