Antrim

This multi-award-winning hotel is replete with turf fires and gaslights, an extensive range of intriguing bedrooms, an atmospheric restaurant, a turf-fired old kitchen and a grand Victorian bar.

Belfast is a flourishing culinary city with stacks of gastronomic delights created by a host of talented young chefs and critically acclaimed restaurateurs. Check out Belfast’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Michael Deane (tel: ++44 28 9033 1134); the more informal Deane’s Brasserie (tel: ++ 44 28 9056 0000); and Paul Rankin’s award-winning Cayenne (tel: ++ 44 28 9033 1532).

Malmaison (34-38 Victoria Street; tel: ++ 44 28 9022 0200) has been voted Condé Nast Hot New Hotel 2005, and is predictably luxurious and decadent with all the modern comforts you could possible hope for. Inspired by oriental opulence, Ten Square (10 Donegall Square South, tel: ++ 44 28 9024 1001) is innovative and stylish with low-level beds, warm rich furnishings and an utterly chic atmosphere.