Brilliant boutique hotels in Belfast for a weekend of little luxuries

The refined Ten Square Hotel, set in a Grade I-listed townhouse, is just steps away from chic French cafés and eclectic bars with live music. Stylish rooms have lovely soft super-king size beds with blue velvet throws, as well as powerful rain showers – just what you need to get you going in the morning.

If you’re visiting for an extra special occasion, splash out on a penthouse or suite. In the contemporary Jaffe Penthouse, you can sip on a morning coffee on the private roof terrace, while admiring the views of the 1906-built City Hall across the street.

Dinner is served at Jospers Restaurant, which specialises in succulent steaks cooked in an authentic Spanish charcoal oven for a smoky flavour. Follow up your rib-eye with a chocolatey pudding to satisfy any sweet cravings, then head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, The Loft. There’s no better way to end an evening than sinking down into a scarlet Chesterfield, flute of chilled fizz in hand.

Sleek contemporary style is what the 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel is all about – particularly in its AA-Rosette restaurant. There, you’ll find dramatic, high-backed scarlet chairs, polished wooden floors and dark marbled walls. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients from local producers, with meaty dishes like pork cheeks served with salty scallops and smooth cauliflower puree.

Love to finish off your evening with a nightcap? Head to the intimate and low-lit bar. It has an ultra-hip, industrial-inspired feel thanks to the high-shine copper light fixtures and cosy booths with carved wooden partitions. It’s the ideal place to relax at the end of the day and enjoy a pint of local ale, a fruity glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Moscow Mule.

Rooms at the Fitzwilliam Hotel are decorated in restful shades of taupes and silvers. Choose the vast Residence Suite to take your getaway to the next level – the cooks among you can dream up a culinary masterpiece in your state-of-the art Miele kitchen before settling down beneath soft Egyptian cotton sheets.

Based on the lively and elegant Victoria Street – home to the Grand Opera House and the iconic Ulster Hall – the Malmaison Belfast is a chic base for exploring the narrow cobble streets and bustling bars of the city’s Cathedral Quarter.

Rooms here have lots of quirky finishing touches. In a Deluxe Club, oversized leather headboards complement the eye-catching feature wallpaper. Porthole mirrors and cabinets in rich dark wood create a feeling of elegance. After a busy day, lie back on the king-sized premium bed and sip on a freshly made coffee from your Lavazza coffee machine.

For dinner, head to the Chez Mal Brasserie. The focus here is on no-holds-barred flavour – think hearty game croquettes of guinea fowl, venison and duck, soft tiger prawns in fiery chilli and garlic or coq au vin in rich herbs and full-bodied red wine. Top off your meal by teaming it with a celebratory kir royale.

On-trend interiors steal the show at the contemporary Flint Hotel. Each piece of furniture is unique and has been hand-crafted by Terry Design and Rui Design, artisanal producers from Northern Ireland. Every room has its own distinctive style: you’ll find eye-catching copper details, dark grey walls and traditional hardwood flooring.

Rooms have their own minimalist kitchen, complete with high-tech hob, microwave and fridge. This means you’ll be able to prepare your own meals (what about a traditional Irish stew?) and have a little more independence on your holiday. Bathrooms have fresh white tiling, as well as refreshing power showers – the ultimate wake-up call. There’s also a comfy relaxation area with a muted grey sofa for lounging at the end of the day.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel you’ll find Belfast City Hall, a spectacular example of Baroque and Edwardian Revival architecture, as well as the Titanic Quarter. This regenerated waterfront area is packed with entertaining interactive museums, boat tours and restaurants.

Stroll through the glamorous Europa Hotel and you’ll find it easy to feel like you’ve been swept back in time. The hotel has a vintage feel, from the impressive Piano Bar with its show-stealing chandelier to the wood-panelled meeting rooms. You’ll see this theme continued in the guest rooms. In a two-room Junior Suite, wake up in a seriously soft premium bed, before admiring the sun rising over Great Victoria Street from your private lounge.

The hotel was built on the site of the Great Northern Railway Station, and was once renowned as the top meeting place for journalists. Since then, the buzz has welcomed a variety of high-profile guests – including the Clintons.

If you’re heading out to catch a show at one of the many theatres nearby, fill up beforehand at the relaxed Causerie Restaurant. Begin with tempting dishes like creamy goat’s cheese pannacotta or pork belly with ginger and lemongrass, before tucking into traditional fish and chips or a spicy chicken curry.