The warm welcome at The Harrison is the apotheosis of courteous Irish hospitality, at once casual and professional with a good dash of humour thrown in. That is the Irish way—make hotel guests feel at home but simultaneously coddle them with attention and bonhomie. Located on Malone Road in an affluent neighbourhood near Queen’s University Belfast, south of the city centre, The Harrison is within easy walking distance of the fantastic Ulster Museum, the Botanic Gardens and its Palm House, and the University, itself a sight worth seeing. Central Belfast is within walking distance, too, about 20 minutes up the road. Start the day of sightseeing after a hearty breakfast in The Harrison’s dining area; the traditional Northern Irish-style brown wheaten bread is as addictive as it is delicious. By night, that dining area becomes a convivial bar where the drinks flow as quickly as the conversation. In Belfast’s small-town vibe, everyone seems to know everyone else.
The hotel’s official name, The Harrison Chambers Of Distinction, suits a property that certainly befits the title. Each of the beautiful bedrooms is superbly appointed in a charming style, recalling a bygone era of quality and luxury, of course, updated to include all the modern necessities the contemporary traveller requires. Indefatigable owner Melanie Harrison supervises every aspect of hotel operations with a meticulous eye. Ms Harrison is not just an astute administrator, though; she is the vivacious soul of The Harrison Chambers Of Distinction who lights up the room every time she walks in. An avid supporter of the arts, her connections to various local groups often provide entrée for her guests to experience less publicised events in Belfast, a city on the rise.
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- Humour abounds at The Harrison Chambers Of Distinction.
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- Immerse yourself in luxury at The Harrison Chambers Of Distinction.
The capital of Northern Ireland is often overlooked as a travel destination. Yet, it provides the visitor substantial satisfaction whether looking for cultural stimulation, gourmet culinary experiences, bustling nightlife, or outdoor athletic activities. Benefiting from the support of not one but two tourism offices, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland do their utmost to showcase the best of Belfast along with the rest of their respective territories. Not that it is difficult to showcase the appeal of Belfast these days; with standout accommodation such as The Harrison, an increasingly sophisticated culinary scene, a varied calendar of events, and an appealing set of permanent attractions, the city deserves more consideration from international visitors looking for an authentic Northern Irish experience.
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- Blissful sleep at The Harrison Chambers Of Distinction.
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- Delicious wheaten bread at The Harrison’s breakfast.
Although Belfast is home to two airports, Dublin Airport is the intercontinental gateway for travellers from afar. DUB is one of the user-friendliest airports in the world, and its ease of use extends to ground transport to destinations across Ireland. Dublin Express runs frequent bus services directly from Dublin Airport to central Belfast, offering an easy 1h50m comfortable ride (with free Wi-Fi). With Aer Lingus currently expanding its flight network far and wide, it has never been easier to reach Northern Ireland from within Europe or the world beyond.
Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur
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