Culloden Estate amongst Condé Nast Travellers 11 best hotels in Belfast

1st October 2025

Copyright "The 11 best hotels in Belfast" By Anna Cafolla and Grainne McBride, published 20 September 2025

"From boutique spots and relaxing getaways to hotels with history in their walls, these hotels are among the loveliest places to stay in the Irish city."

The article goes on to say, "Game of Thrones put the mystical sights of Northern Ireland on the map for many, and more recently, the success of acts such as Bicep has shone a spotlight on the capital’s ever-evolving music scene. There’s no doubt that Belfast is having a cultural moment. It’s a city whose restaurant circuit punches well above its weight, where the art scene is colourful and the nightlife raucous. Not to mention its rich ship-building heritage and links to the Titanic.

When you’re done exploring the Victorian Botanic Gardens, browsing the indie shops of the Lisburn Road, sampling local cheeses at St George’s Market and bar-hopping along the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, where are you to lay your head? Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Belfast.

The article goes on to describe The Culloden Estate and Spa, "Set just outside of Belfast on the edge of affluent and sea-salty Holywood and with stunning views of the Antrim coastline, Culloden Estate and Spa is a traditionally elegant hideaway. It was originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down and comprises 12 acres of vibrant gardens. 98 bedrooms and suites are individually designed – Estate Suites are perfect for entertaining a group, with high ceilings, fires, and dining areas for up to six people. Three Tower Suites have uninterrupted views of the lough, doubly high ceilings, and plush furnishings for the feeling of ultimate luxury.

It’s a dreamy wedding and events space, but also a must for anyone looking for deep breaths of fresh, Celtic air and relaxation. Though you get the full rural retreat experience, it’s only 10 minutes away from Belfast City Airport by car, 40 minutes to the International Airport, and 20 minutes into the city centre.

There's a traditional Irish Inn on the estate grounds where hotel guests and locals go for pub-grub, while the in-house restaurant Vespers serves more modern Irish cuisine in a Gothic-grandeur setting. The Rise & Unwind offer includes breakfast at the Cultra Inn followed by a 40-minute hot stone massage or boutique facial and two hours in the spa."

Readers may be interested in this article we recently published, Culloden Estate celebrates culinary excellence with two AA Rosettes.

Find out more about the Culloden Estate.

Read the full Condé Nast Traveller article here.