The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Belfast

Roll-top baths, glittering chandeliers and four-poster beds are the order of the day at this boutique Belfast bed and breakfast, handily located in a residential area within striking distance of the city sights. Choose from five bedrooms in the main house, including the converted attic rooms, which have a 1930s New York vibe – think low-slung chairs and marble ensuites. As well as the killer brekkie, there’s also a great afternoon tea on offer.

There’s a great choice of room types in this family-run guesthouse, located just off Lisburn Road with its restaurants, bars and shops. The 14 classically styled rooms range from single boltholes to triple and even family rooms that sleep up to four. Owners Jim and Alison cook up a storm in the morning, and will share their favourite places to go for activities such as golf, mountain biking and fishing.

With just three rooms and friendly staff, Kingscourt House is just the place for a personalised stay. Pastries are waiting for you on arrival, and there’s no need for keys, with keypad entry instead. Bathrooms feature rainfall showers, and the largest room has a kitchenette for self-caterers. The homely touches even extend to four-legged friends, with dog bowls and beds available for your pooch.

After a touch of luxury? This award-winning B&B, located in the quiet countryside on the outskirts of Belfast, offers three contemporary rooms with modern touches and stellar views. Food is locally sourced – so local, in fact, that most of it comes from the gardens and grounds. Avril serves breakfast to your room, using eggs from her hens, plus fruit and veg from her garden. The fire’s on in winter, so pull up a chair and warm up your feet.

The former home of a shipyard director, this Victorian property has been lovingly converted into a modern guesthouse, while still retaining some original features. Rooms feature high ceilings, and some have pretty bay windows. Eat while chatting to the owner Ruth, a native Argentinian, or opt for a grab-and-go bag for brekkie on the run. The on-street parking is ideal for drivers, though you can walk to the city centre in around 15 minutes – this is one of the more central Belfast bed and breakfasts.

Bed and breakfasts in Belfast are known for offering warm welcomes, and you’ll certainly get one from hosts Yvonne and Stanley at Ballyharvey House. Rooms have a homely feel, with printed throws, sash windows and antique dressers. Wake up to countryside views and the smell of breakfast cooking. There’s a wide range of choices available, including eggs and bacon, but don’t miss the Irish soda bread. It’s just a five-minute drive to the airport, and lifts are available – just ask to arrange one.

Set inside a grand Victorian townhouse on University Street, Harpers is an elegant hideaway, with original alcoves, cosy fireplaces and gilded mirrors. Sheets are crisp Egyptian cotton, and bathrooms feature underfloor heating. Meals are served in a large, ornate room – the perfect place to tuck into a freshly cooked Irish breakfast with thick bacon and homemade croissants on the side.

Despite being so conveniently close to Belfast International Airport, Bay Cottage feels a world away from the urban sprawl, with countryside views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Guests can play board games beside the fire in the communal sitting room or kick back by the windows overlooking Lough Neagh. Some energy is produced by wind and solar here. Breakfast is local – they use their own free-range eggs and apple juice squeezed just down the road in County Armagh.