How To Experience Modern Class At A Central Belfast Hotel

I love a little weekend away. Especially when it’s somewhere I don’t get to visit often. Take Belfast city for example. Considering it’s only a mere two-hour drive from where I live and just under a three-hour train journey, I really don’t get the chance to visit it as much as I would like to. So when I had the opportunity this weekend to head on up with my sister, I was beyond excited. “What will I pack? Where will we shop? What will we eat?” I thought to myself in the days before our trip. Thankfully, the accommodation was one variable I didn’t have to think about as we were booked into the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast.

Part of a worldwide branch, the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast offers urban accommodation with a riverside setting that’s conveniently located to the city’s main attractions. So whether you plan on checking out the Titanic Belfast, the Waterfront Hall or the Cathedral Quarter aka the buzzing heart of the city’s nightlife, you’re never more than a ten-minute walk away. Seriously, how handy is that?

Upon arrival, the staff were lovely and welcoming. The hotel itself had an air of sophistication to it with its modern design elements and touches of luxury throughout. After checking in, we headed straight to our spacious twin room which featured all the mod-cons you could ask for; a tea/coffee maker, a mini-fridge, high-speed wifi and a flat-screen TV. While, the bathroom, although compact, had a dreamy rainfall shown and AC own-brand toiletries which I couldn’t wait to pamper myself with.

After treating ourselves to a crisp gin and tonic, we took our time getting ready before making our way down to the main event of the evening: dinner. Our meal took place at Novelli’s, a stylish open-plan ground-floor restaurant with an accompanying terrace. Most of the food is Mediterranean-inspired, thanks to the AC Hotels founder Antonio Catalán being Spanish.

For starters, we ordered the Local Beetroot & Jawbox Gin cured Salmon which was every bit as delightful and fresh as it sounds. Following on from that, we both opted for the Dry Aged 8oz Rump Steak which was served alongside triple-cooked chips (I’m still dreaming about them), a juicy grilled tomato, mushroom and a sauce of your choice. Despite us both asking for medium-rare, our steaks did come out rather well done. However, it didn’t stop our meal from being delicious.

Finally, for dessert, I chose the Pear and Caramelised White Chocolate Galette which was everything I hoped it would be and more. All our meals were washed down with a bottle of New Zealand’s finest wine before we settled on a warming cup of coffee to finish the night. The staff were once again, as friendly as ever and endearingly attentive throughout our meal, making us feel right at home.

We soon retired to our rooms for the night, where we blissfully slept before awakening and heading straight to breakfast, which featured your typical cooked buffet and continental options. Of course, we treated ourselves to the whole shebang – after all we had a serious day of shopping ahead of us so all the fuel we could get was indeed necessary.

Alas, it was time to check out and see what Belfast had to offer. Although our stay was short and sweet, the AC Marriott made for a great location, so if you are heading up North in the next coming months, why not check it out?!

To book a stay in the AC Marriott Hotel Belfast click here.

*This writer was offered a free stay in exchange for a fair and honest review.

• AC Hotel
• Marriott Belfast