Wow, is the only reaction you can expect out of your mouth when you enter the penthouse suite at The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast. Even I, who has seen many suites around the world, could not stop the wow coming out.
It definitely has the wow-factor. Firstly, this is the only suite I have even seen with a grand piano, a full-sized Yamaha in all its glossy blackness. Of course, I had to try and tickle the ivories – plink, plonk, plink. Who could resist? I only found out after that it was a self-playing piano and I could have enjoyed some classical music without the discordant effort.
The double height penthouse on the 9th floor has a wraparound balcony on two sides, to the south and east of the city. The bedroom has a view of the sleeping giants of the Belfast Hills to the north. At 1,300 sq. feet it is more than triple the size of an average apartment, and feels it too.
The dining area can easily seat six or more for dinner, and is ideal for spreading out when working from “home”. This room would also be a great place for a cocktail party. There is cushioned seating around the windows and steps to the balcony. In the corner there is a marble bar area with fridge, sink, mini-bar and Nespresso machine.
A cleverly designed tall mirrored wall opens between the dining area and the living room at the touch of a button to close or open it. I enjoyed doing that, more than a few times. It slides silently into the wall when opening. It feels like a magic trick.
No need to pull drapes
That was not the only thing that was electronic. The drapes and voiles wrapping around the glass wall of windows are on silent runners and swish to a close by remote control. The air conditioner gently provides an ambient temperature without the usual humming. Perfect for getting a good night’s sleep under the luxury linens.
The colour palette for the upholstery fabrics is a variety of verdant greens and soft pinks. The living area is ideal for lounging around and the corner suite provides plenty of space to loll in front of the 55” OLED flat screen television. There was also lots of candles in crystal and glass holders, with matches. Perfect for getting the ambiance romantically right.
The writing desk by the window has stationery from The Penthouse. Perfect for sending letters to let everyone know where you have been, a good reason to write a letter nowadays.
The handmade Savoir super king-size bed is sheer luxury, just the right amount of softness with an underlying firmness. Oh course, the pillows and duvet were of the softest down with mega-count Egyptian cotton sheets. The best way to get a great night’s sleep.
When it comes to the bathroom, this is a first or is it two firsts. The huge egg-shaped bath, big enough for two, is sitting in the window overlooking the city of Belfast. It does take a little time to fill, but I was happy to watch the bubbles rise from the Jo Malone toiletries. There is an option to pull a blind, but who can see you nine floors up? The bathroom is big and has two sinks for his and hers toilette, the toilet is in a separate room.
The other first, was that the wet room with a rainforest shower is a steam room too. I have never come across a hotel suite with its own steam room. Having a steam is one of the little luxuries I have missed most since the pandemic, and it was brilliant to sit in the tropical heat.
After all that soaking and getting wet, there was a GHD hairdryer to get my hair looking great. It really does make your hair feel different and gives it more body.
No disclosures
I would love to brag about who stayed in the Penthouse suite before me, but I was sworn to secrecy. However, I can tell you that it is popular with Hollywood A-Listers, television stars and musicians.
The Penthouse was designed by Project Orange, a London-based architecture and design studio. Project Orange also worked on the re-design of the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin.
A night in the Penthouse costs from £2,500 (approx. €2,917) rack rate, however bookings should be made direct and there can be discounts for longer stays, (0044 28 90442080) (048 90442080 from ROI) Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast