Irish Independent

Voyage to Titanic Hotel Belfast

The legendary Harland & Wolff Headquarte­rs has been transforme­d into Belfast’s newest hotel, Titanic Hotel Belfast

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Situated in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, lies the hotel of dreams. The legendary Harland & Wolff Headquarte­rs has been transforme­d into Belfast’s newest hotel, Titanic Hotel Belfast. “Titanic Hotel is more than just a hotel,” says General Manager Adrian McNally. “It is a place to reflect on the industrial era of shipbuildi­ng in Belfast. You can learn about the directors who governed the Harland & Wolff headquarte­rs. You also get to experience the splendour of the original Drawing Offices, which have been restored to their magnificen­t glory thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.” After opening in September 2017, Titanic Hotel Belfast has welcomed visitors from around the world. In addition, many tourists have visited to get an authentic taste of the shipbuildi­ng industry, the Harland & Wolff history and the legacy of the RMS Titanic. The hotel offers a memorable experience for anyone visiting Northern Ireland for business or pleasure. “We wanted to create a hotel that celebrated all of the attributes of the Belfast tourist industry, and give local and global visitors a hub in Belfast’s thriving Titanic Quarter,” says McNally.

HISTORY

The Harland & Wolff Headquarte­rs building was once the nerve centre of the largest shipyard in the world. Hundreds of ships were designed in the Drawing Offices and constructe­d on the adjoining slipways. This includes the legendary White Star Liners; Olympic, Britannic and, of course, Titanic. The magnificen­t dual Victorian Drawing Offices, with their three-storey high barrel-vaulted ceilings, are the only surviving example of this type of architectu­re in the world. Traditiona­l techniques such as lath and plaster were used on the walls in the hotel to conserve the historical building. Much of the original fabric of the building was retained, with decorative features and artefacts reused wherever possible. The walls are filled with poignant photograph­ic memories of the White Star Line and its passengers and crew. This creates

COMFORTABL­E SURROUNDIN­GS

The bedrooms have preserved historic features, and modern artworks and decoration­s. The hallways resemble ship corridors, making you feel like a passenger on-board a real ship. The hotel features 119 luxury bedrooms with hanging ship’s lanterns, riveted panels and unique maritime artwork pieces featured in every room. You will feel as if you have wandered into a state room on a White Star Liner. The rooms have views of Queen’s Island and the famous Harland & Wolff gantry cranes. They are inspired by the style of the time, representi­ng the art of shipbuildi­ng and the ‘Golden Age of Ocean Liners.’ As well as deluxe rooms, the hotel has seven private event spaces. Guided by the history and culture of the shipbuildi­ng location, the hotel remains true to the story of Harland & Wolff. The private spaces use the offices of former Managing Director Thomas Andrews, a victim of the Titanic sinking, Charles Payne, a former director of Harland & Wolff and Lord Pirrie, a chairman of Harland and Wolff in the early 20th century. Notable artefacts include the Villeroy & Boch tiles that surround the hotel’s main bar - identical to the tiles used for the swimming pools and first class bathrooms on the Titanic. The authentic historical touches are all around you and create a remarkable and unique stay.

REFINED DINING

Sit down and relax at the hotel’s refined dining restaurant, The Wolff Grill. The Wolff Grill has views of the spectacula­r Titanic Belfast building and historic slipways to delight you while you eat. The hotel’s award-winning chefs are led by executive chef, Nigel Mannion, who will create a memorable dining experience. Employing the finest locally-sourced ingredient­s, the restaurant offers a delicious menu and unique atmosphere for guests. The Dover Sole and Barbary Duck Breast are particular favourites of guests. Afternoon Tea is served in the iconic presentati­on room, prepared by the same team and from the same kitchen as The Wolff Grill.

LEGENDARY LOCATION

The Titanic Quarter, where Titanic Hotel is based, is an area transforme­d over the past decade to become one of Northern Ireland’s top destinatio­ns. The hotel is near numerous visitor attraction­s, such as the SSE Arena and, of course, the Titanic Belfast. Named as the world’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards 2016, Titanic Belfast is not to be missed. Titanic Quarter is perfectly situated with it being a 10-minute walk from the City Centre and accessed from the M1, so those from the Republic of Ireland can travel there easily. Travellers who want the quintessen­tial Northern Ireland leisure break, will find Titanic Hotel Belfast the ideal spot. It is a luxury experience with a Northern Irish personalit­y.

“The needs of passenger comfort are of first importance.” - Sir Edward Harland

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 ??  ?? The front reception at Titanic Hotel Belfast
The front reception at Titanic Hotel Belfast
 ??  ?? an authentic historical experience of an unforgetta­ble time.
an authentic historical experience of an unforgetta­ble time.

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