The Europa is the hotel most Belfast visitors recognise before they have even checked in. It stands on Great Victoria Street in the middle of the city’s entertainment district, with 272 rooms, a lobby with a fireplace, and a long reputation that includes being widely described as one of the most bombed hotels in Europe during the Troubles. Today it is a calm, comfortable and well-run four-star, and the location is hard to beat: the Grand Opera House is a two-minute walk, the Ulster Hall three, City Hall four and the Christmas market about the same, while the Crown Liquor Saloon and Robinson’s Saloon are a minute away. On site you will find the Causerie restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and two bars, plus 24-hour room service, a 24-hour front desk, a concierge, a business centre and luggage storage. Rooms have air conditioning, free toiletries, electric kettles and desks, and bathrooms with shower and bath combinations. It is a hotel for people who want to be in the middle of things without paying five-star prices, and it suits business travellers, theatre-goers and anyone planning to see the city on foot.
Location and getting around
The Europa is on Great Victoria Street, in the heart of the Linen Quarter and the theatre district. City Hall is about four minutes on foot, Victoria Square shopping centre seven, and Botanic railway station ten, while Lanyon Place station is about fourteen minutes away. The coaches for the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones tours leave from Donegall Square, an easy walk, and the hop-on hop-off bus is close by. Belfast International Airport is around thirty-five minutes away by car.
Rooms and facilities
Expect a comfortable, traditional room rather than a design statement, with a full breakfast available for an additional charge. There is no parking offered, so if you are arriving by car, arrange a public car park nearby before you travel. Only service animals are permitted. Check-in runs from 3pm until midnight, and check-out is at 11am.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want a central base, theatre and concert-goers, and anyone who enjoys a hotel with history and a grand lobby. It is less suited to travellers who want a quiet suburban retreat or a boutique feel, and light sleepers should ask for a room away from the street.
Good to know
The Christmas market and big events bring crowds and higher prices, so book early for December and weekends. The Crown Bar is next door for a pint in a Victorian snug, and the Grand Opera House is across the road if you want an evening show. Compare rates with and without breakfast before booking.
Why stay here
- ✓272 rooms
- ✓Causerie restaurant
- ✓Two bars
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Business centre
- ✓Air conditioning
Good questions
Where is the Europa Hotel in Belfast?+
It is on Great Victoria Street, a two-minute walk from the Grand Opera House and about four minutes from City Hall.
Does the Europa Hotel have parking?+
No parking is offered, so arrange a nearby public car park if you are arriving by car.
Does the Europa Hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes, the Causerie restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are two bars on site.
