Belfast self-catering property awarded five stars
Wilton House, a self-catering property in Belfast city centre has been awarded a five-star accommodation grade by Tourism Northern Ireland.
Wilton House, which is located at College Square North, is made up of 23 self-catering apartments situated within a listed, Georgian townhouse with private, gated parking.
Located just a short stroll from Belfast city centre, the apartments, which have been meticulously restored and renovated, are tastefully decorated to a high standard offering comfort and sophistication throughout.
Wilton House forms part of a terrace of Georgian properties at College Square North which were designed during the 1820s and 1830s by Thomas Jackson.
It was first built as two separate homes, which were combined around 1894 by Mr J. Hicks who opened the Hotel Metropole. When the hotel closed it became the headquarters of the Royal National Institute for Deaf people, it was also the Centre for Deaf people for over 100 years, after which it fell into dereliction.
It is home to an Ulster History Circle which commemorates Francis Maginn. He was a pioneer for the rights and education of deaf people who promoted sign language and was instrumental in the establishment of the British Deaf Association.
He was also voted as the ‘Greatest Deaf Briton’ in a poll carried out by the BBC See Hear Programme.
In 2019 developers Wilton Group Limited proposed a 4.5 million redevelopment of Wilton house. The proposal included the refurbishment of Wilton House which had been vacant from 2012. The proposal would revive Wilton House with eight apartments and replace the existing extension with a separate, sensitively designed, new build that would reflect the historic design of the existing listed building and bring it back to life.
In 2022 , the property was purchased by investor and entrepreneur Justin Quirk. The doors of Wilton House reopened in 2023 and a new chapter of the building began.
Claire McNaughton, Accommodation Certification Manager at Tourism NI, said: “Congratulations to Justin, Mel and the entire team at Wilton House in Belfast on achieving a prestigious five-star rating from Tourism NI.
“Wilton House has set the highest standards of quality and comfort for a diverse range of visitors, enriching the self-catering offering within the city. This esteemed recognition is testament to the team’s unwavering dedication and excellence.”
Melissa Crossley, Property Manager at Wilton House, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive five stars from Tourism NI.
“Our goal is to provide luxurious yet affordable accommodation in Belfast and we’ve been truly amazed by our success so far.
“This five-star rating has undoubtedly contributed to that success, and we are excited to see what the future brings.”
