The hotel: The 105-room Culloden Estate & Spa was originally built as an official palace for the Bishop of Down. The hotel stands on the Hollywood Hills offering stunning views across the Belfast Lough and County Antrim coastline. The location also provides great access to Belfast City Centre which is less than ten minutes away by car.
The check-in: After having my bags taken as we stepped out of the car, check-in was dealt with swiftly and efficiently and I was soon being shown to my room. As a golf fanatic, it was the aptly named Muirfield Suite.
The room: Despite squeezing in a double bed, twin sofas, a six-seater dining table and desk, the suite was extremely spacious. A flame-effect wall fire with remote control offered warmth on a cold evening. There was also ample wardrobe space, a large bathroom with shower and bath, plus a range of amenities. Facilities in the suite included a wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, iron and board and bathrobes.
The business: The property has eight purpose built conference and boardrooms, offering a variety space for small to large meetings. The main suite can accommodate up to 600 guests for sit down dinner and is one of Northern Ireland’s largest function rooms. The hotel is equipped with all the meetings facilities one would expect of a property such as this, including wifi internet. Day delegate rates start from £50.
THE FACILITIES: The hotel’s fine-dining Mitre Restaurant served the best of Irish cuisine using fresh local produce. The Cultra Inn, situated in the hotel grounds, offered a more informal environment, once again serving local cuisine. The health club and spa featured an indoor pool, a range of leisure and fitness equipment, a fitness consultation clinic and
a dance studio. A range of pre-booked spa treatments were also available.
THE VERDICT: An absolutely fabulous property with stunning views over the Lough. The staff could not be more helpful and the whole experience is one of comfort and impressive attention to detail. The Cultra Inn was cosy and just the place to wash down a local delicacy with a pint of Guinness.
THE DETAILS: Culloden Estate & Spa, Hollywood, Belfast. Double rooms are from £130; singles from £110; and suites from £150 to £350. See: www.hastingshotels.com. David Clare
