The Grand Central Hotel in Belfast has been named the Best 5 Star Hotel in Ireland in a new survey.
The top hospitality accolade is based on feedback from 20,000 customers surveyed by CIE Tours during 2022.
The Hastings Hotels property achieved the highest customer rating in its category at the CIE Tours International 31st Annual Awards of Excellence, which took place in Dublin last week.
The group’s Europa Hotel, also in Belfast, received a Merit Award for its customer rating of over 92%.
The two hotels are the only properties in Northern Ireland to be recognised at the prestigious event.
CIE Tours is the largest operator of guided tours to Ireland in the North American market and brought over 25,000 to the island of Ireland in 2022.
The awards “recognise the people and businesses that put Irish tourism on the global stage through the warmth of welcome and quality of service provided to international visitors”.
“We are absolutely delighted that the Grand Central has been named the best 5 star hotel in Ireland and the Europa Hotel has received a Merit Award at the CIE Tours International Annual Awards,” said James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels.
“The fact that these accolades have been awarded based on the feedback from our guests makes both wins extra special.
“Our guests are at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on providing a first-class service and an enjoyable stay each and every time.
“I would like to thank our employees as they are the reason for our continued success and their hard work and dedication are recognised through these awards.”
Since re-opening its doors in 2018 following a €64million investment, the Grand Central Hotel has won numerous awards and welcomed many political leaders and celebrities.
In May last year, it was awarded a five-star rating by the AA, joining Hastings Hotels’ other five-star property in Belfast, the Culloden Estate and Spa.
The Europa is one of Ireland’s most famous hotels having withstood the Troubles to emerge as an iconic beacon of hope for Belfast.
Over the last 30 years, Hastings Hotels has invested over £40 million (approx. €45million) in continuous renovations, adding 88 new luxurious bedrooms to the existing 184.
Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive of CIE Tours said: “The Irish holiday experience is unique and its popularity is very evident in the strong rebound we witnessed once international travel trade reopened following the pandemic.
“I want to acknowledge the resilience of our tourism partners who, having had a very difficult few years, enthusiastically welcomed back our visitors once restrictions were lifted.
“Your professionalism is reflected in the feedback from our visitors and in these awards.”