Europa Hotel, Belfast

Advantages: Lovely friendly modem hotel. Very clean and well maintained.
Disadvantages: No swimming pool or Leisure

The Europa Hotel in Belfast is right in the city centre close to everything you will need. It’s a lovely four star hotel that was last renovated in 1998 and is now the biggest hotel in Northern Ireland thanks to its new extension. The bus from Belfast International airport drops you off very close by at the main bus station. The Bus cost £5 single or £8 return and times can be found at http://www.citybus.co.uk/keytablesairbus.asp. The buses leave ...
...Building and takes approximately 35 minutes. I stayed there on Saturday night and was well impressed by the quality of the hotel. First Impressions +++++++++++++ It’s a ten storey modern building with a glass front. The hotel is located on Great Victoria Street which is about 1 minutes walk from the main train and bus station, so its very handy for a base to visit areas outside of the city. I was very impressed with the staff. One of the main ... Read review

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: 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: image, location
Disadvantages: price

The Europa hotel has the dubious distinction of being the most bombed hotel in Europe. Thankfully those days have largely gone from Belfast and you should be assured of a largely undisturbed nights sleep. Pricewise it would be at the top end of the market, but for this you get a superb central location within stumbling distance of most of Belfast's top nightspots and attractions. You will always be assured of craic in any of its three bars and you ... Read review

Advantages: It is very central and authentic
Disadvantages: No music

...This is a great place to see an authentic bar in Belfast city centre. It is one of the oldest bars in Belfast and has retained most of its original features. Its great for tourists and locals also. The atmosphere is very lively both during the day and night. It serves great food during the day and you can enjoy and relax in the small hideaway cubicles for a bit of privacy! There is even a web cam in this pub for people all over the world to tap in and have a look and see what is going on! The only downside to this pub is that they don't play music, but I guess who needs music when then "craic" is good! This pub is a great place to go to celebrity spot as the Grand Opera House is just across the road and those starring in it usually go there for a drink after. PS This bar is opposite the Europa Hotel and The grand Opera House in Belfast... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: see review
Disadvantages: see review

...from the same shelters as they do on weekdays and Saturdays. So it is advisable to ring Translink, the company who owns CityBus, Ulsterbus and Trains, if you are travelling on a Sunday. If you plan to go on a trip outside of Belfast to the surrounding towns the buses depart from two key bus centres, Laganside which is situated near the river or Great Victoria Street Centre, which also has a train station and is located just beside the famous Europa Hotel. Another mode of transport is taxis. There are thousand of taxis in Belfast, black taxis and private hire taxis. Black Taxis are allowed to pick up off the streets if you hail for one, they are relatively inexpensive and there are various taxi ranks throughout the city. For private hire taxis it is illegal to pick up off the street, you must first ring the depot and order the taxi... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

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