Grand Central becomes fifth five-star NI hotel

Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel has become only the fifth hotel in Northern Ireland to achieve a five-star rating from the AA.

The £53m property was opened by the Hastings Hotels Group in 2018 and joins Hastings’ Culloden Estate And Spa in garnering five stars.

The other three hotels here to achieve that status are Enniskillen’s Lough Erne Resort & Spa and Bill Wolsey’s Merchant Hotel and the Fitzwilliam in Belfast.

AA inspectors hails the Grand central and it Bedford Street address, saying “first impressions of the Hastings Grand Central are excellent, with a well-kept fascia in a highly accessible location”.

They added: “The diverse, spacious and versatile public areas present extremely well, having benefited from some serious investment. Bedrooms and bathrooms are equipped and furnished to a high standard.”

General manager Stephen Meldrum, above, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded a five-star rating by the AA and I would like to pay testament to every single member of staff, as it is because of them that this recognition has been made possible.

“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.

“When we opened the doors in June 2018 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.”

Janice Gault, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation said: “After a significant investment, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel, Grand Central Hotel Belfast, has been awarded five-star status by the AA, a recognition of the property’s standard and a classification that is recognised by guests globally.

“Star ratings from respected inspecting organisations still resonate with prospective customers and form part of the decision-making process. They are an indicator of the type of experience the guest expects.

“It is important that there is a wide range of properties on offer, something for everyone, to help customers make a choice that best suits their needs and budget.

“The NIHF congratulates the team at Grand Central Hotel Belfast on achieving five-star status, recognising the hotel as a landmark destination in Belfast.”

The hotel, perhaps best known for its 23rd floor Observatory cocktail bar, also won an AA Rosette for its Seahorse restaurant.