The Merchant Hotel

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Reviews

1. Derek ★★★★★

   If you like opulance but not pretentious, the Merchant is the place. Everything about it feels welcoming, luxurious. There is nothing negative I could say about the Merchant. The breakfast is superb, no buffet as it's fully table service. The cocktail bar is on a whole different level to your average cocktails in pubs etc.

   almost 2 months ago
2. steven McKinney ★☆☆☆☆

   I stayed at The Merchant for the first time this week to mark a special occasion for my wife, who has recently been ill. Unfortunately, the entire experience was a significant disappointment. Firstly, the room we had upgraded to was extremely cold when we arrived at around 5:30pm. We had to sit in the room wearing our coats for approximately 90 minutes before it warmed up. The spa facilities — the sauna, jacuzzi and steam room — were also underwhelming for a five-star hotel, as they were only lukewarm. We also experienced multiple service issues. Our room service order arrived incorrectly and had to be replaced. We were told the replacement would be complimentary, yet we were charged for it at checkout. During dinner, our drinks arrived late, and the Great Room itself was so cold that we had to keep our coats on throughout the meal. At breakfast, we ordered a glass of fizz for my wife, which never arrived despite asking twice. The breakfast overall was very average and did not reflect the price or supposed standard of the hotel. When checking out, we raised all of these issues with reception. However, they were effectively dismissed, with little acknowledgment, no meaningful apology, and no attempt to address or resolve the concerns raised. This lack of care at the final point of contact was particularly disappointing. Given how expensive this hotel is, the number of basic issues is unacceptable. Based on our experience, this property does not meet five-star standards and feels closer to a four-star, or even three-star, experience.

   almost 2 months ago
3. Patrick Owens ★☆☆☆☆

   Unbelievably loud thumping music until 2am. You could not pay me to stay here again! I booked the Merchant hotel for a one night stay with my young daughter, calling up to make the booking, no mention of noise was made, which I find disingenuous, when it is clear it is an ongoing problem on the side of the hotel which faces the bars/clubs. The noise we experienced was insane. It measured at 108 Decibels and was generally at c.70 Db (using an online measuring website). It was impossible to sleep. I also booked a room for my parents who had a similar experience. Bumped into other guests who said the same thing. The staff were lovely, moved us to another room, but the noise was just as bad. They said they were full so could not move us to the quieter side, which I believed, (it is crazy that a "5 star" hotel has a quiet side). Having called to book specifically to discuss having travelling with a young child, I know that the team at the Merchant would not be happy having one of their children experience that level of noise until 2am. Choosing to stay at the Merchant ruined what was supposed to be a pre-Christmas treat, would have had a better night in a travel lodge (which I wish I had booked). I also wish I had checked the online reviews more thoroughly, as it seems many relate to the restaurant (which is lovely) but gives an overall impression that the noise is not an issue. I read a 2010 article from the Independant, where the reviewer is unable to sleep until the middle of the night, it seems that the hotel are happy to sell rooms at a premium rate in the knowledge it will likely provide customers with a terrible nights sleep at the weekend. The morning manager applied a 50% discount to both rooms. She seemed lovely as a person, but said it is a city centre hotel so it can be noisy. I felt like they should have completely waived the room cost, I could not be bothered to argue about the cost as I genuinely just wanted to leave. As I said above, you could not pay me to stay there again.

   almost 2 months ago

1. Seamus McEvoy ★★★★★

   We had a fab and festive afternoon tea experience. Staff were friendly and very attentive, and the setting was just fantastic. It’s such an historic building, with an amazing looking chandelier. Highly recommend it, however the balance between sweet and savory was a little off. It was a little too sweet for my liking.

   almost 3 months ago
2. Brian Zuniga ★★★★★

   Great service, wonderful restaurants and bars, excellent location, and nice rooms. We stayed for a few nights and took advantage of all the restaurants and bars and we're very pleased. The staff is very professional and well presented. The room.we had was large and comfortable if a bit garish with the English Baroque decor. The bathroom was amazing - large, warm, and full of amenities. The breakfast in the Great Room restaurant was very nice. Dinner in Bert's Jazz Bar was great. Afternoon tea on our last day was our first proper English tea and, to our surprise, we were quite full at the end. The staff there were particularly warm and friendly and always met every need with a positive attitude. You may want to ask for a room away from Skipper Street as there is an outdoor bar that plays music well into the wee hours.

   almost 4 months ago
3. chris james ★★★★★

   Can't comment on the rooms or food as only popped in for a drink. What an incredible building formerly the Ulster Bank. Magnificent inside and out. Went to the bar and just had a drink. Really liked the nibbles especially the olives. Loved the merlot and the general ambience, lighting, seating very comfortable and especially the chilled out music.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Suzanne Mcilvenna ★★★★★

   Absolutely love this hotel! Great memories from getting engaged to our wedding day or just a few nights away. Love the Victorian suite just pure luxury. The staff are so friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Best hotel in Northern Ireland

   almost 3 years ago
2. Lorraine barklie ★★★★★

   Had a lovely stay. Room was beautiful on fifth floor. Had drink in bar b4 we went out for dinner and was very relaxing with nice fire adding to ambience of the bar area. Loved the powerful shower in our room. Breakfast was 5 star with excellent service. Loved our stay there

   almost 3 years ago
3. info Honey and the Moon Photography ★★★★★

   The Merchant Hotel is a wonderful wedding venue. It's perfect for big and intimate wedding days alike. We always enjoy our time photographing weddings at this location, not only is the service top class but its right in the city centre and walking distance to the ever popular cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter - is perfect for wedding portraits!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Elaine Boardman ★★★★☆

   We had been before on honey moon. I must say it was the same excellent service, staff very attentive and the food was excellent. However this time we booked a room rather than a suite. The hotel furnishings are a bit tired looking, bathroom dusty, shower walls mouldy the hand soap had been used before. Reception only asked my husband about our stay.

   almost 3 years ago

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