The latest arrival in Northern Ireland's premier hospitality group, Hastings Hotels, and unarguably the most spectacular, the aptly named Grand Central towers above Belfast city centre and offers unrivalled views of the cityscape below - notably from its pièce de résistance, the 23rd floor Observatory bar and lounge.
Not only Belfast's tallest hotel but, with 300 rooms, also the largest in Northern Ireland, the Grand Central is equally interesting for the care and attention that has gone into the overall design - and many details that give it a real sense of place and connection to the city of which it is such a proud part. It opened to acclaim in 2018 and, thanks to Stephen Meldrum - veteran General Manager of other top hotels in the group, who came up from the Slieve Donard to take the helm here - and a team who are very friendly and helpful, as is usual in Belfast, this remarkable hotel quickly settled into its unique niche as a place that is special yet where prices are kept reasonable and all are welcome.
Like all of the Hastings Hotels, the Grand Central lays great emphasis on food provenance and supporting local producers, and Executive Chef Damian Tumilty is doing a great job. The hotel's three restaurant areas have something for everyone, whether resident guests or just shoppers popping in for a bite - the ground floor Grand Café is a spacious casual dining area with huge streetside windows and open all day for casual dining, so it's a popular place to catch up with friends; the stylish Seahorse restaurant, bar and lounge offers weekend fine dining, an afternoon lounge menu and residents' breakfast; while the stunning 23rd floor Observatory is the place for the quintessential Grand Central experience, whether it be cocktails, informal dining or Afternoon Tea (by reservation).
Accommodation covers all bases, ranging from family rooms right up to the magnificent Sir William Hastings Suite on the 21st floor, many with wonderful views - and one of many pleasant surprises that you'll find at the Grand Central is that the prices, for both the food and accommodation, start at very accessible levels.
