BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

Where to Stay on a Budget in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Your stay in Belfast doesnt have to break the bank
Your stay in Belfast doesn't have to break the bank | © RORY MOORE / Alamy Stock Photo

Booking a trip to Belfast doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s Culture Trip’s pick of the best hotels in the Northern Irish capital if you’re on a tight budget.

The capital city of Northern Ireland is a coastal gem – it’s friendly and small, with enough bars and menus to fill an entire week – and your money will go a long way here. Previously named one of the cheapest cities in the UK, Belfast is a perfect budget holiday destination on its own, but just an hour’s drive from the Giant’s Causeway, and two hours from Dublin, if you fancy going further afield.

Bullitt Hotel

Boutique Hotel

72ab91d3.jpg
Courtesy of Bullitt Hotel / Expedia
The Bullitt Hotel gives you all the perks of an expensive indie boutique hotel for a fraction of the price. Its philosophy is to offer simple, cheap accommodation without skimping on the essentials. Every room – whether you book the less expensive Dinky room or the spacious Roomy option – has a king-size bed, clothes rail, rain shower and stylish Scandinavian decor. The best bit? No visitor will leave with an empty stomach – it provides every guest with a free breakfast goodie bag, containing a granola pot, orange juice and fruit to set you up for a day of exploring.

Europa Hotel

Budget Hotel

85cb86bf.jpg
Courtesy of Europa Hotel / Expedia

The grandeur of the Europa Hotel comes with a surprisingly low price tag when you consider the amenities. It offers rooms decorated with a classic, chic design, as well as a spa resort and a restaurant featuring a decadent dinner menu. Be sure to reserve time for afternoon tea at the Causerie Restaurant or a glass of wine in the beautiful lobby, which lights up Great Victoria Street every evening in dazzling style. And you’ll be situated in the centre of the city – too good to be true in most European cities.

Lansdowne Hotel

Hotel

a760b9e8
Courtesy of The Lansdowne Hotel / Expedia
Hikers and nature lovers will love how close this hotel is to Cave Hill. In fact, it sits right at its base, allowing easy access to walking tours and a first look at the sun rising over the Belfast docks (if you’re an early riser). Discreetly placed in the outer suburbs of the city, you’ll be away from all the hustle and bustle of the centre – particularly if you climb to the peak of Cave Hill, where you’ll enjoy views from the North Coast to the Mourne Mountains.

The 1852 Hotel

Boutique Hotel

5a3d71d2.jpg
Courtesy of The 1852 / Expedia
The 1852 Hotel achieves the perfect balance of location and price. Situated in the cultural hub of Botanic Avenue, an area filled with endless cafés, restaurants, the stunning Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum, this converted townhouse has been recently refurbished and offers simple rooms with a king-size bed, TV, safe, desk and chair.

Botanic Rest

Bed and Breakfast

The classic B&B gets an upgrade at Botanic Rest, which caters to groups, families, self-catering travellers and solo explorers – and children stay for free. This cosy inn is near to fantastic music venues and bars, making it a great budget stay for lively travellers who want a taste of Northern Irish culture for the best price. You’ll get a free Irish breakfast during your stay, to set you up for your daily Northern Ireland adventure.

Tara Lodge

Hotel

370a46d4.jpg
Courtesy of Tara Lodge / Expedia
Tara Lodge is a great budget hotel, both for its spacious rooms and extended tour packages. If you want a taste of the Game of Thrones experience, book the Ice and Fire Tour, which includes a deluxe room and a discounted award-winning tour of Northern Ireland’s Thrones filming locations. Additional tours include the pamper package, a must for those who have been on the road for a long time and need to refuel with a luxurious treatment and a quiet night in.

Jurys Inn Belfast

Hotel

7f29e013.jpg
Courtesy of Jurys Inn Belfast / Expedia

Expect a vibrant colour scheme and contemporary style at this smart, centrally-located hotel, which is just as well suited to staycationers as business travellers. The bedrooms are spacious and bright, with tangerine headboards and teal armchairs. The colourful theming continues into the restaurant, with cosy booths and lemon yellow bar stools. Tuck into everything from Penang curry to New York cheesecake – or order direct to your room.

Maldron Hotel

Hotel

0e901f58.jpg
Courtesy of Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport / Expedia

This hotel is perfectly placed for exploring nearby boutiques and attractions, such as Titanic Belfast and Victoria Square. Step inside the gleaming lobby, backed by a modern bar and lounge area, where staff are on hand to share favourite spots and local secrets. Rooms are decorated in a muted colour scheme, pepped up with yellow throws and cushions. Coffee aficionados will enjoy the Red Bean Roastery, which sells the hotel’s own brand for your morning cup of Joe.

ibis Belfast Queens Quarter Hotel

Hotel

de8c03e7.jpg
Courtesy of ibis Belfast Queens Quarter / Expedia

Set amid the Victorian homes, green landscapes and eclectic shops of the Queen’s Quarter, the ibis offers good value for money without compromising on comfort. Rooms are pared-back, with taupe walls, crisp sheets and modern wood flooring. If you’re not dining out at one of the nearby restaurants (try Brights for their award-winning Ulster fries and burritos), the hotel’s own restaurant serves food round the clock, with a children’s menu plus gluten-free options available.

Malone Lodge Hotel

Hotel, Lodge

dbe778ea
Courtesy of Malone Lodge Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member / Expedia
A boutique hotel stay doesn’t have to break the bank, as Malone Lodge proves. Its guest rooms are individually styled, with elegant furnishings, printed curtains and spotless en suites. The location is also stellar – south of the city centre, you’ll be in a quieter, tree-lined neighbourhood but close enough to walk to the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum in 10 minutes. Hungry? Tuck into locally sourced nosh at the on-site restaurant.

The Flint

Hotel

e9cd986b.jpg
Courtesy of The Flint / Expedia

There’s sharp, straight-line style in spades at this hotel on Howard Street. Walls are painted in deep navy and there’s a hygge feel to the furnishings, from the Scandi-style sofas to the minimalist coffee tables. Self-catering suites are complete with white-tiled kitchens and the light oak flooring adds a fresh, modern touch. Expect fresh milk in your fridge, free laundry and a breakfast bag outside your door each morning.

Lagan Backpackers

Budget Hotel, Hostel

There’s free breakfast and a friendly feel on offer at this well-situated hostel, on the edge of the Botanic Gardens. Once a large Belfast house, it’s now run by a South African guy who seems to get just what backpackers want – from the complimentary fry-ups each morning to the free wifi and baggage storage. Guests can choose from 12-bed dorms for the ultimate budget overnighter, to double and private rooms.

Fancy more budget-friendly stays in Belfast? Check out our top pick of the best hotels to book in Belfast for every traveller, bookable with Culture Trip.

Additional reporting by Ellie Ross

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad