Winner of Best Luxury Hotel Group in Ireland at LUXlife Magazine Resorts & Retreats Awards 2021. The Hastings collection has six luxurious hotels across the province, including the five star Culloden Estate and Spa, the world famous Europa hotel, the four star Stormont hotel and Northern Ireland's largest new hotel, The Grand Central Hotel - all situated in Belfast.The Group also owns the four star Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry - Northern Ireland's second city, and the historic Ballygally Castle set on the stunning Antrim coast at the gateway to the nine Glens of Antrim, a short drive from the Giant's Causeway and world-famous Games of Thrones Tour.
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Hastings Hotels in Northern Ireland - the local hotel chain which has stayed upbeat through thick and thin! Hastings Hotels is the largest independent hotel group in Northern Ireland with six luxurious properties across the province. This family owned company was established in the late 1960's. Over the past 30 years has introduced all four of his children to the group in the roles of Managing Director, Sales Director, Marketing Director and Events Director.It has not been an easy fifty years for Sir William and his group of hotels, and despite numerous setbacks and obstacles over the years, the company has continued to grow and grow.
In Northern Ireland, you're never more than a short drive from an excellent course. At Hastings Hotels we share your passion for the game. Our six remarkable hotels, each with their own unique characteristics, can offer you a refuge from the rough, a barstool to recount your glories or a bed to relax weary muscles.
Northern Ireland is full of world-class tourist attractions and areas of outstanding beauty just waiting for you to explore! From cities steeped rich in culture and history to the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route and the Mourne Mountains, there is something for everyone to experience in Northern Ireland.
A family business founded over fifty years ago by Sir William Hastings, Hastings Hotels are Northern Ireland's premier hotel group. The Hastings collection comprises seven luxurious Northern Ireland hotels of character and distinction, each set in key locations across Belfast, Derry, Down and the Antrim Coast.
Reviews (20)
Aaron Ellis
Aug 17, 2021
You have a lovely hotel in Belfast, situated minutes from the town centre but might I suggest that when you have function parties that you don't book out the entire hotel. Specifically the rooms one floor up. through the corridor that are 20 yards (I walked it) from the front door of the actual function. It's good that we can have functions as well but these rooms are just ridiculously close for anyone out with the function to sleep in.
I wanted to go and get an early night as I was there for work and it was the peak time for the party and sound was deafening and you can feel the vibrations of the music throughout the room. There's a door that blocks these three rooms from the rest of the.
I wanted to go and get an early night as I was there for work and it was the peak time for the party and sound was deafening and you can feel the vibrations of the music throughout the room. There's a door that blocks these three rooms from the rest of the.
Gary Toner
Aug 04, 2021
We stayed at Grand Central Hotel for the first time ever this past Friday night and it clinched the title of our "Favourite Hotel in Belfast!" The hotel is beyond awesome and the attention to detail is. unrivalled! From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, the entire evening and indeed experience was first class and then some! The reception staff were amazing.
The room we were allocated was on the 17th floor and we have never been lucky enough to enjoy such expansive views across Belfast City Centre! Our room was so beautiful we actually decided to have dinner in our room also! The cocktails in the Observatory are can't miss stuff also! Thank you so much for everything! We had an absolute blast and we can't wait to get back sometime soon! #grandcentralhotel #grandcentral #lovebelfast #belfast #northernIreland #ireland #staycation
The room we were allocated was on the 17th floor and we have never been lucky enough to enjoy such expansive views across Belfast City Centre! Our room was so beautiful we actually decided to have dinner in our room also! The cocktails in the Observatory are can't miss stuff also! Thank you so much for everything! We had an absolute blast and we can't wait to get back sometime soon! #grandcentralhotel #grandcentral #lovebelfast #belfast #northernIreland #ireland #staycation
Harry Parkinson
Apr 13, 2021
My son and his 2 friends arrived into what should have been a memorial experience after lock down, instead they had to wait 45 minutes for a drinks order delivered to the room. By the Managers (Kieran McManus) own admission they have a skelton staff at night time. There was absolutely no recognition and indeed even though my son paid top price for the suite they were only interested in receiving payment.customer service entirely nonexistent for a purported 5 star hotel
Rosemary McElhone
Sep 22, 2020
Tomas Kirken
Aug 10, 2020
We had an amazing stay during a New Years Eve Celebration. The Staff were thoughtful, very attentive, considerate, & Yes, Great Craic' too. The Food was Excellent as was the Service throughout our three days stay. The only downside (! ) was the view? On an upper floor overlooking a Building Site & Parking Lot.
Julie Chapman
Jan 22, 2020
My daughter's booked us to stay here as a Christmas present, they are 14 and 18. They booked it through a search engine so when we tried to upgrade we where not allowed as not booked through Hastings direct. no. empathy for this and no personalisation from the reservations team. When we got there, we waited at reception to check in and was told by the gentleman on receptions he would be with us in 2 mins, he then disappeared with other members of staff in the lift.
The room was cold and the sink had a large crack and missing enamel. We decided to visit the Grand Central for a drink before dinner, completely different experience. Staff where amazing. Came back after dinner and drinks and had 1.
The room was cold and the sink had a large crack and missing enamel. We decided to visit the Grand Central for a drink before dinner, completely different experience. Staff where amazing. Came back after dinner and drinks and had 1.
Julie Walker
Dec 23, 2019
Emma Holland
Sep 03, 2019
Just Stayed at your Stormont hotel for 2nights. Was a stay of necessity rather than pleasure as my relative was having serious surgery in the Ulster Hospital and I wanted to be close by. Your staff were. absolutely truly amazing I have never encountered anything like it from start to finish nothing was too much trouble and every effort was made to look after us and make sure we wanted for nothing. Zoe on the desk is an absolute credit to you!
She knew why we were there and took time out of her busy day to ask how my relative was several times and asked did we need anything making sure we made a dinner reservation so that we were fed. absolute angel most people wouldn't be interested this.
She knew why we were there and took time out of her busy day to ask how my relative was several times and asked did we need anything making sure we made a dinner reservation so that we were fed. absolute angel most people wouldn't be interested this.
Lesley O.
May 12, 2019
What a stunning castle hotel in a beautiful place! The water that it's located on creates such dynamic scenery! The castle was built in the 1600s but the hotel that was built around it is much newer but still works very well. I love the ambiance and decor inside, and the stunning wood beams in the dining room is quintessential to Northern Ireland.
Of course, as a Game of Thrones fan, I was absolutely taken aback when I found out that I was going to be staying in a castle hotel that was fortunate enough to get one of the ten doors made especially for hotels and pubs in Northern Ireland from fallen beech trees when there was a storm that uprooted them from The Dark Hedges in 2016. This door, is most definitely one of the most beautiful that I was blessed to see first hand and I saw six out of the ten.
It is the door to the entrance of the dining room/restaurant. The restaurant is absolutely divine. I started with an appetizer of ribs that were fall off the bone delicious and so tender and flavorful. For my main, I had salmon with veggies and mashed sweet potatoes in a garlic butter sauce. Divine is not even strong enough a word to describe this meal.
The Sauvignon blank I had was perfectly paired with my meal and the service was incredible. The room was lovely. The bathroom had both a bathtub and a shower. What a superb and heavenly shower too! I love when the shower has great water pressure. The hotel is alleged to have a ghost room and I met the couple that stayed there the night I was there and they didn't hear or feel anything.
The bed was so comfortable, the sheets and duvet so lush, and the view to the garden the perfect way to wake up in the morning! I highly recommend staying here when in the area!
Of course, as a Game of Thrones fan, I was absolutely taken aback when I found out that I was going to be staying in a castle hotel that was fortunate enough to get one of the ten doors made especially for hotels and pubs in Northern Ireland from fallen beech trees when there was a storm that uprooted them from The Dark Hedges in 2016. This door, is most definitely one of the most beautiful that I was blessed to see first hand and I saw six out of the ten.
It is the door to the entrance of the dining room/restaurant. The restaurant is absolutely divine. I started with an appetizer of ribs that were fall off the bone delicious and so tender and flavorful. For my main, I had salmon with veggies and mashed sweet potatoes in a garlic butter sauce. Divine is not even strong enough a word to describe this meal.
The Sauvignon blank I had was perfectly paired with my meal and the service was incredible. The room was lovely. The bathroom had both a bathtub and a shower. What a superb and heavenly shower too! I love when the shower has great water pressure. The hotel is alleged to have a ghost room and I met the couple that stayed there the night I was there and they didn't hear or feel anything.
The bed was so comfortable, the sheets and duvet so lush, and the view to the garden the perfect way to wake up in the morning! I highly recommend staying here when in the area!
Vivek T.
Jul 30, 2017
My wife and I attended our wonderful friends wedding nuptials at The Ballygally Castle. This is a delightful hotel with lots of character and dates back to 1625. It is part of the locally owned and run Hastings Hotels. On arrival we mingled whilst waiting to enter the Kintyre Ballroom for the wedding registration ceremony. The room was well decorated and the ceremony was short and well conducted.
After the pictures we retired to the hotel lobby and had drinks whilst the room was prepared for the dinner. This gave us time to explore the hotel and learn about the history. There is also a Game of Thrones door in the hotel. The bride and groom looked super! The weather was kind and we were able to take a walk in the well manicured and mature gardens, which sported a river flowing into the sea and various other features.
By now we had built up a healthy appetite and it was time to be seated and tuck into a very well cooked and presented 5 course meal. For starters there was a lovely Caesars Salad then Butternut squash and sweet potato soup served with a warm soft wheaten muffin. The first two course were amazing and set the standard for the mains. For mains we both had the chicken, potatoes and vegetables.
The chicken was succulent and vegetables al dented and mash was perfect. Service was exceptional and staff very attentive and professional. For dessert there was lemon tart and profiteroles, again an amazing sweet. After the cake cutting and speeches we had our coffee and cake in the lobby. Ballygally Castle is famous for the resident ghost, so we went to the ghost room to see if we could spot her.and we. didn't see or feel her!
Maybe you will? Finally the evening entertainment started and the DJ played a wide range of tracks and we danced for a while, relaxed, chatted and thoroughly enjoyed it! After a snack of fish and chips it was home to relieve the babysitter!
After the pictures we retired to the hotel lobby and had drinks whilst the room was prepared for the dinner. This gave us time to explore the hotel and learn about the history. There is also a Game of Thrones door in the hotel. The bride and groom looked super! The weather was kind and we were able to take a walk in the well manicured and mature gardens, which sported a river flowing into the sea and various other features.
By now we had built up a healthy appetite and it was time to be seated and tuck into a very well cooked and presented 5 course meal. For starters there was a lovely Caesars Salad then Butternut squash and sweet potato soup served with a warm soft wheaten muffin. The first two course were amazing and set the standard for the mains. For mains we both had the chicken, potatoes and vegetables.
The chicken was succulent and vegetables al dented and mash was perfect. Service was exceptional and staff very attentive and professional. For dessert there was lemon tart and profiteroles, again an amazing sweet. After the cake cutting and speeches we had our coffee and cake in the lobby. Ballygally Castle is famous for the resident ghost, so we went to the ghost room to see if we could spot her.and we. didn't see or feel her!
Maybe you will? Finally the evening entertainment started and the DJ played a wide range of tracks and we danced for a while, relaxed, chatted and thoroughly enjoyed it! After a snack of fish and chips it was home to relieve the babysitter!
Rainier B.
Mar 22, 2017
We had a really good stay here. The service was excellent as well as the room, garden, and dining. We needed help with our room and they went beyond our expectations. The room was nice and it had a wonderful view of the beach. Their garden and the huge playground across the street was very enjoyable. Finally our meals were well made and you will get to learn about how they source all their main food products. Over all Ballygally Castle is a really great place that we hope to revisit someday.
Lasairiona M.
Feb 04, 2017
Hubby got me an afternoon tea for 2 voucher as part of my Christmas present. Booked for Feb 3rd with my friend. The table was perfect, right at the window with a good view. But I truly don't think it was worth 18pp. Sandwiches were made on stale/hard bread - not quite the delicate, decadent afternoon tea sandwiches you expect. If I can make nicer sandwiches at home, you've already lost. Plus?
There was an odd number of sandwiches - were we supposed to fight to the death to win the last one? 1 of each of the 3 flavours each. 1 of each of the 3 flavours left over. Fight it out. Chicken and egg ones were lovely but I wasn't fussed on the ham and mustard. Butter was rock hard and the scones weren't hot enough to melt it. Wasn't fussed on the blamange but the macaroons were good.
Lemon tarts were good, meringues were good. Not a drop of chocolate in sight though. I paid E25 pp in Donegal just after Christmas for a much better spread than here. I was really disappointed.
There was an odd number of sandwiches - were we supposed to fight to the death to win the last one? 1 of each of the 3 flavours each. 1 of each of the 3 flavours left over. Fight it out. Chicken and egg ones were lovely but I wasn't fussed on the ham and mustard. Butter was rock hard and the scones weren't hot enough to melt it. Wasn't fussed on the blamange but the macaroons were good.
Lemon tarts were good, meringues were good. Not a drop of chocolate in sight though. I paid E25 pp in Donegal just after Christmas for a much better spread than here. I was really disappointed.
Michael K.
Sep 01, 2016
Went to Ireland and Northern Ireland to celebrate my 50th Birthday and really wanted to spend at least one night in a castle that wouldn't break the entire trip's budget. Ballygally Castle fit the bill perfectly and was an optimal place to stop between Belfast and heading up to the Antrim Coast, Giant's Causeway, and the Bushmills Distillery.
Two added bonuses were that it has one of the Game of Thrones carved doors entering the restaurant, and a Ghost Room in it's Tower Keep. Had an excellent dinner in the restaurant as part of the room package as well. That was a pleasant surprise as I wasn't aware that the dinner was part of the already quite reasonable room rate. They really treated me well for my birthday, candle in my morning muffin and a special plate of macaroons to boot.
It is an old building, so there are small issues that go along with that, not the best water pressure in the shower, no elevators, wi-fi signal is not the best connection throughout the building, etc. But, if you want a unique experience for a night or two with top notch food to boot, you really have to give it a shot.
Two added bonuses were that it has one of the Game of Thrones carved doors entering the restaurant, and a Ghost Room in it's Tower Keep. Had an excellent dinner in the restaurant as part of the room package as well. That was a pleasant surprise as I wasn't aware that the dinner was part of the already quite reasonable room rate. They really treated me well for my birthday, candle in my morning muffin and a special plate of macaroons to boot.
It is an old building, so there are small issues that go along with that, not the best water pressure in the shower, no elevators, wi-fi signal is not the best connection throughout the building, etc. But, if you want a unique experience for a night or two with top notch food to boot, you really have to give it a shot.
Steven B.
Jan 23, 2016
Gary L.
Nov 15, 2015
Lovely Hotel on Coast Road with fabulous sea front view. Part of Hastings Group of hotels so a high standard of service should be expected. I have absolutely no complaints in this regard - staff throughout hotel appeared well trained and did a good job - impressive as they were all So young. If calling at hotel for a meal in the restaurant you shouldn't be disappointed - it's good food - not fabulous just good. Waiter service is adequate.
I have attended two wedding receptions at this hotel both very different affairs and still hosted very well by staff. It's a good location for a wedding but bar can be put under pressure as not the biggest. The temperature in Function room always seems to be too high - no evidence of air conditioning or ability to adjust room temperature. Beware that as a wedding guest hotel car park is small and therefore limited - you may have to walk. Overall still a good wee hotel with good standards and good food. Worth considering for a wedding as staff are well drilled and courteous but definitely has limitations.
I have attended two wedding receptions at this hotel both very different affairs and still hosted very well by staff. It's a good location for a wedding but bar can be put under pressure as not the biggest. The temperature in Function room always seems to be too high - no evidence of air conditioning or ability to adjust room temperature. Beware that as a wedding guest hotel car park is small and therefore limited - you may have to walk. Overall still a good wee hotel with good standards and good food. Worth considering for a wedding as staff are well drilled and courteous but definitely has limitations.
Paddy K.
Aug 19, 2015
Some wee spot! Was here for Porkys wedding- had a cracking Time. Friendly staff, great service and top notch hotel rooms! The food was delicious and they serve a lovely wee pint of guinness or 15 for a great nights craic. If you plan in getting married - you should have it here. Lethal! I Would comment on the breakfast but I was too hungover- probably delish though!
Qype User Valian
Nov 22, 2008
This hotel is run by the Hastings chain and is located right on the coast road allowing you to look out over the sea. It is styled as an ancient building, though I think only part of it is from the original castle. Regardless, it is in a great location if you like going for walks on the sea in the village. The nearrest large town in Larne and it is is about an hour drive to Belfast or 90 mins to the Giant's Causeway.
The rooms are traditional with a TV, kettle for tea/coffee and ironing facilities. The staff are friendly and the bar has the lovely views of the sea. The restaurant is smart with decorated with railway prints and a suit of armour. Food is modern Irish/British and some traditional dishes also offered. Breakfast is also good with a choice of hot and cold dishes. The Ballygally is popular with tour parties, this hotel gets busy in Summer, but don't let that put you off, it never feels cramped or over populated.
The rooms are traditional with a TV, kettle for tea/coffee and ironing facilities. The staff are friendly and the bar has the lovely views of the sea. The restaurant is smart with decorated with railway prints and a suit of armour. Food is modern Irish/British and some traditional dishes also offered. Breakfast is also good with a choice of hot and cold dishes. The Ballygally is popular with tour parties, this hotel gets busy in Summer, but don't let that put you off, it never feels cramped or over populated.
Qype User Mmccru
Nov 22, 2008
This is a great hotel with a wonderful view. The hotel also has a great hunted room which has been featured on most haunted. The hotel is an ideal location for weddings as the views are fantastic. The room rates a re a bit more expensive but definately worth it. The hotel offers some very good offers as well which is worth looking out for. The food in the hotel is wonderful as well. The staff in the hotel are so friendly and a pleasure to deal with.
Qype User Olive
Nov 19, 2008
I stayed in Ballygally at the start of the year. The Castle dates back to 1625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. The hotel is reputedly haunted by a friendly ghost and brave guests can visit the 'ghost room' in one of the towers to see for themselves, apparently if you say goodnight to her she wont haunt you so we did (just to be on the safe side).
The hotel was quite busy the night we stayed as there was a wedding on. The rooms are very spacious, we had a twin room with one double and one single bed. Breakfast was also really impressive we stared of with fresh fruit, cereal etc then followed by a cooked breakfast, perfect to set you up for the day. There is also free parking at the hotel. The cost was very reasonable 85 for a four star hotel.
The hotel was quite busy the night we stayed as there was a wedding on. The rooms are very spacious, we had a twin room with one double and one single bed. Breakfast was also really impressive we stared of with fresh fruit, cereal etc then followed by a cooked breakfast, perfect to set you up for the day. There is also free parking at the hotel. The cost was very reasonable 85 for a four star hotel.
Qype User Fkfion
Nov 16, 2008
A luxurious hotel finely situated on the doorstep of the famous glens of antrim. Standing at the front reception, you are looking right at the sea, with Scotland, and the mull of kintyre in the distance. A large burnung fire in the lounge and suits of armour add to the charm of this beautiful hotel. Rooms are well presented and service efficient. A must for those seeking a getaway romantic break. Lovely!
