The Balmoral Hotel, Belfast...

A Hidden Gem of Hospitality and Luxury

By: Daniel May

Discover timeless elegance at the Balmoral Hotel, where luxury and comfort blend seamlessly. Our beautifully appointed rooms offer a peaceful retreat, while our three spacious function rooms provide the perfect backdrop for private parties, corporate gatherings, and stunning weddings – all set within a venue proudly awarded the GNI Inclusive Venue and Wedding Venue Award. Dine in style at our Lady Anne Brasserie, known for its exquisite cuisine, or unwind with a handcrafted cocktail in the atmospheric Greenan Bar. Start your day right with a hearty breakfast in our charming Courtyard Suite, served from 7am Monday to Saturday and 8am on Sundays. Experience refined hospitality at the Balmoral – where every stay is a special occasion.

On to Daniel’s review...

Just a short drive from Belfast city centre, The Balmoral Hotel offers a delightful blend of comfort, elegance, and warm Northern Irish hospitality. Whether you’re travelling on business, planning a weekend escape, or celebrating a special occasion, this hotel has something for everyone. With luxurious accommodation, exceptional dining, and a wide array of function spaces, it’s no surprise The Balmoral enjoys a stellar reputation as one of Belfast’s most welcoming and award winning venues.

Arrival & First Impressions standout feature was the luxurious freestanding bath, beautifully positioned in the bedroom itself, which added a decadent boutique flourish. I spent a good 45 minutes chilling in it, it was bliss, next time I’ll be packing the bubble bath or bath salts.

I reached The Balmoral around 3:30 pm on a Bank Holiday Monday. To my surprise, the journey was traffic-free, an unexpected treat on such a busy day. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with genuine warmth and professionalism. Fiona at reception checked me in swiftly while giving me a friendly rundown of what the hotel has to offer.

The en-suite bathroom was equally impressive, with a double-sized rainfall shower and dual sinks. Modern conveniences abounded, from complimentary Wi-Fi to a flat-screen TV and in-room facilities for making tea/coffee.

A particularly lovely surprise awaited me after dinner, wine and cake had been discreetly delivered while I was out. It was a thoughtful gesture that summed up the care and attention to detail running

The setting is stylish and relaxed, with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a sense of intimacy that makes it equally suitable for romantic dinners, family meals, or solo travellers looking to unwind. The waiting staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely enthusiastic about ensuring each guest enjoyed their meal.

To start, I opted for a Chicken Caesar Salad, simple in concept, but outstanding in execution. The chicken was succulent and well-seasoned. The pancetta brought a satisfying crunch and salty bite, beautifully offset by the crisp freshness of the romaine lettuce. The dressing was creamy and rich without overpowering the dish, and the Parmesan shards added the perfect savoury finish. It was tailored to my preferences with care, which made the experience feel truly personalised.

What struck me right away was the atmosphere: this isn’t a city chain hotel, it’s personal, relaxed, and full of character. The décor strikes a lovely balance between traditional charm and contemporary touches, making you feel at home from the very first minute.

Suite & Accommodation

My suite was nothing short of AMAZING. Generously sized and thoughtfully designed, it featured a stylish corner sofa, a plush king-size bed, and a spacious walk-in wardrobe area. One through every part of this hotel’s service.

Dining at The Balmoral

The culinary offering at The Balmoral is not just a mealtime convenience, it’s a standout feature in its own right. The hotel’s restaurant delivers a refined yet approachable dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes, with a menu that celebrates classic comfort dishes elevated by skilled preparation and quality ingredients.

For the main course, the daube of beef was a revelation. This slow-cooked dish was everything you want on a comforting evening: the beef was fork-tender and full of flavour, having been braised to perfection in a dark, glossy gravy. I always say my mum makes the best gravy, I may have changed my mind, dont tell her though lol, it was absolutely delicious, so much so that I asked for more to smother the mammoth portion of veg, on the subject of veg, they had just the right amount of bite to retain their freshness.

The mashed potatoes were luxuriously smooth and the Yorkshire pudding was fluffy and golden, serving as the perfect vessel to mop up every last drop of the sauce. The portion was generous, and although I couldn’t quite clear the plate, I certainly gave it my best effort.

Despite being full, the dessert menu was too tempting to resist. I went with the sticky toffee pudding, and it didn’t disappoint. The sponge was moist and warm, with a deep, treacly flavour that lingered on the palate. It was drenched in a rich caramel toffee sauce, paired beautifully with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream. A scattering of fresh blueberries and a delicate drizzle of chocolate sauce added a fresh and slightly tangy contrast that kept each bite interesting. It was indulgent without being overly sweet, and the kind of dessert that leaves you smiling long after the plate is empty.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for a standout local meal or a guest seeking high-quality comfort food in a relaxed setting, dining at The Balmoral ticks every box. It’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in what they serve, and the result is a memorable meal that enhances the entire hotel experience.

Sleep & Comfort

After a delicious dinner and a couple of glasses of wine, I drifted into one of the best sleeps I’ve had in ages. The king-size bed was supremely comfortable, the temperature perfect, and the general stillness of the surroundings ensured over six hours of uninterrupted rest—quite a record for me!

Facilities & Entertainment

Beyond the rooms and restaurant, The Balmoral hosts live entertainment, tribute nights, and seasonal events, making it a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. The bar is spacious and lively,ideal for catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day.

For weddings, celebrations, or corporate events, the hotel offers several function rooms. The largest, the Ballroom, accommodates up to 300 guests and is popular for gala dinners and receptions. Tailored event packages, professional coordination, and inhouse catering make it a genuine one-stop-shop for stress-free planning.

Location & Accessibility

Situated just off the M1, The Balmoral provides easy access to Belfast city centre and attractions such as the Titanic Quarter, SSE Arena, and the Lisburn Road’s cafés and boutiques. Ample free parking is a major bonus. Business travellers will appreciate proximity to both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport, while enjoying a quieter base than a city-centre hotel.

Final Thoughts

My stay at The Balmoral Hotel was genuinely exceptional. From the beautiful suite and incredible food to the thoughtful service and vibrant atmosphere, every element exceeded my expectations. A heartfelt thank-you to the management and staff for being so welcoming and accommodating, you truly made the visit memorable.

Whether you’re booking a romantic getaway, a family celebration, or a professional event, The Balmoral delivers comfort, style, and service in equal measure. If you haven’t yet experienced this Belfast gem, now is the time.

Review by Daniel May

Contact Information

The Balmoral Hotel Belfast Blacks Road, Dunmurry, Belfast, BT10 0NF

Tel: 028 9030 1234

Email: info@balmoralhotelbelfast.co.uk Website: www.balmoralhotelbelfast.co.uk