The Merchant Hotel, BelfastThe Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Ireland has a corrected score of 3.3 ± 0.6 (thin evidence, no platform scores), ranked 5 of 7 hotels we score in Belfast. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.5 before correction. Rooms from about $426 a night (cached, not a live quote).The Merchant Hotel is a five-star boutique property on Skipper Street in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, a historic part of the city centre. It has around 62 air-conditioned rooms that mix contemporary and classic styling, along with a spa, a rooftop gymnasium, a restaurant, a swimming pool and a business centre. Room service runs around the clock and Wi-Fi is available throughout, including in guest rooms. The hotel has a private-club feel and is rated highly by guests for its rooms, food and service. It suits travellers wanting an upscale, central base in Belfast, though rates start from about $426 a night, so it is a considerable expense.What stands out

Central Cathedral Quarter location

Spacious, well-decorated rooms

Friendly, professional staff

Rooftop gym and spa

Watch out for

Nightly rates are expensive

Better-scored in Belfast

Moxy Belfast City, Belfast: 3.7 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), from $234 a night. Moxy Belfast City is a contemporary budget-conscious hotel on Clarence Street West in central Belfast.

Cordia Serviced Apartments, Belfast: 3.7 ± 0.2 (solid evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $200 a night. Cordia Serviced Apartments is a four-star, self-catering property on the Lisburn Road in South Belfast, an area known for its leafy streets.

Maldron Hotel Belfast City, Belfast: 3.5 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $305 a night. Maldron Hotel Belfast City is a four-star establishment situated on Brunswick Street in the centre of Belfast.