Fall in love with these gorgeous romantic hotels in Belfast

You can’t fail to have an unforgettably romantic escape at a hotel which has its very own proposals curator – even if popping the question isn’t part of your plan for a stay at the Merchant Hotel. Set in the grandly elegant former Ulster Bank headquarters, this is Victorian luxury turned up to 11.

If you are pushing the boat out, start as you mean to go on by arriving in their chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Phantom or a horse-drawn carriage. There are even tempting alternatives when you choose your room – sleekly chic Art Deco with its mirrored cabinets and design classics or the velvet and silks of the Victorian rooms. Or when only a four-poster bed will do, check in to one of the hotel’s five bespoke Victorian suites.

That’s only the start of the treats though. Get pampered in the atmospheric candlelit spa, then indulge some more at dinner; low-key in the 1920s-style Bert’s Bar with its jazz soundtrack, or jaw-dropping in The Great Room, with its award-winning tasting menu.

And if you do feel inspired to get down on one knee, it’s hard to beat bringing out a ring while you’re both soaking alone in the rooftop hot tub, or after being secretly whisked up to the private roof garden to propose above the city lights. If you’d rather pop the question in your suite, the hotel can transform it with champagne, candles, rose petals, personalised playlist and even a hidden photographer to capture the moment. This is somewhere you never forget.

It’s all about the details at the five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel – tea lights in the bathroom against its glittering black mosaic walls, huge sunflower shower heads and Egyptian cotton sheets. Upgrade to a Superior room or one of the Deluxe Suites and you can gaze out onto some fantastic views out over the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows too.

Eventually you have to drag yourself away from the plush blush and turquoise furnishings in your room though. At least as far as the bar, where you can easily start to believe you’re in New York rather than right in the heart of Belfast. Sip cocktails or champagne under the copper lights – almost every wine on the bar’s list is available by the glass, if you can’t agree on one bottle.

When you finally make it outside, it’s only two minutes’ walk to the city’s famous Crown Liquor Saloon, as much tourist attraction as bar. This Victorian gin palace dates back to the 19th century, and is owned by the National Trust – the colourful tiles and intricate decoration are enough to make your head spin but happily there are still dozens of gins to help revive you, plus a cask ale and whisky menu. Cosy up in one of the booths and gaze into each other’s eyes as you work your way through.

The Grand Opera House is right on the doorstep too. Northern Ireland’s last Victorian theatre stages performances straight from the West End – book in while you can, those opulent gold and red boxes are undergoing restoration in 2020.

Ten Square ticks all the modern minimalist boxes without ever being bland. Set in a converted linen warehouse, the Grade I listed building is full of history without losing those sought after contemporary touches – exposed brick walls in the restaurant, comfy leather Chesterfield sofas under chandeliers in the bar to constrast with the chic greys of the decor and modern prints on the bedroom walls.

After hours exploring those fascinating city streets, I loved coming back to lounge languorously on my silvery grey chaise longue, with throws and cushions adding some softness to the cool white décor. Tell the staff you’ve got romance planned, and they’ll add rose petals in the shape of a heart to the bed or scatter them in the bath, as well as laying out chocolate strawberries and bubbly to celebrate. If you’re really making it a weekend to remember, the hotel has its own Rolls Royce too.

Ten Square hotel is just a stone’s throw from City Hall and Belfast’s central attractions, but you don’t need to go far for the best steaks in town. Hotel restaurant Jospers Grill is renowned for its charcoal-grilled Irish prime-aged beef. Then stroll to the hotel’s Linen Bar for live music and local gin, or up to The Loft rooftop bar, decorated with vintage sewing machines – a little added bonus here, is that hotel guests jump the queue!

Near, far, wherever you are… If you well up at the thought of even the word Titanic (or have always fancied being the King of the World), the city where the doomed ship was built is perfect to relieve some romance, Kate and Leo-style.

So where better to stay than on the waterfront itself? AC Hotel Belfast sits right on the River Lagan, walking distance from Titanic Belfast. Check into a river view room to try to catch a glimpse of the striking silver museum buildings from your huge window, before visiting to learn some of the real-life passenger stories.

The hotel’s style might be minimalist – think ceramic birds on the walls and metal sculptures among the cool white – and there are some impressively streamlined rates to snap up, but there’s no question you’re travelling first class when you check in to your room, with king size beds, Nespresso coffee makers and a 49-inch TV.

And behind the hotel’s restaurant, Novelli at City Quays, is multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Here the two of you can indulge in Mediterranean and French-inspired dishes, or tapas on the riverside terrace when the sun shines. The memories (and your heart) will go on…

Small can be beautiful. If the idea of grand displays makes you want to hide, Tara Lodge is perfect for a boutique break, high on romance with an added helping of relaxation.

Even the toiletries are packed with 10 essential oils, with Orla Kiely’s Geranium range ready for a revitalising Grohe power shower. In the rooms, chocolate and gold tones feel deliciously luxurious but still restful, and if you check into one of the signature rooms you’ll find Bluetooth speakers, a Nespresso machine and GHD straighteners (perfect for getting ready for a romantic evening), plus gorgeous views out over Belfast.

Close to the Botanic Gardens, in a chilled-out leafy part of the city centre, you can wander hand-in-hand through the Palm House or Tropical ravine. Known as one of the Voted one of the top 10 most romantic places in Belfast, a kiss in the rose gardens beats any bouquet. Fans of Game of Thrones can choose the hotel’s special package too, one of their themed stays, including a locations tour for the hit TV show filmed in and around the city. Even Jon Snow knows it’s a good idea to book in here…

The best romantic escapes are always memorable – but to make sure you remember it for all the right reasons, there’s nowhere better for quirky glam than Malmaison. Where else would call its junior suite ‘Goliath’ after all? With a supersized 7ft bed, an equally epic roll top bath, your own lounge with a fireplace and Bose sound system to connect to your playlists, that’s almost an understatement.

Even in the rest of the rooms in this funky converted warehouse, you’re promised titanic bathtubs and king-sized beds, all with the chain’s signature moody lighting, toiletries you’re encouraged to take away with you, plus 24-hour room service (in case you really don’t want to leave the room).

You can even find your own private corner in the You’re hardly less private in the brasserie’s booths for a romantic dinner under dimmed lights. Coastal chic gets an urban upgrade here, with seasonal menus from the chefs and a great wine list. Or just around the corner is one of the city’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, OX Belfast (oxbelfast.com/), where the creative menu fits the intimate and informal atmosphere.

Don’t miss drinking in the panoramic views of the city from the viewing gallery in the rooftop dome at nearby Victoria Square shopping centre. Then it’s a short stroll on to St George’s Market, repeatedly named among the UK’s best markets, whether you’re foodies or looking for a unique souvenir or jewellery.