Hospitality trends in 2022 suggest the rise of the relaxed “hometel” providing the comforts of home with the services of a hotel. The four-star Maryville House and Tearooms, in a Victorian residence, ticks this box. It’s a discreet, elegant bed and breakfast on the Lisburn Road – within walking distance of some key fashion and interiors boutiques (LNV Home, Herbert Gould, Weekend Max Mara, Please Don’t Tell) cafés (Kaffe O) and restaurants (Deane & Decano). There are five bedrooms in the main house and a further four in the guest house which can be booked exclusively, from £55stg each; www.maryvillehouse.co.uk.

Popping to Belfast for the Northern Ireland Opera production of Steven Sondheim’s Into The Woods at the Lyric Theatre until February 27? Combine a cultural visit with a stay at Grand Central Hotel. For an unrivalled view of the city, the 23rd floor rooftop cocktail bar is not to be missed. Currently on offer is “A Grand Escape” – a midweek break with breakfast and two-course dinner in the Grand Café, £99stg per person sharing; www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com.

Old world facades, luxe interiors and self-sufficiency unite at The Regency, 11 and 12 Upper Crescent, Belfast. Six spacious one and two-bed apartments have impressive kitchens, private courtyard, concierge service and housekeeping facilities. Rates start from £449stg per night with a minimum three-night policy; www.theregencybelfast.com. 

Recently awarded Northern Ireland’s Leading Hotel, The Titanic is half museum, half hotel (it was the former headquarters and drawing offices of Harland & Wolff where RMS Titanic was designed). Its “Winter Warmer” offer, from €198 per room based on two people sharing, includes a welcome glass of prosecco, two-course dinner in the hotel’s Wolff Grill restaurant, complimentary car parking and of course Instagrammable views of David and Goliath cranes; www.titanichotelbelfast.com. 

There may not be swan towels or a trouser press in your “Dinky” room at the slick, no-nonsense Bullitt hotel (named after that Steve McQueen film), where guests can stay from €106 with a “Winter Chill” package. Instead, expect comfy king-size beds, rain showers, seriously smart TVs, and a £25 venue credit to spend in the hotel. After exploring the cobbled Cathedral quarter, enjoy a cocktail at Babel, the rooftop bar and garden, or dinner in its award-winning Taylor & Clay restaurant; www.bullitthotel.com. 

No mention of Belfast would be complete without acknowledging the Europa Hotel – famously “the most bombed hotel in the world” (it was bombed 36 times during The Troubles). A testament to resilience and renaissance, the hotel celebrates its 50th birthday this year and has unveiled a permanent lobby installation about its fascinating history. This includes a letter from President Clinton, quotes from well-known guests and a quiz giving people the chance to guess some of the celebrities who have stayed. The hotel is a great choice for those on business trips or on a quick overnight shopping trip. For the latter a must-do is to take in the Victoria Centre (head straight to Flannels on the top of House of Fraser for its edit of designer accessories). For Line of Duty fans, the hotel can arrange “The Line of Duty Experience” which begins with coffee and a muffin before departing on a tour of the series locations – taking in the OCG (organised crime gang) headquarters and of course the iconic subway – a favourite meeting point of characters Steve and Kate. Costing £59 per person the experience is available to book at the hotel, where its current offer is “Love Sweet Love” from £115 per person sharing; www.hastingshotel.com.

This elegant five-star gem is ideally placed beside two historic Belfast landmarks – the Grand Opera House (currently on this week is The Nutcracker by Scottish Ballet and a concert by singer-songwriter Phil Coulter) and The Crown pub. Combine a cultural tour with a stay at The Fitzwilliam Hotel, known for its great food, service and much-loved bar. The hotel has an array of offers including a two-night city escape with £20 off when you book directly; www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com. 

The Malmaison boutique hotel is located in a one-time seed warehouse just a short walk to Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square. With 62 individually designed bedrooms with all the Malmaison ingredients – including plasma screen TV, drench showers, naughty nibbles and exclusive toiletries – it has often been chosen by visiting pop stars (such as Kylie Minogue) when performing at the SSE Arena. There is a bright and stylish brasserie serving classic French bistro-style cooking and locally inspired dishes on the ground floor. For more casual dining, and within walking distance of the hotel, is St George’s Market which has a colourful culinary scene, with music playing at the weekend. Book the Malmaison “Til Winter Ends” offer in which guests can stay longer saving up to 30 per cent from £129 pps; www.malmaison.com. 

A grande dame hotel, The Culloden Estate and Spa was voted “Best Hotel For Romance” by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine from a global shortlist of some of the world’s most show-stopping hotels and cruise lines, is just six miles outside Belfast overlooking Belfast Lough. The Beckhams, Hugh Grant, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have been some of its former guests. Currently on offer is a “Romance and Bubbles” package, from €240 per person sharing. Couples can enjoy an overnight stay in one of Hastings’ famous “cloud” beds, breakfast in bed, a mini bottle of prosecco each, a candlelit, three-course dinner in the hotel’s gourmet Vespers restaurant and ESPA bath oils for a pre-bedtime soak. Couples can also book the Sequoia Couple’s Serenity treatment at the hotel’s spa (€190 per person). This indulgent package includes a salt and oil body exfoliation, ESPA personalised facial, leg and foot massage and oriental scalp and shoulder massage. Make a day of it and enjoy afternoon tea for an extra £20 per person sharing; www.hastingshotel.com. 

Fancy going all out? Belfast now boasts three Michelin starred restaurants. Ox overlooks the River Lagan and offers the finest of refined dining using Irish ingredients with a gallic twist. EIPIC, the second of the serves top quality local ingredients cooked to the highest standard overseen by chef Michael Deane.

The third recipient of the coveted star, The Muddlers Club, is named after a secret society and has an intimate, modern and relaxed atmosphere.  Only the best of homegrown, local produce makes its way onto its seasonal menus. The latter is rumoured to be one of actor Jamie Dornan’s favourite haunts, another reason to visit, I’d say …