Malmaison Belfast is a welcome addition to a city with no shortage of corporate hotels - including several in the luxury bracket - but very few designed to appeal to a younger, less business-oriented crowd. Housed in a pair of handsome, 19th-century office-and-warehouse buildings with elaborately carved doorways, window surrounds and cornices, the hotel is decorated in Malmaison's trademark palette of black, cream, red and gold. Images of stained-glass windows and Belfasts famous murals decorate the corridors. Original wrought-iron columns have been retained, adding character to the lobby and restaurant. The latter is run by enthusiastic, friendly staff and offers a brasserie-style menu (scallops, steak frites, chops, etc) with a good selection of grilled fish - a nod to the citys waterside location and the hotels proximity to St Georges fish market. A private dining room with seating for 16 overlooks the lively bar. The bright, uncluttered rooms have boxy, Oriental-style tables and wardrobes, large beds with leather headboards and comfortable, contemporary chairs in which to curl up in front of your flat-screen TV. The hotel is handy for the pedestrianised central shopping area and just around the corner from Belfasts top theatre, the Waterfront Hall.
WHEN TO GO
Late October for the Belfast Festival at Queens University
ROOM TO BOOK
One of the two boudoir-like suites - named Samson and Goliath after the pair of shipbuilding cranes that dominate the harbour
CONTACT
Malmaison Belfast, 3438 Victoria Street, Belfast (028 9022 0200; fax: 9022 0220; www.malmaison-belfast.com). Doubles from £135; Goliath suite from £295; Samson suite from £475
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