The Albert Memorial Clock is one of Belfast's most famous attractions. The clock tower, designed by WJ Barre, has a base of flying buttresses topped off with crowned lions clutching shields. Above them stands a statue of Prince Albert in his garter robes, but look at it too long and you might get that sinking feeling. In fact, there is a bit of a Leaning Tower of Pisa situation (sit-e-ation, as they say in these parts) going on with the Albert Clock as the tower leans four feet off perpendicular as a result of it being built on wooden piles on marshy reclaimed land in 1865.
You need to observe the tower from a distance to appreciate the lean, but if you want an up close and personal view of this much-loved landmark, then there is no better vantage point than from the rooftop hot-tub of one of Belfast's classiest establishments, The Merchant Hotel.
Now rooftop hot-tub might sound more tacky than classy but it's all part of the hotel's master top-floor design, which incorporates a high-tech gym and stylish outdoor roof-garden lounge area that not only offers first-class panoramic vistas of Belfast, but provides an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city.
The five-star Merchant Hotel is housed in a Grade A listed Victorian building, complemented by an elegant Art Deco inspired wing. The hotel is located in the heart of Belfast's historic Cathedral Quarter, which is packed full of fascinating architecture, ranging from distinguished banks and public buildings to cosy pubs and trendy warehouse restaurants.
Once inside, you may not want to leave. The bedrooms are themed Victoian Splendour or Deco Decadence, all boasting bespoke furnishing and original works of art.
The Art Deco rooms include Eileen Gray Bibendum and Corbusier classic chairs. The bathrooms feature separate walk-in showers and large bathtubs, while the Carrera marble walls and turquoise tiling create a very elegant effect.
The high-ceilinged Victorian Splendour rooms are adorned with velvet throws, silk curtains and voiles and antique furnishings, while the en suite bathrooms feature deep baths, rain showers and chocolate travertine marble walls.
Both styles feature state of the art entertainment systems with complimentary movies and, rest assured, if you are struggling with insomnia, bedtime stories read by James Nesbitt are also available.
Entering my room of Deco Decadence on the fifth floor, I was immediately impressed as floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered more fantastic views of the city outside. Two king-size double beds with mirrored headboards shared a wall-mounted plasma TV, while down in the living quarters, the mirrored theme continued in the guise of a coffee table surrounded by funky white furniture facing the main entertainment hub. The bathroom was as elegant as the brochure promised - the frosted glass artwork on the door adding a very nice touch - while a surprise awaits inside the walk-in closet as a small dressing table and mirror bordered with old school light bulbs really adds the Hollywood effect.
Belfast has a well-earned reputation of boasting a lively nightlife scene but you could actually spend a fun-filled weekend at the Merchant without having to stray outside the hotel.
Dinner in the Great Room provides not only an excellent gastronomic experience but also a visual feast as you dine amidst the splendour of this former banking hall. Breakfast, lunch and Afternoon Tea are also served in the Great Room and it really is a must-see attraction in Belfast even if you are not residing at the hotel.
The main bar is another visual treat with original architectural features, Baccarat chandeliers and an antique fireplace. The cocktail list is equally impressive and it is not surprising that it was named World's Best Hotel Bar at the Spirit Awards in New Orleans. It is also home to the Connoisseurs Club, which encourages the tasting of premium and unfamiliar spirits - an interesting, if slightly expensive hobby, I'd imagine.
Bert's Bar transports you back to 1930s New York with live jazz, yet more cocktails and a French bistro style menu, while the Cloth Ear public bar is another of the hotel's drinking emporiums and the relaxed atmosphere is matched by a very tasty bar menu.
Ollie's Club will see you well into the early hours with stylish red velvet and leather seating within, while the private members and residents' bar is the ideal place to finish the night off. The small but stylish bar area is packed with quality design seating and other furniture, and after a few top-shelf brandies lounging in these fantastic surroundings, you may find yourself filling in a form to sign up for the Connoisseurs Club.
While the nightlife options are well covered at the Merchant, a wellness weekend is another option. As well as the aforementioned hi-tech gym, the hotel also boasts a five-star Spa facility, which was designed to create an environment to restore your physical wellbeing and promote spiritual and emotional harmony. The facilities include a luxurious hydrotherapy area with hydro pool, rock sauna and aroma steam room, while their signature Sodashi products are 100 per cent organic, natural and effective.
My wellness weekend ran in tandem with a couple of great nights experiencing Belfast's energetic and exciting nightlife scene. And the two appeared to collide on my final night as I enjoyed a late-night pint over a very relaxing game of snooker in the Merchant Hotel's games room.
The Cathedral Quarter
One of the Merchant Hotel's many great features is its location in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. This traditionally historic area is now a pivotal player in the city's evolving arts and crafts scene. The Quarter is home to many visual and performing artists, while just strolling about the area, you really get the sense that Belfast is an extremely creative place to be right now. Some great pubs are also to be found in this area with the John Hewitt, the Spaniard and the Duke of York being three of the best.
Things to Do in Belfast
Explore Belfast - Queen's Quarter is based around the university from which it takes its name. It is an energetic, lively area of character and charm that fuses academia, entertainment and culture. The Titanic Quarter is located in the old shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff, and is undergoing a £7bn waterfront development, which will be twice the size of London's Canary Wharf when finished. And the Gaeltacht Quarter emphasises the roots of Belfast with Celtic music, myth and folklore. Located in west Belfast, along the Falls Road, the Irish language, music, literature and culture continue to flourish.
Shopping at Victoria Square - The magnificent dome of Victoria Square is visible from the roof-top at the Merchant Hotel and a two-minute walk will land you in the middle of this impressive shopping thoroughfare, which is home to many high street shops including the Apple Store and the House of Fraser. Victoria Square also includes a cinema and many restaurants throughout the multi-storey complex.
Golfing Belfast - The north coast of Ireland is a golfing paradise but there are many excellent golfing options in Belfast and the surrounding area. Malone Golf Course, located just south of the city centre, is a beautiful parkland course with 27 championship holes on offer. The back nine plays around a very picturesque lake and the clubhouse offers great food with more fantastic panoramic views of the rolling hills and lake beyond. Royal Belfast is another gem of a golf course just outside Belfast, close to Holywood, the home of Rory McIlroy. A tough test for the amateur golfer but even a bad round can be uplifted by the views of Belfast Lough, which runs adjacent to the course. Belvoir is another top-class course close to the city, while further afield, Ardglass Golf Course and Royal County Down, one of the best courses in the world, are both less than an hour's drive.
For more information about The Merchant Hotel, visit: www.themerchanthotel.com.
For more information about visiting Belfast, visit: www.gotobelfast.com or call the Belfast Welcome Centre on: +44 48 9024 6609.
Ed Leahy
RTÉ is not responsible for the content of external websites.
