Planning a vacation in Northern Ireland with your little ones? We have you covered! Have a look at our list of the best family hotels in Belfast below.
Belfast is a great city to explore as a family – it’s not too big to get lost with your offspring in tow but large enough to keep you all busy for a couple of days.
And there are plenty of attractions to enjoy for the whole family, too – just think of the world-famous Titanic Belfast, the Ulster Museum (dinosaurs!), Belfast Zoo and Botanic Gardens.
More good news: Belfast has some of the most family-friendly hotels in the country – expect everything from kid’s menus to fully stocked play rooms with books, games, and toys, afternoon teas with marshmallows and even inside glamping.
Sounds too good to be true? Click through our list of the best family hotels in Belfast and see for yourself!
The rundown – our top picks for the best family hotels in Belfast
Best Five-Star Hotel: The Merchant Hotel
Best Spa Hotel: Crowne Plaza
Best Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Belfast
Best City Centre Hotel: Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Best Cathedral Quarter Hotel: Bullitt Hotel
Best Titanic Quarter Hotel: Titanic Hotel Belfast
Best family hotels in Belfast ‒ tips and advice
- Choose a hotel that is conveniently located close to family attractions or public transport for ease of getting around.
- Research family-friendly amenities before making a reservation. Consider features such as cots, extra beds, babysitting services and children’s menus.
- Go through online reviews and ratings from other families who have stayed at the hotels you’re considering.
- Ensure you pack essential items for your children, such as extra clothes, bottles, snacks, and any necessary medications.
- Booking.com:Â The best site for booking family hotels in Belfast.
- NEVER book last minute! Family hotels in Belfast are in high demand. Your trip will be much better value, and you will get to stay in the best hotels by booking at least three months in advance.
Where to stay in Belfast – the best locations in the city for families
City Centre: If you want to be at the heart of the action, close to all the top bars, restaurants, and shops, then we recommend booking a stay in the city centre. There are plenty of great hotels near Belfast City Hall that will allow you to enjoy a perfect central location.
Cathedral Quarter: The buzzing nightlife and cultural hub of the city, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is a great place to soak up the history and modernity of the city all in one go. Staying here, you will be within walking distance of the city centre while also getting to enjoy some of the top bars and restaurants Belfast has to offer.
Titanic Quarter: Located slightly outside of the city centre, Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is a great location if you want to enjoy a more peaceful stay by the water. While not directly at the heart of the city, you will be within walking distance of many of Belfast’s top attractions here.
1. The Merchant Hotel – if you want to spoil your family
Overview: One of the finest five-star hotels in the heart of the city, The Merchant Hotel has attracted the rich and famous for decades. And while it might not be the most obvious place for a family break, we really can’t see a reason why you shouldn’t spoil yourself a little occasionally.
The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate you and the kids in luxury style. And if you are coming in summer, we especially recommend their new takeaway afternoon tea. Just imagine yourself, your kids, a nice spot in the park and fresh scones, pastries, tea, and prosecco for the adults. Sounds great? We fully agree!
This hotel is close to… CATHEDRAL QUARTER!
This hotel is perfect for… AN OPULENT HOTEL STAY!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute!
Facilities here include:
- Decadent Victorian and Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites
- The Great Room Restaurant for fine dining
- The Cloth Ear for a traditional Irish pub experience
- Berts Jazz Bar for great music and cocktails
- Luxury Spa and on-site Gym
Address: 16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ
Read also: 10 best hotels in Belfast.
2. Titanic Hotel Belfast – an indoor glamping experience near the world-famous ship
Overview: Kids or adults, everybody loves Titanic Belfast, and by staying at this beautiful hotel, you are just a stone’s throw away from Northern Ireland’s number one attraction.
The Titanic-themed boutique hotel even has its own exhibition featuring 500 artefacts, posters, and pictures of the infamous cruise ship. Their overnight family ticket includes a spacious family room for two adults and two kids, tickets to Titanic Belfast, and a Titanic-sized breakfast.
The real highlight, however, making it one of the best family hotels in Belfast, is a tent for the kids to set up in the room. Thus, allowing them an inside glamping experience, complete with their own sailors’ hats, milk and cookies, sweet treats, and a kid’s activity pack.
This hotel is close to… TITANIC BELFAST!
This hotel is perfect for… A RELAXING BREAK!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute!
Facilities here include:
- Stylish and comfortable rooms and suites
- Family, twin, and interconnecting room options
- The Wolff Grill and the Harland Bar
- The relaxed Drawing Office Two bar and restaurant
- Beautiful event spaces
Address: Titanic Quarter, 8 Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT
3. Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments Belfast – rooms come with sweet treats and Titanic tickets
Overview: The award-winning Malone Lodge Hotel is an eye-catching Victorian boutique hotel in the heart of South Belfast’s historic Queen’s University Quarter. Guests can choose between standard and special family rooms and self-catering apartments for extra flexibility.
If you’re looking for a fun activity to keep the kids entertained, you’ll have plenty of options nearby. Plus, their restaurant serves a delicious breakfast buffet and evening menu, making it our number one of the best family hotels in Belfast.
This hotel is close to… QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY!
This hotel is perfect for… A COSY FAMILY BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Cosy boutique hotel rooms, including dedicated family rooms
- Free parking on-site
- The Gallery Restaurant, with a dedicated kids’ menu
- The Greyhound Bar
- 24-Hour Front Desk
Address: 60 Eglantine Ave, Belfast BT9 6DY, Northern Ireland
4. Crowne Plaza – for one of the best family hotels in Belfast
Overview: Like the city but prefer to stretch your feet in a more tranquil environment? This four-star hotel, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, is in the heart of the Lagan Valley Regional Park, with hiking and biking trails and kayaking spots right at your doorstep.
One of the most family-friendly hotels in Belfast, they have a free children’s playroom with books, toys, and games. They even have a special kids’ menu at their restaurant that features all the hits, from chicken breast bites to cheese and tomato pizza. If you head to their indoor pool, check out their schedule for kids’ swimming times, too.
This hotel is close to… LAGAN VALLEY REGIONAL PARK!
This hotel is perfect for… A TRANQUIL ESCAPE!
Facilities here include:
- Beautiful four-star bedrooms, including family rooms
- Delicious buffet breakfast
- Discounted entry to We Are Vertigo Inflatapark for hotel guests
- Children’s playroom with toys and games
- Spa and Health Club on-site
- Various dining options, including River Bar and Green Room Restaurant
Address: 117 Milltown Rd, Belfast BT8 7XP, Northern Ireland
5. Maldron Hotel Belfast City – a comfy base in a top-notch location
Overview: This four-star hotel in the heart of the city ranks among the most popular places for a family break in Belfast and one of the top hotels in Belfast city centre – we totally get the hype.
Not only is it in the perfect location close to all the attractions with uninterrupted views over the whole city. Rather, the Maldron Hotel Belfast City also has an extremely comfy deluxe family and interconnecting bedrooms suitable for all ages.
If you dine at their restaurant, your kids will be welcomed with a ‘Young Diners Menu’, featuring all the favourites from chicken wings to burgers, pizza and mini fish and chips (and there’s ice cream, too!).
This hotel is close to… CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A COMFORTABLE CITY STAY!
Facilities here include:
- Deluxe bedrooms, including family and interconnecting rooms
- Delicious Vitality Breakfast
- Grain & Grill Restaurant with a Young Diner’s Menu
- Convenient City Centre location
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
Address: 20 Brunswick St, Belfast BT2 7GE, Northern Ireland
Related: Top 10 hotels in Belfast city centre.
6. Balmoral Hotel Belfast – enjoy a kid-friendly afternoon tea with marshmallows
Overview: Located at the junction of the M1 motorway, a ten-minute drive from Belfast city centre, this stylish hotel is a great base if you want to get in and out of town quickly or plan day trips in the region. They have two restaurants and a cosy bar for some romantic couple time after you have put your kiddos to sleep.
We especially love the ‘Little Peoples Tea’, a child-friendly version of a classic afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones, served with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
This hotel is close to… COLIN GLEN FOREST PARK!
This hotel is perfect for… A KID-FRIENDLY CITY-SIDE STAY!
Facilities here include:
- Elegant rooms and suites
- Lady Anne Bistro and Lounge
- Lobby Bar and Cocktail Lounge
- Greenan Bar
- Events packages
Address: Blacks Rd, Dunmurry, Belfast BT10 0NF
7. Wellington Park Hotel – for a special Sunday Roast kids’ experience
Overview: Belfast’s Botanic Gardens are a great attraction to visit with kids all year round, and this four-star hotel is just a four-minute walk away.
Add another ten minutes, and you are at the famous Titanic Belfast – you get our point; this hotel really is a great base for a family sightseeing break. We also love their designated stylish family rooms, sleeping two adults and up to two children.
And if you come for a weekend break, don’t miss their Sunday lunch with a special four-courses-deal for kids and a kid’s menu with mini sausages, chicken, and fish goujons.
This hotel is close to… BOTANIC GARDENS!
This hotel is perfect for… A SIGHTSEEING FAMILY BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable ensuite rooms and suites, including large family rooms
- Free on-site parking
- Dining at the Botanic Inn
- Modern meeting and event spaces
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
Address: 21 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6RU
READ MORE: Our guide to the top 10 best things to do in Belfast with kids ranked.
8. The Flint – for a stylish stay with free Netflix and kids’ channels
Overview: This modern and stylish place close to attractions such as St. George’s Market and the Cathedral Quarter is one of the best family hotels in Belfast if you are looking for that extra bit of flexibility. Each room comes with its own kitchenette so that you can prepare your own breakfast or dinner.
And if you are tired after a long day of sightseeing and want to chill at the hotel just like at home, all rooms come with a flat-screen, free Netflix, and access to kids’ channels – we are sure your offspring will love that bit!
This hotel is close to… CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A SIMPLE CITY STAY!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute!
Facilities here include:
- Simple and modern ensuite bedrooms
- 4K Smart TV with access to Netflix/Amazon Prime
- Convenient location close to great bars and restaurants
- Luggage storage facilities
- Friendly and welcoming staff
Address: 48 Howard St, Belfast BT1 6PG, Northern Ireland
9. The Beechlawn Hotel – one of the favourite hotels among families in the city
Overview: A mix of modern chic and retro country house style, this hotel makes you feel at home the minute you step in. And with the city centre just a ten-minute drive away, it’s also a great base for sightseeing with your kids.
The designated family rooms are extra-large in size, including the bathroom, assuring the whole party has a great stay without morning queues for the sink.
This hotel is close to… DUNMURRY!
This hotel is perfect for… A COMFORTABLE STAY OUTSIDE THE CITY!
Facilities here include:
- Modern and comfortable rooms, including family rooms
- On-site restaurant, The Bistro
- The Harp Inn for drinks and light bites
- Beautiful event spaces
- Flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities
Address: Dunmurry Ln, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9NP
10. Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre – an affordable hotel where kids stay and eat for free
Overview: Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre is a great option if you want to stay centrally without breaking the bank. Holiday Inn Belfast is only a ten-minute walk from attractions such as Ulster Hall, Grand Opera House, and Victoria Square Shopping Centre. It comes with great price deals, making it one of the best family hotels in Belfast.
Kids up to 17 years of age stay for free when sharing a room with their parents. And up to four kids aged 12 and under eat for free at the on-site restaurant.
This hotel is close to… CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A BUDGET CITY STAY!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable ensuite guest rooms, including family rooms
- Health and Fitness facilities
- Kids stay and eat free
- Starbucks drinks and treats
- Bar Lounge and Hotel Bar
Address: 40 Hope St, Belfast BT12 5EE, Northern Ireland
Check out: The 10 best family hotels in Ireland.
Notable mentions
Best Luxury Hotels: Stormont Hotel; Grand Central Hotel
Best Spa Hotels: Clayton Hotel; Culloden Estate and Spa
Best Budget Hotels: Travelodge Belfast Central; The Lansdowne Hotel
Best City Centre Hotels: Europa Hotel; Radisson Blu Hotel
Best Cathedral Quarter Hotels: Malmaison Belfast; Ramada by Wyndham
Best Titanic Quarter Hotels: AC Hotel; Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter
Your questions answered about the best family hotels in Belfast
What are the best family hotels in Belfast with a swimming pool?
Clayton Hotel, Crowne Plaza, and The Merchant Hotel are the best family hotels in Belfast with a swimming pool.
What are the best family hotels in Belfast City Centre?
The Maldron Hotel, The Holiday Inn, and the Flint are some of the best family hotels in Belfast City Centre.
What is there to do in Belfast during a family break?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Belfast with kids. You can find some of our favourites here.
