The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is synonymous with the ill-fated RMS Titanic, and more recently, the Game of Thrones. The city’s ties to the ocean liner are so intertwined into its fabric that there’s a whole neighborhood named after it! However, visitors to the city have discovered that there is so much more to Belfast than the Titanic. As such, the number of visitors continues to grow each year. More visitors means more accommodation, so finding a good hotel in the city is not too difficult even for budget travelers. If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Belfast city centre or elsewhere, there are plenty to suit your budget.
Having said that, some of the cheap hotels in Belfast are so good; they’ve even made it to our list of the best hotels in Belfast. No matter what kind of accommodation you choose to stay at, your time in the city will be more than memorable.
Belfast has left behind its troubled past to transform itself into a city that enjoys a good party. The nightlife here is a lot of fun, with crowded clubs, pubs, and cocktail bars in plenty. Restaurants are abundant too that serve up mouth-watering delicacies. Apart from the party scene, there are many facets of Belfast waiting to be explored. Vibrant theatres, iconic landmarks, and excellent shopping are some of the top things to do in Belfast.
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The Malone
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If your impression of cheap hotels in Belfast city centre is drab and boring, you probably haven’t visited The Malone. Touting itself as ‘Northern Ireland’s finest, four-star boutique hotel,’ the slick contemporary space does live up to the hype. The hotel sits in the leafy avenues of the Queen’s Quarter, just minutes from the city centre and excellent shopping.
Opened in 1945, the Victorian townhouse hotel is all about elegance and warmth. The spacious bedrooms and suites showcase tasteful decor. You can look forward to a good night’s sleep on the big comfy beds. If you’re up for splurging, the sumptuous Signature Suites are perfect.
At the newly refurbished restaurant, Gallery, you can dig into a menu packed with local, seasonal produce. The stunning teal and copper-designed space, with exposed brick and local art, is fast catching up with the local crowd, as is the Greyhound Bar. The newly opened bar offers traditional Irish hospitality with a modern twist. Once current restrictions are lifted, guests and patrons can enjoy foot-tapping traditional music over the weekends.
Ten Square Hotel
10
Located right behind City Hall, the Ten Square Hotel is undoubtedly one of the best cheap hotels in Belfast city centre. The best time to be in the area is during the weeks leading up to Christmas, when festivities take over the grounds of the City Hall.
Like many hotels in Europe, this hotel is also housed in the historic Yorkshire House that dates back to 1862. It began as a Victorian linen warehouse and later served as the General Post Office. It finally took on its current avatar at the turn of the millennium. The building’s history is evident both inside and out. On the exterior of the building, you’ll find wonderfully carved portholes with reliefs of famous personalities. The original staircase and windows also point to the building’s history.
131 guest rooms range from Standard chic rooms to larger Executive rooms. There are also premium suites that include a group suite that can accommodate up to ten persons and the impressive Jaffe Penthouse. Many rooms offer excellent views of the city centre and beyond.
The Jospers Restaurant and Linen Bar on the ground floor are worth visiting when it comes to dining. These venues are popular with locals and tourists. In addition to this, there’s also the newly opened rooftop bar, The Loft, perfect for a quiet evening. That’s not all, though! The recently opened Doffer Bar is also another space that’s growing in popularity.
AC Hotel
9
Enjoying a coveted river setting at City Quays, the AC Hotel by Marriott is an excellent choice for those looking for cheap scenic hotels in Belfast city. Getting to the other parts of the city, such as the Cathedral Quarter or the Waterfront Hall, is an easy 10-minute walk.
Like most Marriotts, the contemporary guest rooms are big on comfort. Queen or King beds, 49-inch televisions, tea and coffee making facilities ensure your stay here is a comfortable one. Rooms facing the river enjoy beautiful riverside views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Downstairs you’ll find an open-plan bar and the Novelli at City Quays restaurant, which also offers impressive river views. If you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love the food at the restaurant. Besides Mediterranean cuisine, you also have a choice of Spanish, French, and Moroccan dishes. For those on a romantic break with their special someone, you may want to dine at the terrace. Breakfast consists of a delicious cooked or continental breakfast, included in the room rate. To work off those extra calories, you’ll also find an onsite fitness suite on the first floor.
Radisson Blu Hotel
8
The Radisson Blu Hotel chain is known for its excellent accommodation at affordable rates. Their Belfast hotel is no different. Situated along the riverside in the revitalized Gasworks business area, this hotel is a great choice for business travelers looking for cheap hotels in Belfast city centre. While the hotel is not exactly in the city centre, it’s an easy 10-minute walk or a stroll along the riverbank.
The hotel features 120 tastefully decorated rooms that come with a host of amenities that you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Big windows, deep leather armchairs, and big, comfortable beds are what you can look forward to. While the bathrooms are quite compact, they come with complimentary toiletries, over-bath showers, and heated slate floors.
If it’s a Radisson hotel, you can be sure to find an excellent in-house restaurant. The Gasworks Restaurant serves authentic local dishes and international cuisine to satisfy all tastebuds. It also has a contemporary terrace, an excellent place to sip on a glass of wine from the bar or enjoy a Gin Afternoon Tea.
Dukes At Queens
7
If you want to stay in a cheap hotel in Belfast city a little away from the bustle of the city centre, Dukes At Queens is a good option. Situated in the leafy university quarter close to Queen’s University, you’ll be spoilt for choice with many pubs and restaurants in the area. Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens are an easy stroll from here, but the city centre is a little further away.
The neo-Gothic Victorian building that houses the hotel was the former headquarters of the health board. Nothing much remains of that part of the building’s history except the cleanliness. All rooms at the hotel are bright and spacious, with plenty of natural light. The beds are super-comfortable with crisp white linen. Rooms come equipped with a good range of extras to guarantee a comfortable stay. They also include a complimentary continental breakfast.
The Practitioner is the eclectic bar where you can sample a wide range of drinks or indulge in delicious food. Besides the drinking and dining option, the hotel also has special offers for making their stay here more memorable.
Malmaison Belfast
6
Once a seed warehouse, the Malmaison Belfast with its funky interiors is one of the more popular cheap hotels in Belfast city centre. It sits in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter, putting you within walking distance of many attractions.
Except for the colorful restaurant, black and purple seem to be the dominant colors inside the historic building. Dark corridors lead to cozy rooms and suites with large windows. Moody lighting, comfy beds, and other extras enhance your stay. The two suites with their fireplaces are quite popular, especially the signature suite with its snooker table and booming Bose system.
Chez Mal Brasserie is where you can enjoy delectable dishes in an intimate, elegant setting. Enjoy a drink from the excellent wine list or choose something to eat from the extensive a la carte menu. Whatever you choose, you definitely won’t come away disappointed. You can enjoy happy hours every Friday night between 5 pm to 8 pm at the bar in better times. The bar is also a great place to enjoy some nibbles or special bar food.
Bullitt Hotel
5
Bang in the middle of Belfast city centre you’ll find the Bullit Hotel, a no-frills, cheap hotel in Belfast city that’s big on comfort. If all you’re looking for is a good place to lay your head at the end of the day, this is where you should go. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring the Cathedral Quarter, Victoria Square with its upmarket shopping, and the Titanic Quarter.
The pet-friendly hotel has everything you’ll need for a comfy stay, minus the trouser presses and swan towels. Depending on your needs, you can choose from Dinky, Comy, and Roomy rooms. All rooms come with super-fast WiFi, Smart TVs, and comfy king-size beds. They’re done up with wood, fabrics, and earthy tones.
When it comes to dining and drinking, the hotel has a few interesting venues to choose from. The Babel Rooftop Bar is a popular spot with this incredible panoramic city views and a good range of drinks. Every Friday and Saturday night, you can lose yourself in music mixed by DJs Bobby and Berm at the top of the roof. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant Taylor & Clay is another vibrant space. It boasts an open kitchen built around a bespoke Asador wood-fired grill. You can enjoy the best local ingredients cooked to perfection over roaring flames. The restaurant also has a carefully curated collection of world wines. The Lobby Bar and Courtyard is another place where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a drink.
Europa Hotel
4
Considered to be the most bombed hotel in the world, the Europa Hotel is now a gorgeous, refurbished space in the heart of Belfast. You’re surrounded by shops, bars, museums, and other entertainment venues in the area. For someone looking for unique cheap hotels in Belfast city centre, this is one that’s worth checking out.
From the moment you step into the spacious grand foyer of the hotel, you’ll be enveloped in the warmth and hospitality of the space. The understated charm seeps into the guest rooms, decorated in earthy tones and dark wood. All bedrooms have flat-screen TVs, WiFi, thick duvets, Ralph Lauren fabrics, and Zoffany wall coverings. Hi-spec glass, chrome, and ceramic finishes add a touch of class to the bathrooms.
You won’t find a gym or spa at the hotel but what you will find is a charming restaurant. The contemporary Causerie Restaurant serves up a good range of gastronomic delights. However, if you’d rather grab something to eat on the go, the Lobby Bar is a good place for pub food. Another good place to unwind for Afternoon Tea or a drink is at the Piano Bar and Lounge. This tasteful space has been popular ever since it opened in 1971.
Ramada by Wyndham
3
Located in the heart of the town near St. Anne’s Cathedral, cheap hotels in Belfast city centre don’t enjoy a better location than Ramada by Wyndham. The area puts you close to the cobbled Hill Street, the pulse of the Cathedral Quarter. Pubs, live music venues, and restaurants are all in proximity to the hotel.
Don’t be fooled by the smallish windows and boring brick facade as the interiors are brighter and more welcoming. Given the affordable tag of the hotel, the spacious rooms come as a pleasant surprise. Laminated wooden floors and tasteful decor give the rooms a comfortable vibe. Apart from a flat-screen TV and complimentary toiletries, there are no other big amenities.
The hotel’s SQ Bar and Grill, with its outdoor area, is a good place for people-watching on a pleasant day. Besides this, the food served here is exceptionally good. Another good space to spend some time at is the bar with its cozy semi-circular cream leather snugs. If you’re looking for affordable drinks, happy hour on Fridays between 3-6 pm is a good time to visit.
Titanic Hotel
2
Belfast would be incomplete without at least one hotel named after the ill-fated ocean liner. Housed in the former headquarters of Harland & Wolf, the ship’s builders, the Titanic Hotel stands out as one of the best cheap hotels in Belfast city. Though it’s slightly higher priced than most hotels on our list, it still falls in the affordable segment. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the city centre from the Titanic Quarter where the hotel sits.
What makes this hotel so striking is its design. The building is as tall as the hull of the Titanic and resembles the shape of four ships’ prows. The elegant domed spaces of the 19th-century Drawing Offices of the company have been beautifully restored to give the hotel a special charm. It’s a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
While the guest rooms may not be as impressive as the hotel’s public areas, they’re stylish and comfortable. Each has special nautical touches and is streamlined with Art Deco furniture and other elements that point to the hotel’s past. Hanging ships, lanterns, riveted panels, and unique maritime artwork are the hallmarks of every room. Ensuite bathrooms also come with old-fashioned sinks.
The vibrant heart of the hotel is Drawing Office Two, with its spectacular high barrel-vaulted ceiling. It’s a good place to grab a quick bite in a casual setting though reservations are mandatory. However, the hotel star is the Wolf Grill Restaurant that’s open from 7:00 in the morning. Named Ireland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year by the Irish Hotel Awards, the food here is absolutely divine. Before you head to the award-winning restaurant for a meal, you could enjoy some enticing cocktails or a drink at the Harland Bar. The bar is also open for Afternoon Tea with a special selection for Kids too.
Jury’s Inn
1
A complete renovation of the Jury’s Inn has pushed it right up the spot in the list of best cheap hotels in Belfast city centre. Sitting just next door to the Grand Opera House, it’s a five-minute walk to City Hall and about 15 minutes to Ulster Museum.
The 270 guest rooms at the hotel are surprisingly spacious, with firm, comfortable beds. Rooms come with standard amenities such as tea and coffee, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. They feature prints of local views, don’t eh wall behind the bed. You can choose to add breakfast to your plan if you prefer to begin your day at the hotel. Breakfast is delivered to your door.
Additionally, the hotel also has an in-house restaurant that’s open for breakfast and dinner. The bar, however, is open throughout the day. Here you can enjoy a range of drinks or seasonal specialty coffees throughout the day. The bar’s recent redecoration includes two large-screen televisions showcasing various sports events, news, and music.
Top Affordable Bars in Belfast
- Franklins Sports Bar – Sports fans will love the energy at this bar on Franklin Street, especially when a game is on. You can enjoy cheap drinks, beer and other fun activities in a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Perch Rooftop Bar – Another great bar on Franklin Street for good drinks deals is at this rooftop bar. With happy hour offers throughout the week you know where to head to for pizza and affordable drinks.
- The Spaniard – Hidden in the depths of the Cathedral Quarter this bar provides a cozy intimate atmosphere with live music and comfort food. It’s another popular spot for cheap drinks in Belfast.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Belfast
- Boojum – While this restaurant on Victoria Square may resemble your regular Tex-Mex burrito joint, there’s much more to Boojum than meets the eye. The Mexican cuisine is finger-licking good but it’s also the great service and friendly staff that hit the right notes.
- Coppi – For those that love Italian cuisine this restaurant in the heart of the city centre serves a mix of small plates, pasta, pizzette and risotto at an affordable rate. You can also enjoy a drink from the bar.
- Bites of India – For an affordable taste of South India in Belfast this is an excellent choice. This tiny home-run restaurant on Ravenhill Rd invites quite a crowd due to its delicious food and affordable pricing.
Free Things To Do in Belfast
- Belfast City Hall – Undoubtedly one of the most iconic buildings in Belfast is the civic building that dates back to 1906. Visitors are allowed free tours of the inside with tours running up to four times a day. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll in the manincured grounds or visit the Titanic Memorial Garden.
- Titanic Trail – You can’t visit Belfast without hearing at least one story of the Titanic. What better way to understand more about the doomed ocean liner than on this self guided walk that begins at Titanic Memorial Gardens to the Titanic Quarter.
- Ulster Museum – If you want to get up close and personal with a dinosaur or an Egyptian mummy this is where you should head. Entry to this interesting museum wiht its rich collection of art and history is free for visitors.
