The Europa Hotel, Belfast

WHERE AND WHY

If you’re looking for a prime city centre location for a girls’ trip, this hotel is it. Situated next to Great Victoria Street railway station and with the Europa bus station behind it, it’s perfect for visitors arriving from the city’s airports.

We took the bus frombelfast International airport for just £8, a fraction of the price of a taxi taking 30 minutes.

Our room, one of 272, was spacious with comfy twin beds and a sitting area. Muted tones and wooden furniture gave it a cosy feel and there was hanging space and a well-equipped bathroom with a back-lit mirror.

The lobby bar is a great spot for a relaxing drink after a day of sightseeing. Head to the Piano Lounge for Afternoon Tea and meals are served in The Causerie restaurant on the ground floor.

ON THE MENU

For breakfast, the Ulster Fry is a must-try. But you can also choose from a selection of cereals, pastries and porridge.

For dinner, the signature Smoked Haddock Chowder (£10) and the Smoked Duck and Five Spice Spring Roll (£10) started things off perfectly. The Liserdan Gourmet Marrow Burger served with fries (£24) and the signature Battered Fish of the Day with triple cooked chips (£20) was another delectation ahead of a night in Belfast’s bars. But we did wash it down with a very pleasant La Maison Lilou Sauvignon Blanc (£9.20 for 250ml glass). And who can resist a cheeseboard? The Taste The Island Cheese Slate (£11 or £17 to share) left us waddling over the road to The Crown Bar.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

The legendary Crown dates from 1826 and was one of the city’s best Victorian Gin Palaces. It’s a feast for the eyes with many old features still there including the gas lighting. We managed to get a snug, an old-fashioned booth with door.

Commercial Court is where visitors flock to be seen, however. The mixture of traditional pubs and more modern establishments mean it’s a huge draw for nights out.

We also hopped on a bike beer tour (£20 at weetoasttours.com) which was an hour of utter hilarity and helped work off that cheeseboard.

The following day we took a political taxi tour with Paddy Campbell’s Taxi Tours (£50 for two at belfastblackcabtours.co.uk) which gives an insightful look into The Troubles from people who lived through that period.

WAKE-UP CALL

The Europa hotel offers rooms from £125 a night on B&B, hastingshotels.com/europabelfast.