JC STAYS BELFAST
HOST TO scoundrels and scholars since 1879 — The Harrison proudly declares this as its motto and it’s a valid epithet. This quirky boutique hotel in a converted Victorian townhouse near Belfast’s Queen’s University is a true cabinet of curiosities, celebrating Northern Ireland’s rich cultural and literary past.
All of its 16 eclectically decorated rooms are dedicated to local authors and artists, from Narnia writer CS Lewis to singer-songwriter Van Morrison. In fact, the building itself has a quite a story to tell: it was first the home of John Cleaver, of the city’s worldrenowned Irish linen store Robinson & Cleaver, before being converted into flats and then offices.
When the building came up for sale a few years ago, proprietor Melanie Harrison — who lived next door — saw a golden opportunity. She has since carefully restored and redecorated it, complete with antique-style radiators, mahogany floorboards salvaged from the Royal Victoria Hospital and objets d’art she’s collected over the years.
My room at adults-only The Harrison — or The Harrison, Chambers of Distinction to use its full title — was the Brontë Suite, complete with four-poster bed, rolltop bath in the centre of the room and a large bay window overlooking the leafy Malone Road, once home to a string of Victorian merchants’ houses.
Brontë, you say? Yes. The famous literary siblings may be most closely associated with the Yorkshire Moors, but their father Patrick actually hailed from near Rathfriland, Co Down; indeed, Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Ann were said to talk with a Northern Irish accent.
The room is spacious and bright and the chaise lounge the ideal place to while away the hours with a good book. The free-standing bath is a dream for anyone who likes to have a thorough soak, although there is also a rainfall shower in the en-suite bathroom. The beautifully scented toiletries are made by local and sustainable brand FieldDay.
A quirk of many of the rooms is that they have their own small entrance hall. This is largely thanks to fire regulations but is actually a quite nice feature in itself, as your continental breakfast can be dropped off without being left in the corridor — all the while still affording you privacy. The room that plays this best is undeniably the CS Lewis Suite, where the corridor links a single room to the larger double and features an ornate cupboard straight out of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe — complete with fake fur coat.
Other rooms include the Hans Sloane Suite, in honour of the Co Down physician and naturalist whose collection of 71,000 items provided the foundation for the British Museum. Its roll-top bath is backed by a wall-length reproduction of 16th century artwork, the Allegory of Love. Meanwhile, the Ruby Murray Suite showcases some of the building’s elaborate plasterwork and a record player to play some of the 1950s singer’s chart-topping hits.
The cosy WB Yeats Suite is at the very top of the building and is the perfect place to admire the works of Ireland’s most famous poet. Indeed, light sleepers may want to request a room higher up to avoid the hustle and bustle of the busy Malone Road. Smaller, but equally quirky, rooms include tributes to playwright Samuel Beckett and poet Seamus Heaney.
Melanie’s joie de vivre extends across the building and her passion is reflected in her small and friendly team. Guests shouldn’t expect all the facilities of a modern hotel building — although there is a lift — but the experience is perfect for those wanting something a little different, with a lot of character. The cultural and historic attractions of the city are just a short bus or taxi ride away (or within a brisk 25-minute walk), and The Harrison is also happy to arrange tours and experiences to show off the very best of Belfast.
Its opening as a hotel may be just the latest chapter in the history of 45 Malone Road, but Melanie promises it’s a story that will keep evolving. “I’ll always be working on it, I’ll be working on it until I die,” she says, with a glint in her eye.
Rates: Bohemian rooms start from £120, Aristocrat Suites from £175. chambersofdistinction.com