One of Ireland’s tallest hotels, the Grand Central Hotel, has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA, joining Hastings Hotels’ other five-star property in Belfast – the Culloden Estate and Spa.
The 300-room Grand Central in Belfast was promoted from its four-star ranking, with the AA inspector’s report highlighting its ‘friendly and engaging team’ and ‘highly accessible location’.
It also noted how the hotel’s ‘diverse, spacious and versatile public areas present extremely well, having benefited from some serious investment’ with bedrooms and bathrooms furnished to a high standard.
Since opening its doors in 2018 following a £53million (€64million) investment, the Grand Central Hotel has won numerous awards and welcomed many high-profile guests – most recently social media influencer, Molly-Mae Hague, who was a guest last week.
Others include President Michael D Higgins, Prince Charles, singer Shania Twain and actors Jamie Dornan and Jodie Kidd.
Set in the Linen Quarter in the heart of Belfast, the Grand Central is regarded as the perfect hub for exploring what Belfast city has to offer – from the Titanic Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter’s cobbled streets, pubs and eateries.
It boasts Ireland’s tallest bar – the Observatory cocktail lounge on the sky-high 23rd floor – which offers unique views over Belfast and beyond.
The hotel’s Seahorse Restaurant has also been awarded an AA Rosette, an accolade given to restaurants that achieve standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill and using good quality ingredients.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a five-star rating by the AA and I would like to pay tribute to every single member of staff as it is because of them that this recognition has been made possible,” said Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Grand Central Hotel.
“When we opened almost four years ago, we wanted to bring a different experience to Belfast and we have achieved that. From the very beginning, we have provided a five-star proposition, so it is fantastic for this to have been made official.
“It is great, not only for Hastings Hotels, but also for tourism in Northern Ireland as we continue to produce a first-class offering both in terms of the product and the people.
“The Grand Central offers first-class service, luxurious accommodation and a fabulous selection of dining options serving an array of culinary delights, using the very best of local produce.
“And the pièce de résistance is the Observatory on the 23rd floor, which is the tallest cocktail bar in Ireland, offering breathtaking views over Belfast and beyond.”
To celebrate its five-star rating, the Grand Central Hotel has launched two new packages – the Bollinger Celebratory Overnight Stay (from £80pps) with a ‘Demi’ bottle of chilled Bollinger delivered to your room on arrival with breakfast the following morning. Also available is the Observatory Celebratory Experience (£120 for 4 people) with a table for up to four people in the Observatory to enjoy a bottle of Bollinger, mixed charcuterie and cheese selection served with breads and tapenade
For more information go to https://www.
