Park Inn by Radisson Belfast

Travelers choose the Park Inn for its excellent, central location. However, this translates to a lot of people filling the property, and at times, large groups can disrupt the pace, especially at breakfast. Generic decor in a youthful color scheme of red, blue, green, and yellow fill the lobby and rooms, while the New York-inspired grill restaurant is far more handsome and modern. Leather booths and a fireplace are cozy amid red lighting, black ceilings, and black-and-white portraits. Weekend DJ sets get the party going, and a beer garden is popular in summers. Travelers seeking intimacy might fare better elsewhere, but considering amenities on-site, the hotel generally gets the thumbs-up. 

The hotel's side-street location is quiet, but central. Concert venue Ulster Hall is a one-minute walk away, and historic City Hall is five minutes farther. Equally close are headquarters for major corporations. Both Europa bus and Great Victoria Street train stations are a five-minute walk, and Belfast Central Train Station is 11 minutes farther. Belfast is a happening city with a strong maritime history, having been the building site for the sinking Titanic. Exhibits filling the Titanic Quarter are a 30-minute walk, or shorter bus/taxi ride, and it's half that for the bar-packed Cathedral Quarter. Victoria Square shopping center is 12 minutes on foot. It's the same time by bus for interactive science exhibits at W5. Belfast City Airport is a 13-minute drive, or 20-minute bus ride. Allow half-hour drives from Belfast International Airport, or 90 minutes by public transport.

Starting at 258 square feet (24 square meters), rooms are generic, but comfortable. They have a palette of primary colors that results in a childish feel -- think red or blue carpeting with opposite accent walls and drapes, simple blond-wood furniture, and red pleather armchairs. Colorful artwork and striped bed runners add to the bold decor mix. White bathrooms have a few red-tile accents, black countertops, walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, towels, hairdryers, and wall-dispensed soaps. 

Standard amenities include phones, flat-screen TVs, large desks with electrical outlets, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, safes, and AC. Note, no mini-fridges are provided, although vending machines (with alcohol) are located on each floor, and room service is available until late. Cribs can be supplied for a fee. Family Rooms with living areas and rollaway beds are available. Rooms are generally quiet, but with some facing parking lots, they're not all scenic.

Guests flock to the popular RBG Grill & Bar, where all-day drinks and meals are served. Extensive seating fills up fast, especially on weekends, when mezzanine-level DJ sets give the space a club-like vibe. Classic American salads and entrees are well-reviewed, as are the bar's cocktails. Guests can dine al fresco in the greenery-filled and furnished courtyard beer garden, weather-permitting. Kids under 12 eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. At a fee, breakfast buffets offer full cooked and continental choices, including made-to-order eggs, but note, mornings can get crowded. Independent of the hotel, the 24-hour gym is small, but has a sufficient range of equipment. A sauna and steam room are also free to use. Seven equipped meeting rooms can hold up to 120 persons. Note, parking requires a fee and is an 11-minute walk away at the Radisson Blu. Wi-Fi is free throughout.