Stormont Hotel

Gold star staff and a fresh, friendly atmosphere – a hotel that means business, but in the nicest possible way

When you are away on business, the one thing you need is a comfortable base from which to operate. The Stormont Hotel, situated adjacent to Stormont Castle and Parliament Buildings, offers all you need in that sense. No wonder it’s the hotel of choice for many news reporters, journalists, politicians and VIP’s. But it’s not all about work here either. There’s plenty on offer for the guest looking for a bit of pleasure in life too. 

The Stormont is very close to Belfast city and the convenient City Airport. Location wise, it’s an excellent base for visiting the region of County Down, as well as the sights of the city. Comfort wise – as part of the Hasting’s group, it promises a high level of luxury for all its guests. This hotel has been part of the group since 1966, when Sir William Hastings bought a ten bedroom period home and created a hotel. Over the years, it’s been modernised and changed into the very contemporary hotel it is today. The first thing you notice is the stunning cube of glass fronted entrance, which gives this extensive building a state of the art look. Plenty of private parking out front means convenience of unloading bags. Stone steps and flower beds lead the way into the hotel and from there on, its comfort and professionalism of service all the way.

The lobby and lounge at The Stormont is flooded with light from all that glass. No matter what the weather – it’s a light filled space that never looks gloomy. The impressive stone fireplace and its crackling fire beckons its welcome. An arrangement of table seating and comfy sofas provide ample room for a cup of coffee or tea and a glance through the papers to catch up on the day’s news. You never know who you might spot here After all, you are only a few minutes’ walk across the road from one of the most historic buildings of the north of Ireland- the hub of modern politics and government. So you might see a familiar face or two.  People watching is a good sport here! As far as accommodation goes, no skimping on that front either. In the true style of Hastings Group hotels, The Stormont keeps the ethos of luxury in mind. It’s 110 bedrooms offer high levels of comfort, rich fabrics, modern interior design, satellite tv and tea and coffee facilities, trademark feather soft beds and duvets, and stylish ensuite bathrooms complete with power showers, toiletries, robes, slippers and the like. Some rooms have great views of Stormont Castle and gardens. If you fancy moving up a notch on the ladder of luxury – the Titanic Suite boasts its own big bedroom and a sitting area with plenty of space for room service dining if you feel like it.  Whatever the style of room you choose here, you won’t be disappointed with the offering.

Dining at The Stormont definitely means a trip to La Scala Bistro. This is open to residents and non-residents and can be accessed via the hotel or from its own private entrance outside. La Scala’s big lantern lights stand ceremoniously at its door. Once inside, that very swish feel of slick interior décor preludes the sassy dining experience to come. During the day, the split level dining area has heaps of natural daylight from its wall of windows. In the evenings, the place takes on a more intimate feel from the ever changing hues of hidden ceiling lighting as dusk falls. We love this place – it’s so very ‘city’ just outside the city – and the service is accordingly professional. The buzz here comes from an open kitchen where the chefs can be seen busy at their work. Menu wise, what can you expect?  Head Chef Jay Eisenstadt brings heaps of experience and bushels of creativity to the Hastings Group consistently good food offering that runs in all its hotels. Here you can expect the same commitment to sourcing local product that has put this group of hotels on the gourmet map. Jay’s cooking skills bring all that to life on the plate. We tried the crunchy Kilkeel Scampi to start. Big prawn tails encased in golden Guinness batter are juicy and succulent. To follow, one of the rare breed meats on offer here is Irish Dexter – served as a hunk of a T-bone weighing all of twelve ounces and cooked to your taste. T-bone allows you to enjoy a sirloin and fillet in one steak – that’s why it’s so meaty. Dry ageing on the bone for three weeks develops its flavour and encourages tenderness too. Jay cooks this on the grill and serves it simply with a choice of Three Peppercorn or Wild Mushroom sauce, Garlic Butter or Onion Jus. We couldn’t decide but the onion won us over in the end.  Very nice too!

For pud, Jay’s creation of Warm Windsor Apple poached in Punjana Peppermint Tea is refreshing and simple, served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream from nearby Glastry Farm. The Punjana Tea range comes from Thompson’s of Belfast and you can enjoy a cuppa after dinner too. There’s a good choice of wines on the list to compliment the variety of rare breed meats and other menu dishes. But we really loved the funky corner bar packed with a range of beers, spirits and soft drinks. You’ll find the classic Bud and Becks with Italian Perroni and some cider and perry too. For something really different try the Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime cider – very summery! Scotch lovers will enjoy the range of Irish Whiskeys as well. 

Of course, being close to such important politic buildings and near to the city, this is the hotel of choice for first class conferences and business events. There are fifteen different conference rooms and suites and the purpose built Confex Centre equipped with ten private rooms which can cater for any size of party. A specialist team-builder is also available, along with heaps of parking for attending delegates. Business isn’t the only thing on the catering menu though – the Grand Ballroom can house 360 people for big black tie events and weddings and 600 for stand up cocktail parties. The Stormont Ballroom seats 300 comfortable and the Dunmisk and Barnett Suites offer a more cosy space for smaller parties. The service and style that comes along with the hotel is carried through in any event catering package for business or pleasure.

The Stormont is a ‘just outside city centre’ hotel with more than the average offering for professional or personal requirements. A great addition to the Good Food Ireland membership. 

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Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

585 Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
Antrim
BT4 3LP
Telephone: +44 (0) 28 9065 1066
Email: res@bcg.hastingshotels.com
Web: www.hastingshotels.com/stormont-hotel

 

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