Dubbed 'the world's most authentic Titanic experience', the restoration of the Harland and Wolff Headquarters Building (after lying empty and neglected since 1989) has created a uniquely fascinating destination hotel.
Given its extraordinary history, the restoration undertaken following the 2016 partnership between Titanic Foundation, Heritage Lottery Fund and Harcourt Developments (Dublin) was bound to create something of a museum piece. So it is greatly to their credit that they have successfully met the demands of a modern luxury hotel while also, as they say themselves, 'remaining true to the story of Harland & Wolff'.
Yes it does feel a bit like being in a museum - but what a museum!
The architectural integrity of the original building has been painstakingly retained and, while the soaring three-storey Victorian Drawing Offices (now the ballroom and the main bar) are the grand centrepieces, the many smaller but equally fascinating rooms also tell the story of its everyday activities and momentous events.
Everywhere you look there are artworks, artefacts and photographs (a collection curated by Harcourt's group creative director John Paul Doherty) that bring the story to life. These include black and white photographs from the Harland & Wolff collection and colourful White Star Line travel memorabilia and posters, a reminder of the golden age of ocean liners.
The public spaces - especially the main bar-restaurant, Drawing Office Two - are predictably grand, but there's also a surprising sense of intimacy in the smaller rooms and this, plus the sense of pride conveyed by the warm and very welcoming staff, make it a welcoming place.
Bedrooms vary a lot due to the constraints of the building, and the best ones are on the front with views of the giant cranes and the dramatic Titanic Visitor Centre - which feels so close that you could lean out and touch it. They all have very comfortable beds and nautical and Art Deco themes, with vintage tiled bathroms (some shower only), ship's lanterns, riveted panels and unique maritime artwork.
Varied dining options offered include The Wolff Grill - a large fine dining restaurant on the ground floor - and, beside it, the wonderful Drawing Office Two, now converted into an impressive bar and informal space. Wide ranging menus with a good bit of Titanic theming are offered (the Wolff Grill is more restrained), and it is it the credit of the hotel that it has become a popular destination for a local clientele as well as visitors to Belfast.
All round it's a hugely impressive restoration job - and a very appealing place to stay or relax. Well worth a visit.
