The Titanic Hotel Belfast occupies the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, the renowned Belfast shipwrights who constructed what might be the most famous ship in history, the RMS Titanic. The hotel beautifully combines the two original Drawing Rooms where Titanic was conceived, the Harland & Wolff offices and newly built additions, such as the reception area and Harland Bar with modern glass throughways, which seamlessly blend the old into the more modern spaces.
Renovated in the art deco style, which was in its infancy at the time of Titanic’s infamous ill-fated voyage, the hotel pays homage to the golden age of Belfast’s shipyards. Incredible architectural detail, including the showstopping vaulted ceilings of the Drawing Rooms have been kept intact, and complemented with intricate tile and fabric work throughout the hotel. More than 500 photos, artifacts and pieces of art celebrating Harland & Wolff and the city’s nautical history can be found lining the corridors and adorning the walls.
The building’s form features four pointed hull-like “prow” structures, each 126 feet tall — the exact height of Titanic’s bow. From different angles, it looks like a ship slicing through the water, connecting visually and emotionally with the legacy of Titanic. 📷 Titanic Hotel Belfast
Where you stayed
Titanic Hotel Belfast
What brought you to this hotel?
Although I wouldn’t call myself a Titanic enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by its lore. The hotel is adjacent to the Titanic Belfast Museum so given I had limited time in Belfast, it seemed like a convenient choice. What I happily discovered was a beautifully appointed hotel steeped in history. The museum has a well-deserved reputation as world-class and the hotel is the perfect complement to the experience.
When did it open?
The Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices were vacated in 1989 and remained unoccupied for almost 30 years. Renovations to the space began in March, 2016, and the hotel opened in September, 2017.
The staircase.
Most interesting historical feature?
When the Titanic was built, Harland & Wolff lined the swimming pool with octagonal tiles by Villeroy & Boch. Identical tiles were used for the swimming pool of her sister ship, the Olympic, and were supposed to be used for a third White Star Line ship, the HMHS Britannic. However, the First World War broke out before Britannic’s final touches could be completed. She was repurposed as a hospital ship and the swimming pool was left unfinished. The unused tiles were forgotten for nearly a century until they were discovered during the construction of the hotel. Today the tiles cover the front of the bar in the Drawing Office Two Bar. As you sip one of their many delicious custom cocktails you can gaze at the blue, white and yellow tiles identical to those admired by bathers on the Titanic.
Guestrooms
The guestrooms are done in an art deco style with monochromatic colours, the décor has an industrial nautical theme: picture leather-topped desks and ship lanterns hanging on either side of the bed, with a rustic mirror behind it. Each room has a unique piece of historical artwork; mine was a poster advertising sailings on Harland & Wolff ships departing for Glasgow, London and Liverpool. The tiled bathrooms are spacious and most have a vintage sink.
Where to eat?
Set in the former Harland & Wolff headquarters where Titanic was designed, the restaurant blends historic charm with nautical décor like rope chandeliers and vintage artwork.
This is a hotel where you want to eat on property at least once. The Wolff Grill Restaurant was excellent. It bills itself as Bistro style dining, accessible and casual, and is open every night for dinner and Thursday through Sunday for lunch. What I loved the most though was the ambience. I ate a meal of Irish stew overlooking the former shipyards where Titanic was built. In the middle of the dining room sits the manager’s windowed office. In the past, it allowed for supervision of the ships’ designers. Today, it’s used for guests who want a little more privacy and is a popular spot for dates and marriage proposals.
The menu at The Wolff Grill is inspired by Northern Ireland’s rich culinary heritage, blending local ingredients with modern techniques to create elevated, seasonal dishes.
The Drawing Office Two bar offers great cocktails and is a good spot if you are looking for more casual meal choices, like seafood chowder or fish and chips. All of which are 90 per cent locally sourced.
What you loved
The complimentary heritage tours led by the knowledgeable concierge team is a wonderful extra. The tours last approximately 30 minutes and offer an intimate glimpse into the history and architectural gems of the building including Thomas Andrews’ Office, the office of Titanic‘s chief designer, and the workspace of Lord William Pirrie, the chairman of Harland & Wolff during the Titanic era. There are no set times, just arrange a tour by request at the Front Desk.
What you thought could be better
If you are someone who likes to work out or get pampered while on vacation, there is no on-site fitness facility or spa.
Need to Know
- 42″ Flatscreen TV
- Complimentary Wi-Fi Access
- ESPA Toiletries
- Electronic Safe
- In-Room Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Complimentary Bottled Water
- 24-Hour In-Room Dining
- Same Day Laundry Service (available six days a week, excluding holidays)
- All Rooms Air-Conditioned, which isn’t a given in Northern Ireland
