Europa Hotel, Belfast

Advantages: Central location, helpful staff, comfortable, well-maintained
Disadvantages: lifts congested, no gym

The Europa is Northern Ireland's largest and possibly best hotel, although some people have disputed that the latter is no longer the case, with the Hilton now taking away most of the celebrity guests. I stayed in the Europa for ten days in July 2002 when I was managing the Austrian Cricket team at the ECC European Championship, and it provided us with an excellent base for which to prepare for the tournament (and yes if you have read bazza1603's ...
...represents quite a saving. The Europa bus centre is also walking distance from Belfast Central Railway station. The hotel is very centrally located with a host of bars and restaurants in the vicinity. During the ten days I was there I ventured to a curry house, a Malaysian restaurant (Istana), a Chinese restaurant (The Wok), a couple of Italian restaurants and also to various drinking establishments, with Robinsons, The Crown and The Beaten Docket ... Read review

Advantages: Good location
Disadvantages: Expensive and IMHO overated

...sad to say that the Europa let me down on both these fronts but more about that later. The Europa is Belfast’s largest hotel with 240 rooms and has hosted some rather famous guests including I believe Bill Clinton. LOCATION For this the Europa undoubtedly gets full marks, from what I can gather, although I didn’t wander too far, there is a myriad of pubs, shops and eateries within its immediate vicinity, including a pub opposite and slightly to ...
...so what else did the Europa have to offer? A restaurant, a bar (where a pint of Stella cost £2.70) a very grand and imposing reception area and a hair and beauty salon. Pretty much it I’m afraid, so if you are looking for lots of facilities, forget the Europa, although I am led to believe there are numerous activities within easy walking distance. There is apparently parking and valet parking available at the Europa, although I have no idea of costs, ... Read review

Advantages: The Surroundings
Disadvantages: The Night Time

...in Belfast city center the Europa is a popular hotel with the tourists. The hotel is crammed with friendly staff who are always there ready to help. The food in the hotel is very nice and they also have a buffet style in the morning but if it is not what you like then you can just stroll around the corner into the center. There you will find lots of bars,nightclubs,restaurants and Irish pubs. The rooms are very modern and up to date and the whole ...
...going to stay then make sure you bring a big wallet because the hotel can be pricey and you may also want some ear plugs for night time because around the hotel can get pretty noisy epically on weekends. All in all the hotel is probably the best in Belfast and there may not be much better ... Read review

Advantages: The Location
Disadvantages: The Noise And Price

If you are going to Belfast then you got to check out this hotel. I loved this hotel. I thought that the hotel was very modern and up to date and also it was very clean. I thought that the hotel staff were very helpful and they were always willing to give a helping hand. The hotel is located in the very center of Belfast surrounded by clubs, pubs restaurants and there are lots of shops as well. Next door to the hotel is a bus station. I was visiting ...
...station I was able to book trips to visit what the north has to offer. My only downsides about this hotel were that it was a little bit too noisy and the price of the food and drink was high. So if your visiting then you will really enjoy yourself but remember to bring along some ear plugs and a massive wallet. ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent location; interesting history
Disadvantages: Poorly managed

I booked just one night at the Europa. The reception was excellent although the room was not ready. I decided to have lunch in their Brasserie. The service was willing but amateurish. Tables were cleared slowly if at all and the whole environment was unappealing due to this. A group of businessmen arrived after me and were given rude and slow service. The food was average in quality at best and overpriced. The bedroom itself was small but quiet. ...
.... I cleaned it myself before using. I had to ask for towels and toiletries. Breakfast next morning was "served" in the Brasserie. The service was a shambles. I had difficulty finding a table not because they were busy but because 60% of tables were vacant but covered in dirty plates. Coffee took 15 minutes to arrive and toast another 10. The food was actually quite acceptable. Service was appalling. No member of management was visible at any time ... Read review

Advantages: Big Budget Productions
Disadvantages: N/a

...As one of the oldest theatres in Belfast, this traditional Victorian venue hosts a variety of performances from classical to comedy, and ballet to musicals. It has recently been renovated to include an additional studio theatre - named the Baby Grand - and also a new restaurant Lucianos. The bar facilities have also been recently updated. Other tourist attractions worth catching in the local area are the famous Europa hotel (next door to the Opera House) and the Crown bar just across the road - one of the oldest remaining pubs in Belfast, and perhaps Northern Ireland. Closest car park is located in Glengall street next to the theatre itself. Bus and train links also available there (within five minutes walk of the threate doors).... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The Activities
Disadvantages: The Noise

...No matter who you are there is always something for you to do in Belfast. Belfast has grown to become one of the most popular weekend break destinations in the U.K. The Northern Ireland capital is always buzzing and full of energy. There are more than enough hotels to chose from. If you want to experience the nightlife or city life then you can stay in one of Belfast's most luxurious hotels such as the Europa. In here you will find helpful staff, nice meals, modern decor and not to forget high prices. But if you are more of a country person then you can stay in one of the hotels just outside Belfast such as the La Mon Country House in Co.Down. In here you can find a luxury health club, Gym, Tennis Court and this would be perfect for a family vacation or a weekend break and it is just 15 minutes outside the capital. There are also... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Central location in Belfast & excellent standard of cuisine
Disadvantages: Car parking was an issue & we had to wait to be seated

...This is a relatively new "chinkers" opened late 2000, on Great Victoria Street, Belfast (for those who know the are almost opposite the Europa Hotel). I would not advise trying to visit without booking well in advance - the popularity of the Red Panda has to be seen to be believed! I had the pleasure of visiting the restaurant with a group of work colleagues for a leaving lunch. It was well able to cater for 13 of us - although l would say we were half an hour late getting seated - our table was booked for 1.30pm. Eventually we sat at the table - we did not have to worry about waiting to place orders - as we had the fore-sight to order ahead. Well what a culinary delight we experienced. My starter - spare ribs - salted chilli style - almost a main course in itself - delicious. For my main course l had... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful