About me: I am 41 years of age and live in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. I am a single parent with a little b...
Member since:09.03.2007
Reviews:22
Members who trust:29
Review rated by 19 Ciao members on average: very helpful
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I have now stayed here twice, and have to say that on both occasions the experience was a positive one. The Holiday Inn, 22 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, has 170 rooms and is of a very high quality in the specification.
On both occasions I was staying over as I was going out that evening in Belfast. It is a bit expensive to stay over in a hotel, but well its so nice to pamper yourself, and you don't have to worry about taxi's or making breakfast the next morning.
The cost was £108 per night with the first night a little cheaper. This was Christmas and so was dearer, I think Belfast can be more expensive though for what's a provincial/regional city. However you pretty much know what you are getting when you stay with the Holiday Inn Group, and it was a 4 star.
Arrival =====
As soon as you arrive you are immediately aware that you are in the "buzzing
Belfast", the Holiday Inn always seems to be a hive of activity, and it's not just people arriving or leaving, the hotel has busy bars used by residents and non residents alike.
On arrival you are immediately aware that this is a smart and professional run hotel. The staff deal with very quickly and efficiently. Asked for an upgrade on both occasions', and got one on one occasion. There did not appear to be much of a difference in the two rooms, so if booking I would be inclined to go for the standard as opposed to their more deluxe room.
Rooms ======
All I can say is that they are absolutely superb. They easily reach what I would expect in a modern 4 star, indeed I would go so far as to say they were outstanding. Like the rest of the hotel they were spotlessly clean. The style is very modern with well matched colours. There was a fridge but no mini bar which was a small let down. I love to plunder the mini bar, even though they can be a little expensive.
The rooms have sofas in them, even the standard ones. Better still is the blackout blinds. Superb for those who love their morning sleep in, my favorite part of hotel stays. Each room has a television with a fully integrated room and bill management system. Love these things.
Food ====
Obligatory breakfast in bed is something I have now come to expect in my hotel stays. Went very smooth on the first occasion. The portions were fantastic. The second occasion it appears that they did not lift the cards on the door. When I phoned down they said that these were collected at 12 midnight. I pointed out this was a bit ridiculous for a weekend stay in Belfast over Christmas when people did not tend to get back at best until well after 1am. The staff were very good, took the point and I was amazed to find a breakfast in room in 30-40 minutes.
Again the food quality was superb. as regards customer service I would have to place them very high for the way this was looked after. I did not even get upset, yet was looked after impeccably. Breakfast in bed is more expensive as an add on. It was not charged the second time, when they made a mistake! It cost an extra £7 per person the first night.
I have ate at the restaurant, though not while staying in the hotel, and was well impressed with both the quality and pricing. This was Christmas fair, but I must commend them on their quality and would recommend for dinner, though there was nothing special.
Looking something special then my favorite would be Michael Deans, Howard Street, Belfast, where you will be very well looked after with fine food. Lot more expensive though!
Car Parking =========
They don't have onsite parking, you have use a nearby car park off the Dublin Road. It costs about £10 to stay over night, must be out by 11am the next morning. Goodish value and you know the car is safe. It's a bit of a hike and would have preferred if they had had a car park, though with land at a premium in Belfast I suppose business's have to share resources. It would be a nice touch if the hotel organized either to have your car parked for you or arranged a deal with the car park. Nice marketing, indeed I have just emailed this to them, so look out and see if they are going to take up the idea, if they do I will post a comment later.
I did not have the time to use it on either occasion. Have a friend in work who has used it, they said it was very good, modern with lots of equipment. Would love to see a review, so if anyone out there has used it please come back and let me know.
Summary ========
The hotel is graded as a 4 star. The grading is fair but, as 4 stars go I would put it towards the bottom of this rating. It certainly has the facilities, and quality is right up there. It just lacks the individuality that I have come to seek in a nice 4 star. Corporate quality, comes through and I suppose I would find a mirror image of this hotel in pretty much any regional 4 star Holiday Inn.
However don't get me wrong, this is well worth staying in, it's uncomplicated, and you are looked after very professionally. I plan to use the Health Club on future trips, and yes that's my final summary, I will use again.
e'. Located about 17 miles from Belfast International Airport and just four miles from Belfast City Airport. Excellent modern accommodation comprises 170 thoughtfully appoi...
iness districts tourist attractions Odyssey Waterfront Hall and shopping areas just a few minutes walk away The Hotel combines an excellent range of facilities for both b...
by (11%):
28.04.2007 17:24
A sofa in a hotel room is always a big plus in my book!
11.03.2007 21:45
Great review. x
11.03.2007 12:54
sounds great :o)