The Merchant Hotel

I booked this hotel as a 70th birthday surprise for my husband. It cost considerably more than I would normally have spent on accommodation, but it was a very special occasion. The hotel is in an excellent central location, although there is a large and noisy bar opposite which did make a great deal of noise - especially, I think, as our visit coincided with Pride week. The room was well appointed, though I was surprised that they only provided coffee bags, no coffee machine. The main problem was that there was a great deal of limescale on the grout of the shower, together with quite a few spots of black mould. I complained and they were very apologetic, saying that the shower was due to be re-grouted. If that was the case, surely they shouldn't have put us in that room? We went out to dinner and on returning to our room we were overpowered by the smell of bleach and cleaning products which took many hours to dissipate. They had managed to remove all the limescale & mould, which, of course, suggests that it could have been properly cleaned - and aired- before we arrived. The excellent breakfast was served in a magnificent dining room. All in all, the mouldy shower issue was a considerable blot on an otherwise lovely weekend. I was surprised to be presented with the full bill at check-out with no reduction. I had to ask for one, and £100 was taken off, but that was less than 10% of the total. Quite frankly I was expecting the first night's stay to be be taken off, but no.

Outstanding room and property overall,as well as service from the front desk to the Great Room restaurant and the bellmen, one of whom, John Mac, was especially helpful in recommending restaurants and retrieving our car. The hotel is also in a great location for restaurants and even a by-the-slice pizza pop- up across the street. And, best of all there is a cabaret onsite with live Jazz music and good food called Berts. We highly recommend this hotel for tour stay in Belfast

Our stay in The Merchant Hotel was exceptional! From the moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a special stay! Immediately greeted by welcoming staff with a friendly smile! We arrived early as we had made a reservation for Afternoon Tea. Staff kindly stored our luggage and transferred it to our room while we had afternoon tea. Afternoon tea was fabulous! Service impeccable and all the food was divine. Staff were all so friendly and attentive. It really was the staff that made our experience outstanding. They even brought a beautiful cake to mark my husband's birthday. Afternoon Tea in The Merchant feels like such a luxury experience and it exceeded our expectations! We spent some time in the spa, it was small but not busy at all. Very nice and the views from the roof top hot tub were amazing! Our room was clean, comfortable and had all the necessary facilities needed to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The toiletries were gorgeous! We had a wonderful night's sleep! We had drinks in the bar before dinner and they were amazing! Really fabulous choice of cocktails and they were delicious. Staff regularly topped up glasses of water and checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. Even though the bar was busy, staff were always available and very friendly. Dinner was in Berts Jazz Bar. Atmosphere was amazing! Food exceptional and staff outstanding! We had such a lovely meal, faultless! Breakfast the next morning was perfection. Once again, staff were exceptional. Choice of food was great and everything was cooked perfectly! Overall, we had an amazing stay. We had booked an overnight with breakfast and dinner package was very good value for money. We cannot wait to stay again!

We have stayed in the Merchant twice before at the Victorian side of the hotel but this visit had a Deluxe Twin Art Deco room, which was simply amazing. Huge room with two huge double beds, huge living area to relax and a massive bathroom. Our package included dinner in the Great Room. Service was very attentive and we really enjoyed the relaxed ambience. The food was amazing. Fillet steak was one of the best cooked I have had. After our meal we retreated to the Cocktail bar for a few drinks, such a lovely space to end the evening. We have already booked our next stay in August and Cannot wait. Thank you all.

We have stayed here a few times but I think this was our last. The staff on reception are always lovely and helpful but that’s were it ends. There was one member of the bar staff that was lovely and actually made an effort to chat (Rueben was his name), the rest of the staff never smiled. Breakfast was the same, the guy greeting us at breakfast hardly spoke two words, we asked him for some coffee, it never arrived. The rest of the breakfast staff wizzed by incase you asked for something. You basically had to go after them. And again no interaction and no welcoming smiles. There was 1 lady I approached, she said she was kitchen staff but went and got me what I needed. The rooms are always clean and tidy, bed really comfy and a great shower. We noticed plates from room service sitting on the corridor for 2 days. Sorry if this all sounds very negative but this is one of the more expensive hotels in Belfast and I feel customer service really lets it down.

Don't stay at the weekend. The noise level from the music at the outdoor bar across the street was horrendous. It was like nightclub level. Finished at 1.30 and the music was so loud we couldn't hear even the TV. Which was my attempt to drown it out. Spending the next day on 5 hours sleep is not worth it, no matter how nice the hotel is. Especially considering the cost. No compensation offered by reception