This festive season, and always, a Hastings Hotel Gift Card opens a gateway to wealth of experiences across some of Northern Ireland's most iconic locations.
It's the perfect way to take the stress out of gift giving with a range of options to suit all tastes, times and budgets.
A Monetary Gift Card grants its recipient the freedom to indulge their own desires at any one of the group's six distinguished properties at their own leisure and with no expiry date.
However for those seeking a more tailored approach, the Experience Gift Cards unlock endless possibility at individual hotels. From enchanting overnight stays and tranquil spa treatments to afternoon teas and gourmet dining experiences, there's no shortage of options to choose from.
Ballygally Castle has GOT a lot going for it
Ballygally Castle is brilliant for a break steeped in history
Deep in Game of Thrones country, Ballygally Castle’s perfect blend of 17th century grace with modern luxury could easily stand in for a lavish setting in any one of the seven kingdoms of Westeros.
There’s a beautiful door in the hotel’s foyer carved from a fallen tree at the Dark Hedges (or the King’s Road if you prefer). Even the man who built the castle almost 400 years ago, Lord James Shaw, has a strikingly similar name to a certain King in the North.
If that wasn’t enough, the ghost of Lord Shaw’s wife, Lady Isabella Brisbane, roams the castle corridors after she reputedly fell - or was thrown - from a tower window. Bran from series one, anyone?
As well as a must visit for GOT buffs, Ballygally Castle is also ideal for coastal explorers or couples seeking a romantic escape.
The seahorse in the sky
Mouthwatering morsels at The Grand Central
Belfast's Grand Central has firmly cemented its position as a real player among Ireland's top hotels. Offering a masterclass in style and grace, all icons of the city's skyline are visible and each time you look, you'll see something new. Enjoy exquisite and seasonable food in the Seahorse Restaurant, nodding to the wonderful produce we have on these shores.
Or toast a wonderful stay with a celebratory cocktail in the Observatory on the hotel's top floor. Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar, offers 360-degree views of Belfast City, complemented by an extensive cocktail menu curated by skilled mixologists.
Be a Derry Girl for a day, or two
Your own Derry Girls duck at the evergreen Everglades
In the heart of the north west, you’ll find The Everglades Hotel which offers a serene escape combining tranquility with accessibility to the city centre, providing a haven for those all important family getaways – the ideal city break destination.
A city steeped rich in culture and history, Derry-Londonderry held the UK City of Culture title in 2013. The event proved so successful it affectionately earned the City the name Legen-derry with both locals and tourists.
The city is also of course enjoying a new popularity boom courtesy of the multi award-winning smash hit series, Derry Girls.
Your escape just outside the city
A serene spa experience at The Culloden
Nestled perfectly between the hustle and bustle of Belfast city and the rural majesty of Co Down and its coastlines, The Culloden Estate and Spa is undoubtedly one of Northern Ireland’s best positioned hotels.
That, and that alone, would easily make it a fine and justified selection for the perfect break away. However with a motto like “Built for a Bishop, fit for a King” this hotel is a truly landmark one and a must visit for anyone who wants to visit somewhere that is not only beautiful, but offers an important insight into our rich history.
Luxuriate at The Culloden for days and in terms of things to do nearby, guests are spoilt for choice. Catch the train to the city or out to Bangor; grab a coffee in Holywood; stroll around Crawfordsburn Country Park with its two beautiful beaches or rediscover next door neighbour, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and nearby Mount Stewart.
The Europa’s location is in a league of its own
The Europa Hotel is the four-star hotel of choice in the city
It’s no secret that the past few years have been exciting for Belfast’s booming hospitality industry. And in the center of it all is the unashamedly luxurious and iconic Europa Hotel.
Superbly located in Belfast, the world-famous Europa is often referred to as the heartbeat of the city. Standing tall in the city centre for over 50 years, the Europa has attracted many famous faces from all over the world, and hosted numerous prestigious events over the years.
The Europa offers a choice of 272 hotel rooms including 92 Executive Bedrooms and Suites, and with elegant decor, contemporary bistro, bustling bar and of course the ever-popular piano bar lounge, the Europa Hotel is the four-star hotel of choice in the city.
City style in the suburbs
After some delectable dining, you'll be on cloud nine with a King Koil bed at Stormont Hotel
Located just a 10 minute drive from the city centre, The Stormont Hotel provides a welcoming retreat for families, couples and solo travellers alike, while still remaining close to all of the great attractions Belfast has to offer.
The hotel is a great base for exploring the nearby coastline of Bangor, as well as the scenic Strangford Lough – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
When staying at the hotel you can be assured of a warm welcome and luxurious stay with round the clock room service, famous King Koil “cloud beds” and complimentary car parking.
The Stormont Hotel has been recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Hotels in the Rest of the UK in the prestigious 2022 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Give a gift of luxury this Christmas with a Hastings Hotels Gift Card - one card, six hotels and endless possibilities. Buy now at Hastings Hotels
