The Merchant Hotel

We chose the Merchant hotel to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had heard so much about the Merchant and had high expectations. The experience did not let us down. From the moment we arrived until we left we felt like special guests. The ambience is perfect. A balance of luxurious surroundings, quality service, great food and drink, live music in Bert’s bar along with friendliness and a warm welcome. It is worth the extra expense. And it is expensive. But for a special treat you’ll probably not be able to top it. Only one or two hotels in the world that we have been lucky to stay in would slightly better it but it’s close to the very best. Our experience was slightly soured by being on the floor just above and in the end room right over the Roof garden where there was a party going on. The music was very loud but as the music was good and it finished at 12 we didn’t complain - then there was a fire alarm at 12.40! Spoiled the experience a bit but we will soon forget this and remember the overall sumptuous surroundings, great food and warm welcome everywhere we went in the hotel.

My husband and I held our wedding reception at the Merchant Hotel recently. Words can’t describe how exceptional and professional they have been. From day one whenever we had sent an email to the Merchant to enquire about wedding packages, Clare Mullin and her team have been with us at every step of the way. She is very responsive to her emails, answered all my questions no matter how silly they were, and was very receptive to what we wanted at our wedding. She even provided us with a list of recommended vendors when we were stuck with anything. On the actual wedding day itself, Clare and her team operated like clockwork. Everything was seamless, and all our guests were well looked after. The food served at the Merchant was 10/10. I had made my own flower decor, and Clare had set them up so perfectly! Clare’s colleague, Shea, took over during the evening meal, and Erin thereafter during the evening reception, and they were brilliant and extremely professional throughout. The simple gestures such as taking gifts off of my hands and bringing me a glass of water without me even asking, I could tell they were so attentive to every single detail and commotion going on. Our bridal suite was quiet, clean and comfortable. The bed was so comfortable we both slept soundly! The breakfast was delicious too. Overall I would highly recommend the Merchant if you are considering having your wedding there. The service and food was out of this world and you can be sure that all your guests will have a wonderful experience!

A fully deserved 5 stars for this hotel. We had a wonderful stay over the weekend. The staff who are so professional, friendly and go out of their way to make your visit special. There are several dining options and we tried two, both were excellent. If I had to have a gripe, while their drinks options are vast and of excellent quality, pricing is on the steep side even for a hotel of this standard. Accommodation is wonderful, lots of high Victorian touches with modern luxe. All in room amenities are present with the exception of an in room fridge. Overall our experience was outstanding and good value for money - you get what you pay for here.

The Merchant is an historic property — and it has the eclectic soul to prove it. The property is in a wonderful location. Given its historic nature, the range of room options is dramatic. We were in room 212. The floors have a pronounced slope - if we’d brought marbles, I’d bet the drop from high to low was more than 4 inches. The bathroom was HUGE - almost as large as the living area. It has a full-size bathtub. However, the shower enclosure was the size of a phone booth. No joke — 22 inches square. I continually bumped elbows in the shower. It looked to me, based on access to the water line, this was a compromise to save cost. We found the front desk and housekeeping staff to be terrific; the maitre’ d in the hotel’s jazz club? No so much . . .

There is nothing like to like at the Merchant Hotel Belfast. The room was large and very well appointed. That staff were uniformly exceptional. The restaurants and bars were variously excellent and eclectic. It is in a great central location nears bars, restaurants and the Titanic museum. The gym had modern equipment.

From the moment David the doorman greeted us to the incredible check in from Roisin this was just perfect. Little things like asking for directions as I was going to see Springsteen live and being given by Rosh a map with directions highlighted with bus numbers etc , outstanding customer service. The room was perfect and the breakfast was perfect as well. One criticism the cocktails in cocktail bar and in the Cloth Ear bar not great very disappointing despite sending one back. This aside it is a superb hotel and would recommend

Didn’t get the room we reserved. Our bed was a queen and they argued and insisted it was a king. We’ve stayed in hotels all over Ireland and we know what a king bed is. Upon complaining we didn’t receive our accommodation they told us 100% of the guests had checked in. That was not true because they called us at 920pm and asked if we wanted to move to a king room because someone cancelled. Obviously what they told us previously was not true. Our suite was super noisy as it borders all the late night pubs with live music. We moved the following morning to the room they offered to walk in and find two queen beds. Super disappointed and lots of attitude from management and front desk personnel. Their restaurant and bar are worth visiting but it ends there. Grand Central was significantly better. As a side note our room reservation was for a Victorian Deluxe large room King and we got a queen. Their website says our room type is either a queen or super king. Didn’t appreciate the dishonesty and attitude.

A word of warning for anyone buying a voucher!! We bought a voucher for my mother and father, for Christmas. I tried to use it for the end of this month, May, and was told I could not use it as there was no availability till July. I asked could I book a room without the voucher, on the date I wanted in May, and the answer was yes. I asked could I book a table in the restaurant, for the date I wanted, the answer was yes. I just could not book using the voucher till July, due to availability?? I asked them to define availability for use of voucher and the answer was when the hotel is likely to be less busy, not full, just less busy. Another voucher con? There is a time limit of one year on the voucher and now it seems it can only be used when the hotel deems it fit to be used, depending on their quiet times and not on the customers needs. Beware

Stayed here for two nights with my husband and it was everything we expected and more. We were in the art deco room and it was spotless and well decorated. The hotel goes above and beyond to make sure your needs are met. We celebrated a birthday and arrived to a lovely balloon and chocolates, such a nice touch. Breakfast was first class with plenty of choice and staff on hand at all times to accommodate. The location couldn't be better with a great choice of restaurants right on the doorstep. I would definitely stay here again, hopefully very soon!