The Merchant hotel is no doubt very beautiful and has exceptional staff. The problem is the food in the great hall, it's just not that great. I played safe and ordered the corn fed chicken. It actually tasted like corn. It was served strangely skewered as a breast and leg portion, looking anaemic and under seasoned, the gravy came separate and ws equally tasteless. We were hungry so ate everything. We were also thirsty and had a couple bottles of good red wine that was fairly priced for such an astonishing venue. Maybe the chef had a bad day as I've not heard many bad reports on the restaurant. Just except to pay a lot and not be blown away by the food. read more

The best meal I've ever had, anywhere, ever. It cost an absolute fortune, but when you're enjoying the service, the environment, the food, the opulence, the experience... it's like being transported straight to Nirvana and it's worth every last quid. All I can say is, save up for a while and go for your next special occasion. Incidentally, I had the pigeon starter, then two cuts of monkfish with parsnip purée and lentils, with an indescribably wonderful crème caramel to finish. It's my 31st birthday in a few weeks. I can't bloody wait. read more

The Merchant Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Belfast, BFS

I've only been out in the Merchant once, when I was as equally dumbfounded by the price of my Bloody Mary as by the huge Titanic-sinking hunk of ice crammed into the glass. But that one night is not the basis of this review. I used to live in Donegall Street, and found myself quite a few times running out of ciggies at an ungodly time in the wee hours. Now usually at that point I'd make a rollie out of the butts in the ashtray (don't you judge me with those eyes! We've all done it. Yes we have), slur something like 'Fup it' when this avenue was exhausted, and then fall asleep diagonally across the duvet face down with my shoes on. But then it was the festive season. This meant that there were more guests than usual in the flat at most given moments, as well as later and longer nights. Any other time throughout the year when the ashtray was exhausted or I was trying to pull so didn't want to scunder myself, we'd pool our coins together, ring a taxi and play a round or two of poker to determine who was doing the ciggie run. But this was Christmas Eve and everywhere was shut. Then, in a flash of inspiration, I remembered I was only around the corner from the Merchant. It may seem a bit daft doing a review of a hotel for their cigarette machine, but it's a bit more than that. From the moment I lurched in, wild-haired, wild-eyed and definitely not in a fit state to be out in public, any member of staff I met was so unfailingly polite and helpful I may as well have been a millionaire in their best suite. I'm sure they thought I was a skaggy drunk who they should just appease and get out before I turned postal, but they acted like I was their favourite guest. So for that, and for the gorgeous opulent bar, the Merchant gets a full five stars despite its steep prices. Don't judge me. I am a slave to nicotine. read more

The Merchant has become a by-word for fine dining and is probably the most popular destination for people who want to spoil themselves with a big night out in Belfast or a wedding anniversary. This is not the place for a cheap night out, but it certainly is worth the money if opulence, excellent service and very rich menu is what floats your boat. The prices are pretty pricey but as I said, you get what you pay for. You will be talking at least £40 per head for 3 courses not including drinks but unless your tastes are internationally recognised for their refinement you won't really feel short changed. The cocktail bar is pretty cool to check out for a drink or two and even features the world's most expensive cocktail as recognised by the Guiness Book of Records. Your wallet will take a beating here but the service and the quality of the food and drink make it worth it. read more

My husband and I treated ourselves to a 3 course meal in the Merchant's, great room. There where 3 different menus to choose from. The first was a 7 course tasting menu, priced at £70 pp. The second was the Al la carte and the 3rd was the Al la carte set menu priced at £26.50 pp for three courses. We opted for the 3rd choice as we like the look of the choices that where available and the price was considerably smaller than the main menu. Our fist courses were both delicious. My husband had lamb and I chose asparagus and poached egg which was cooked to perfection! For mains I had the Cod served with shellfish risotto. It was a perfect size and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The flavours where rich and the fish was moist. My husband chose the John Dory. Now I know that Al La Carte is daintier than most servings but I really did feel sorry for my other half!! The portion was actually smaller than his starter. We where thankful that he ordered a side of potatoes otherwise I am sure he would have complained. He said his was just alright. Not a huge amount of flavour. Dessert was a chocolate sponge served with honeycomb ice cream that my other half chose. It was nice and I had creme brulee served with shortbread biscuits. I was disappointed!! My brulee did not have the tap tap top. The sugar had not been torched enough and my biscuits where definitely overdone. It left a slightly burnt taste of them. When dining in a 5 star restaurant, I would expect the meal to be of 5 star quality, which I'm afraid wasn't. It wasn't horrible but certainly did not meet my expectation. We also felt slightly rushed. After each course the next course was brought straight out to us with a maximum wait of around 5 minutes. I like to have time to let each course settle and enjoy the surroundings. We sat at our table for 7.30pm and we left at 8.25pm. That was all 3 courses including a complimentary bread basket that was served with our drinks. So less than an hour and we where out. The staff where professional and the surroundings where beautiful but I certainly won't be back. It's one of those situations where I've now been there and done it. read more

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A place to go and relax in decadent opulence. Beautiful surroundings that make you feel special with waiter service - although you pay 10% automatically onto your bill for the privilege. Extensive bar menu and even a water menu which if you really want to splash the cash you can pay over the odds for a glass of water all because it trickled down a glacier in the Arctic, apart from that though it is a beautiful bar with amazing cocktails. In the winter it has an open fire which is cosy and welcoming and the velvet sofas let you sink into them and never want to leave which I am sure is the plan. read more

Decadent, indulgent and delightful. Impeccable service - however be warned a whopping 10% is automatically added to all bills including your bar bill! Amazing wine and cocktail menu though and a delightful old world atmosphere. Have eaten in the bar (good), Berts Jazz Bar (very good) and had the afternoon tea here (good also). A great place for comfy evening drinks or to rest weary feet after shopping. read more

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I brought my Mum to the Merchant for an afternoon tea treat and a treat it really was. The Merchant is upscale and luxurious situated in the middle of the city centre. It is based in a historic old bank building and the interior reflects this. Staff here are attentive, enthusiatic and go above and beyond. We were quickly guided to our seat on a platform in the main restaurant. We were sat on comfy chairs surrounded by plush cushions and a perfectly set table. The restaurant was very busy but had a very calming relaxed atmosphere thanks to a pianist playing in the corner. Once settled having taken in our beautiful surroundings we browsed the extensive tea menu. Im not a tea drinker at all so i thought id just order something and probably leave it and drink the water provided. Eventually we settled on the "apple loves mint" tea and the "lemongrass and ginger" tea. Both Suki teas which i had heard alot about. Our afternoon cake stand arrived promptly. I was beyond impressed by the perfectly equally sized dainty sandwiches, warm scones wrapped in a napkin with fresh cream on the side and mouthwatering colourful pastries and cakes. Everything was so fresh and flavoursome. We really couldn't decide which item was best. Having struggled through the difficult task of tasting them all we decided to leave some to bring home to the rest of the family as we felt guilty they were missing out. That and the fact we wanted to get them hooked so that we would have an excuse to make another visit back here with them. The waitress took the stand away and placed the remaining items in a box without any hassle. We then sat suitably full watching the staff as they laid out one of the tables. I was intrigued at the attention given and the apparent measurement that went into just laying out the tablecloth and how perfect each napkin was folded. I would definitely recommend the afternoon tea here and cannot wait to return. It's actually got me drinking tea. I've even bought my own lil Suki teapot and lots of their different flavoured teas. I feel like a proper grown up now :) read more

The Merchant Hotel - Mouthwatering afternoon tea - Hotels Near Me - Belfast, BFS

5 star all the way - very elegant and the staff is so nice and attentive- great great service and a very enjoyable stay. Very clean

I haven't stayed here, but the public areas are sumptious. Staff are polite and attentive, without being overbearing. Afternoon Tea is a delight, but don't go hungry, it's not totally filling. The cocktails are amazing, but a bit pricey. Overall, I would recommend! read more

This is somewhere you have to go as it is an old bank and it is GRAND!!! The people are lovely and the food is fine, but you are paying for the experience. The lavatories are grand as well and the cocktail list is amazing. The cocktail bar is really plush and you can opt for a bar snack as an alternative. Location = Central Food = good Staff= fab USP= Overwhelmingly splendid! This has to go on the MUST DO list read more

What a fab way to spend a Thursday evening with friends at the Roof Top Garden at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, courtesy of Fivemiletown. There was some tasting of the cheese products-which was fab!! After the speeches, which include the guys from Fivemiletown , there was more tasting and mingling. The venue was amazing and really did offer a great forum to discuss our cheese and how to promote it worldwide. read more

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What can you say !! This is a stunning hotel. I highly reccomend taking a look inside, even if you dont want to buy lunch or a drink, just go and take a look. When you walk up the front steps and through the front door you enter the Grand Hall. This blows me away every time. Stunning. Recently the hotel has had an extension added which now hosts Berties, a nice area where you can eat or drink and can enjoy live jazz music. A great place to go for a special occasion,birthday etc as the staff always make the extra bit of a fuss over you. This has to be on everyones must see list ,whether you are on holiday or live locally. read more

Where do I start? I love this hotel! The Great Room Dinning: I have dinned a few times in the Great Room, however my favourite experience was a tasting menu night for a reasonable £70. Each course was accompanied by a generous glass of wine and a brief history of the wine, and why it suited the dish that was about the be served. They run this event every few months however price varies. P/T menu starts from 2 courses for £18.50 The Cocktail Bar: I have a love/hate relationship with this bar. When I was in with friends the staff were very attentive and cocktails were as expected outstanding. Although, quite pricey in comparison to other venues in Belfast, the price is justified for the 5 star location. The thing I dislike about the cocktail bar is the staff pick and chose who they are 'nice to' I have seen them been quite snobby to some customers because of where they are from or what they look like despite the fact all customers pay the 10% service fee on all drinks. Rooftop terrace: This is an ideal venue for any private party or event. I was lucky enough to attend one of my best friends birthdays at this venue and it did not disappoint on a warm summers evening and chilled house music in the background I felt I was on the sunset strip in Ibiza Rooms: I have only stayed in the Merchant once and it lives up to its 5 star rating in comparison to the Fitzwilliam. Rooms are very spacious and bathrooms are to die for. It can be a bit pricey for Belfast however in February the offer a sale on the rooms and in the great room which is definitely one to look out for. From memory I think the rooms are £180 per room and 3 course dinner in the Great Room for £23. read more

While it will never have the history of the Europa, the Merchant is in a different league in terms of accommodation, food and service. The restaurant is superb and you pay the price to match the quality no more, no less. Service is superb and you will feel like you have been treated like royalty. The downside the adjacent night clubs. Ear plugs provided in some rooms may seem like a courtesy but can be a necessity !! So choose the night you stay over carefully to make sure that you do not fall victim to that. Afternoon tea is highly recommended read more

Beautiful hotel and interior. Food in the restaurant in reasonable but pricey. Cocktails are great and love the little trays of nuts and rice crackers that you get with them One thing to watch out for in the restaurant is the staff not bringing back change - and presuming you are leaving this as a tip. THis has happened to me twice - so beware! Overall though, a great venue for drinks or dinner. read more

Had a small wedding dinner last night in the Great room of the hotel. The service was excellent, could not ask for better. We all liked the food also, great fine-dining experience. Had a few cocktails, which we were not soo keen on, but the presentation was amazing. Probably just picked the wrong cocktails for our taste buds. Lol. There are plenty of choice on the menu, I had duck myself, it was tender and tasty, ordered some califlower gratin as a side dish, it was really nice and cheese, just the way it should be. They also have a wide variety of different types of alcoholic beverages from around the word, the boys were happy to see Becherovka and Unicum on the menu. Would definitely recommend it for special occasions, a bit pricey for a Saturday night dinner treat. read more

This charming hotel in a central part of Belfast has a helpful and friendly staff, a delicious breakfast, and well appointed rooms. It was beautiful and cozy. I would definitely recommend staying here while visiting Belfast! read more

We stayed in the newly completed part of the hotel in September and as I have frequented the hotel a number of times before I was looking forward to seeing what the new extension had to offer. Unfortunately what I experienced has meant I would be very reluctant to stay here again. Check in went smoothly and we were shown to our room which was decorated in an impressive art deco style. Overall the room was nicely decorated though I feel the room service menu in terms of price and the quality of the food we ate let it down slightly. The major problem came when we used the valet parking service (£15 a night). Unfortunately very shortly after my car was returned I noticed some visible scratches on the back bumper of my car. I spoke to someone at the hotel to raise the matter and was informed someone more senior would be in touch. Later that day I received a voicemail from a member of staff and was advised to send photos of the damage. I took some photos of the damage and emailed them to the hotel. I spoke to someone at the hotel at that point who assured me there would be a full investigation into how the damage had occurred which would involve speaking to the staff who dealt with the car and checking CCTV. I heard nothing more from the hotel until about a week and a half after the incident when I received an email stating that all reception and concierge staff who were on duty on the weekend of my stay had been spoken to and the hotel was confident that the damage to my vehicle was not as a result of any fault on the part of any of their employees and that the hotel was therefore unable to accept liability. I was obviously disappointed with the response and the fact that no one had contacted me by phone to let me know. I was also very surprised that there was no mention of the CCTV I had previously been told about so responded asking to view the footage only to be told that there was none. Again I was surprised and asked that someone ring me to discuss this. I received a phone call from another member of staff about the matter. I was told there was "miscommunication" about the CCTV and that only CCTV from outside the hotel existed and not in the car park. I was told this CCTV had been checked but was on a rolling loop. Staff had been asked about the matter and no one admitted to causing any damage. I was assured that the staff drive a Rolls Royce (?) and so are very careful. According to this member of staff only one other car had been damaged in their care before and the staff member who caused the damage had admitted it at the time. It was made clear that the hotel fully trust in their staff's integrity. Unfortunately I don't. I feel the way the matter was handled was disappointing overall. I find it very odd that any business can offer such a service and not have a better system in place for this sort of issue. To use this service, it seems you must place all your trust in the driver(s) and rely on them alerting you to any damage they cause and if you have a problem it is literally your word against theirs. And from what I have seen, the customer certainly is not always right. All in all I feel very let down by somewhere I had previously regarded quite highly and had regularly recommended to friends and colleagues. I will certainly never use their valet parking again and would recommend anyone who does so really does it entirely at their own risk. read more

The merchant Hotel is grandness at its best! The building is visually stunning both inside and out and the decor and atmosphere really are of a higher class! This is a favourite amongst celebrities and its no wonder! You really couldn't get anything more luxurious (or expensive) in Belfast. I love going to the bar here for very special occasions as its very expensive and you could have just as good a night elsewhere for half the price. However it's the location you pay for here and the staff really are excellent and really well trained too. The cocktail menu(or bible) is awesome! There's no end to the drinks the staff here can whip up and each one more delicious than the first! Its a great place to go for a date or with your friends for a bit of a posh girlie night out and a favourite for celebrating family events. They have also recently renovated and extended the hotel and it stretched all the way out to High Street and looks oh so sleek, contemporary and fancy! The Merchant really does have it all and caters for both the old and the new! read more

The Merchant Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Belfast, BFS

The Cloth Ear Restaurant in the Merchant Hotel is amazing. Anyone needs to have the Beef Irish Pie. I never had one that was better. Great wait staff. read more

To be honest, we would not return to the Merchant. The Great Room is the architectural gem of this hotel, but corners are cut for the guest rooms: worn carpets and headboard upholstery. Upon arrival to the Merchant, the porters must have been out for a late lunch, because we had to unload our bags from the car ourselves, fetch the trolley, load the cart, and push it up the ramp into the doorway. Building up a sweat and getting a bit rained on would not usually bother us, but this struck as substandard. The food in the Great Room is of decent quality. The food in Bert's Bar, however, was not good: overpowering tomato in a beef dish, and overly salty caramel under a chocolate mousse. Cheap entertainment; the "best in live jazz" would have actually been a pleasure to listen to. Patchy WiFi; warm (though not hot water) in the jacuzzi; and, earlier closing time for the jacuzzi (at 8pm). After taking the time to fill out a review for the hotel, the Merchant wrote back that they "apologise" and will retrain their staff accordingly. Maybe they should "retrain" for 5-star status. read more

It's an odd one this place. It's branded itself as an upmarket venue aimed at celebrities, but a look at the reviews would tell you all you need to know- orange faced uberblonde wannabes are the actual punters - and that's just the chaps :) Seriously though - if u like the hotel experience and the poser-fest this implies, the Merchant is probably as good as it gets, so give it a go. If you go expecting upmarket hen party you'll not go too far wrong. read more

OOO La La!! Top notch place, ideal anniversaries, special treats etc We did the cheaper mid week deal for £25 and it was tres posh, Hyacinth Bucket would have loved it here...silver service!! Staff falling over themselves to please you, a bit un nerving if you a plain ol' working class guy or gal but hey relax and enjoy the experience your money is as good as anyone elses is what I always say! You will get the odd glance from the well heeled (well no one knows anymore now do they) if you dont look as if you have just come from Royal Ascot but ignore them...they jealous of you. Some of the food might need de cyphering, alot of Poussins and truffle oil etc etc but get the staff to tell you what the item means...might be pie and mash just in posh language! Lovely setting alot of G.O.L.D all over the place and red velvet puts me in mind of a bordello somewhat but its nice..a very different dining experience to anywhere else in Belfast and you wont be disappointed. Once you get over the cherubs that is read more

First off--this place is expensive. But it made our trip to Belfast enjoyable. The surrounding bars and restaurants were nice and offered something different. The surrounding area was very quiet though. More is going on elsewhere, but the Cathedral district is starting a resurgence. The Victorian rooms were great and the Art-Deco side seemed funky/cool. Good little gym up top and breakfast in the Great Room was a great experience. read more

I loved this place- almost everything was perfect. The room i stayed in was 1920s style and massive and the bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in. The gym is better than most hotel gyms and has decent set of free weights as well as the usual range of machines. And the rooftop hot tub- well, its different, but actually not that hot. The only downer fotr me was that, after we had paid an extra £50 for late checkout, we were harassed by the staff on the morning and told "we are fully booked, and you wouldnt have been told you could have a late checkout today"- well we were and i dont like being called a liar (which is pretty much the implication). But for this it would be 5 stars. Oh and the restaurant has a wonderful veggie menu- but you have to ask for it separeately. read more

We ate here for our parents Wedding Anniversary - yes I hear you asking why the whole family went. Well, my brother and I wanted to see what the Great Room Restaurant was like in the Merchant Hotel. It was proper fine-dining, and I enjoyed it very much. We were given a complimentary glass of champagne when we arrived - really special. I had the smoked salmon starter and the chicken tartlet which were both gorgeous, although being me, I wanted a bigger portion! The service was impeccable and very much up to the expectations that we had - and the presentation of the food was enough to rival any other top-class restaurant. Although what let US down was that my brother disgraced us by asking for ketchup...I have no words. This is a place to go for a very special occasion - as it's very very pricey. But very special. The surroundings of the main hall (which used to be a bank!) are very opulent and grand, and you really do feel like a VIP when you are dining here. read more

For gold-lined pockets or a special treat. So cozy around christmas time with the decor and fireplace. I wore ripped jeans and felt like a hobo (whoops). Great cocktails and ambiance when you're in the moment. Credit card bill kind of slaps you in the face - you decide if its worth it! read more

Was in this place last week - sneaked in with a friend who was at a UTV advertising do and it was wow! The reception area was very old fashioned, the sort of entrance you see in old movies; it's when you get beyond this area that the 'flipping heck, this place is wonderful' kicks in. Had a quick sneaky view at some of the prices and when I picked myself up I was led down into the basement area for our little advertising spin complete with Richard Keys and Andrew Gray fresh from their verbal assault on a woman lineswoman. Apparently they are now with TalkSport - must remember to avoid. The Merchant is situated in the Cathedral Quarter - a very up and coming area of the city that until recently I was very unfamiliar with. A bit off the beaten track but well worth a tramp along and if you've got a rather hefty bank balance that needs slimming well this place is for you. But you'll enjoy it! read more

My friend reckons this hotel has the best public loo's ever seenperhaps not the best, but pretty close. Lovely to see such a hotel in Belfast. Pricey yesbut Belfast is a City after all!!! read more

This hotel is set out in the picturesque Cathdral Quarter of the city. this area is really trendy and is very close to all the shops in the city centre. If it is more alcohol theraphy your after rather than retail, The Spanish bar is only round the corner and has been named Northern Ireland bar of the year previously. The pircies in the Merchant are expensive but like everything in like you get what you pay for! This play is excellent, the recption do their job so well and all the staff within in are great right to the housekeeping. The hotel also has a beautiful restaurant which is quite dear but there is a beautiful selection of foods on offer. read more

I have not stayed here but i went witha group of girls from work for afternoon tea and it was beautiful. The hotel itself is stunning and the atmosphere is lovely. The service is fantastic with the staff dancing attendance on you. Well worth every penny it works out about the same as paying for a lunch out but its worth going to at least once for the experiance. If your feeling flush u can get a coctail for £750 a glass!! read more

Very expensive, but well worth it. You must use the toilets and appreciate a quality seat like no other. While you are in there dig out those sandwiches from your bag and have a quick munch because the food is really pricey. read more

Cocktail bar worth a visit. Restaurant very good. Rooms glam, service very very good

the Merchant is considered to be the best in New Belfast . And it is Architecturally, it's FAB. superbly restored, it's a really eye catching building. The inside side consists of the bar and the Great Hall restaurant. The bar has character. Waiter service is good They also have a cocktail menu. It was a very enjoyable evening. read more

This was certainly one of the finest meals i've ever had in Europe. Service was great, atmosphere was stellar and the food was five stars. I am retuning again before I depart Belfast. read more

Just had afternoon tea in The Merchant as part of my cousins Hen Day and was pleasantly surprised. The staff were friendly and accommodating and the food was vast and tasty! We also stayed in some rooms but was a bit disappointed that they weren't as large as some we had stayed in before for the same price and no changes could be made on my cousins day. Despite this I would go back. read more

This is my favourite location so far, for afternoon tea in NI! It has become a tradition in our family to do afternoon tea on birthdays! absolutely stunning pastries, scones and the added bonus of indulging in pink champagne! What's not to love! definitely a decadent way to spend an afternoon! read more

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Went out with my partner and her father. Started with cocktails in the lounge. After we had finished our cocktails they invited us over to our table. Once at the table we ordered our wines and our starers. We told the waiter there was no rush with the food as we were here for the evening. The wine list was very extensive and included a lot of high quality wines of which we chose two. Our starters arrived which were of a very high quality and the presentation was great. The waiter then brought water to go with our mains. After our starters we ordered our main course as we were happy to wait a while longer in the beautiful surroundings. The main courses were delicious but not quite to the same standard as the starters - I should have just ordered another two of these. The waiting staff was fantastic. Just what you'd expect in a silver service restaurant- very unobtrusive. After another two bottles of wine we ordered ports and the cheeseboard to finish and my partner had a desert which looked delicious and very well presented. The cheeseboard was outstanding and the meal was rounded off nicely with a second port. The bill for the meal was quite substantial but considering the time we spent there and the experience was so exceptional I had no issue with this. We then moved in to the Jazz lounge and finished the evening with a few gin and tonics. A great experience all round. I cannot fault the merchant. It is one of the most superior restaurants in Belfast and I would dine there more often if I could afford it. read more

What a place. Sumptuous surrounding. Great food . cocktail s to die for.u really feel special in this place