Luxury Belfast Living: Fitzrovia Apartments - Unbelievable Views!
Luxury Belfast Living: Fitzrovia Apartments - Views That Almost Distract You (Almost!) - A Rambling Review
Right, so, Fitzrovia Apartments. Belfast. Luxury. Views. The brochure practically screamed "fancy." And, well, they weren't lying about the views. Honestly, the photo of the city from my balcony nearly made me late for check-in, just standing there drooling like a lovesick puppy at the sunset. But let's be real, is "luxury" really a thing anymore? Let's dive in, shall we? (Buckle up, this might get a little…scattered.)
Accessibility & Stuff That Matters (Especially to Me):
Okay, so, I'm not personally a wheelchair user, but I always try to think about it. Fitzrovia seemed pretty good on this front: Elevators, facilities for disabled guests, you know, the usual suspects. Solid start. Good, solid start. I didn't personally test the ramp situation because I wasn't using a wheelchair, obviously, but from what I saw, it looked accessibile, or at least compliant with regulations. They have Air conditioning in public area which is quite important in the modern age with global warming heating up the nights.
On the bright side the Breakfast service was a definite plus, and the views of the city from its windows were amazing!
Cleanliness & Safety – Did Someone Actually Sanitize This? (I Really Hope So!):
Right, the post-pandemic paranoia. We're all carrying it. I'm pleased to say Fitzrovia seemed to take it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays – the checklist was impressive. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere you looked, which, let's be honest, is probably more important than gold at this point. My room felt… clean. Not sterile, which is a good thing, but genuinely clean. I even saw the cleaning staff, masked and gloved, which boosted my confidence. Rooms sanitized between stays is a huge plus in these days. Staff trained in safety protocol is also crucial. I did see them cleaning, and they weren't just waving a feather duster, bless their hearts.
The Safe dining setup was also a plus, with tables well apart, and the waiting staff wearing masks. I was also really happy with the Cashless payment service they provide which is super convenient.
I didn't opt-out of room sanitization, but the option was there, which I appreciated.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – A Gastronomic Gauntlet (with Views, Naturally):
Okay, this is where it gets…interesting. The brochure promised a "culinary journey." Reality? Well…let's just say "gastronomic gauntlet" is more accurate.
Restaurants: There are restaurants listed, but for my budget, I was sticking with the Coffee shop. Which was fine, actually. Solid coffee. Decent pastries. Views. Couldn’t complain.
Breakfast: The breakfast [buffet] was… adequate. The Asian breakfast option wasn't for me, personally, but seemed popular. You could get your Western breakfast but it was nothing to write home about. The Breakfast takeaway service was useful, though. I went for a Breakfast in room one day, which was a nice touch.
Other Good Things: Bottle of water was provided. You can access the Poolside bar.
The Downsides: I wasn't exactly bowled over by the food, overall. It wasn't bad, just…forgettable. (A bit of a bummer, knowing it's supposed to be "luxury"). The Happy hour was decent, at least.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Now We’re Talking (Ish):
This is where Fitzrovia actually shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] with that view? Glorious. Seriously. Just…glorious. I spent a significant amount of time staring at the city lights while floating on my back. Pure bliss. (And, yes, the pool does have a pool with view).
Spa & Relaxation: They have a Fitness center and a Spa. And a Sauna. And a Steamroom. And a Massage service. And a *Pool with view. I did not get the chance to use any because I didn't have the budget, but it looks worth it. The *Body scrub* and Body wrap options also seemed tempting.
Missing the mark: They had everything you'd expect from a luxury place, I just wished I could have used them, sigh…
Rooms – My Personal Fortress (with Amazing Curtains!):
Okay, the rooms. This is where the "luxury" label actually felt justified.
The Good Stuff: My room was HUGE. Seriously, almost comically spacious. I had a seating area, a desk, a sofa, and a bed that could probably sleep a small army. The views…still incredible. The blackout curtains were a game-changer; I could sleep through the apocalypse with those things. Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!) was a godsend, as was the air conditioning. The mini bar and coffee/tea maker were both helpful. Daily housekeeping made my stay so easy. The safe/security feature was really well done. The soundproofing was fantastic. The slippers and bathrobes added to the luxury.
The Even Better Stuff: The Extra long bed, the mirror, non-smoking, internet access - wireless.
The Minor Gripe: The Interconnecting room(s) available.
The Quirky Bit: I, like a doofus, immediately spilled coffee on the perfectly white carpeting. Thankfully, the daily housekeeping cleaned it all up. Disaster averted… this time.
Services & Conveniences – They Thought of Everything… Almost:
The Usual Suspects: 24-hour Front desk, concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service.
The Less Usual, But Handy Bits: Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, dry cleaning, even a convenience store.
Little things, which are important: The elevator was a definite help, and the elevator with the size of the apartment. I also loved the balcony with seating which allowed me to fully enjoy the views!
The "Could Be Improved" Column: I wish they had a proper bar in the hotel. The one they did have was not exactly what I was looking for.
For the Kids – Because Parents Deserve a Break, Too:
I didn't have any kiddos in tow, but Fitzrovia seemed pretty family-friendly. They have babysitting service, and from what I saw, looked well taken care of.
Getting Around – Navigating Belfast (and Beyond):
Easy Peasy: They had airport transfer, and a taxi service. Car park [free of charge].
If You're Feeling Adventurous or don't have a car: they also had bicycle parking.
Metadata & SEO Stuff – Because, You Know, The Internet:
Keywords: Luxury Belfast Apartments, Fitzrovia Apartments, Belfast City Views, Belfast Hotels, Luxury Accommodation, Spa Belfast, Swimming pool North Ireland, Accessible Accommodation Belfast, Family Friendly Hotel Belfast.
Meta Description: Honest review of "Luxury Belfast Living: Fitzrovia Apartments. From the stunning city views to the (mostly) luxurious amenities, I spill the tea on this Belfast hotel. Is it worth the price tag? Read on!
SEO Strategy: The review is structured to incorporate relevant keywords naturally. Headings and subheadings use keyword variations. The review focuses on key aspects of the hotel, like accessibility, cleanliness, and dining, to ensure it attracts relevant traffic. Long-tail keywords are used (e.g., "accessible accommodation Belfast," "swimming pool with views")
Overall Verdict – The Final Verdict:
Fitzrovia is good. Really good. The views alone are almost worth the price of admission. The rooms are stunning. The safety measures are reassuring. The dining…well, let's just say there's room for improvement. But overall? I'd go back. Definitely. Just maybe bring your own snacks. And maybe win the lottery before you go to enjoy the rest of the services.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (and a prayer for a better breakfast next time!)
Bvlgari Hotel London: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits (5-Star Escape!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered descent into the beautiful, cobbled madness of Belfast, from the very heart of it, at Central Belfast Apartments in Fitzrovia. Let's see if I can keep it together, eh?
Central Belfast Apartments: Fitzrovia - The Lair of the Belfast Beast (and Me)
Day 1: Arrival and the Allure of the Belfast Beast
Morning (ish): Arrive at Belfast International Airport (BFS). Seriously, praying the EasyJet flight isn't delayed. I can't bear another airport coffee. Find the goddamn bus (Airport Express 600, memorized from frantic Googling at 3 AM). Pray it actually goes to the city center. (Because let's be honest, I'm terrible with public transport. My internal compass is about as reliable as a politician's promise.)
Afternoon: Check into Central Belfast Apartments, Fitzrovia. (The name alone sounds posh, like a Victorian detective is going to burst in at any moment.) I'm hoping for a bit of charm…and maybe a washing machine. (Let's be realistic, I packed for a week and I'm already picturing my underwear collection taking over the bathroom.)
- Anecdote: The receptionist? Lovely. Actually, she's downright sweet. Gave me a rundown of local pubs (essential intel) and warned me about the "weather's moods" - apparently, Belfast's skies are as dramatic as a Shakespearean tragedy. I like her already.
Evening: First order of business: Food. Gotta find some grub. I'm starving and I need something substantial before hitting the pubs. I'm looking for a legit Irish fry, maybe… or a steak? Either way, food is the absolute priority right now.
- Opinion: Right, the streets are narrow. I'm already feeling a little overwhelmed - the kind of feeling you get right before you trip in public. I'm going to get lost, guaranteed. I hope there are helpful people.
Day 2: Titanic Dreams and Dark Hedges Delights
- Morning: Titanic Belfast. Okay, this is supposed to be amazing, and I’m determined to be impressed. I've spent time reading the history of the Titanic. I am fully expecting to cry a bit. (Don't judge me!)
- Quirk: I'm weirdly fascinated by the industrial history of Belfast. The scale of the shipbuilding… it's just incredible. There's a certain romanticism, isn't there?
- Emotional Reaction: The museum is… intense. Those stories, the immensity of the ship, the lives lost… it's a powerful experience. (Yep, I shed a tear. Two. Okay, three.)
- Afternoon: Day trip to the Dark Hedges. I'm anticipating Instagram-worthy photos. Yes, I am basic. Judge me all you want.
- Mess: The bus journey felt like navigating a labyrinth. Turns out, Irish roads are narrower than I thought and I swear, the driver looked like he was in a car chase.
- Opinionated rant: And then… the Hedges. Bloody stunning, of course. But. The crowds. OMG the crowds. Getting a decent photo was like trying to find a unicorn in a china shop. Still, gorgeous. Totally worth the hassle.
- Evening: Back to Belfast. Pub crawl. Find THE best pint of Guinness in the universe. Commence proper research.
- Anecdote: Met a hilarious local in a pub, called Seamus. He regaled me with tales of Belfast's history, laced liberally with witty insults and a healthy dose of dark humour. Learned more about Northern Ireland in 30 minutes than I've learned in a lifetime… it was amazing. "This city" he said, pointing to the sky, "is full of stories, love."
- Morning: Titanic Belfast. Okay, this is supposed to be amazing, and I’m determined to be impressed. I've spent time reading the history of the Titanic. I am fully expecting to cry a bit. (Don't judge me!)
Day 3: Crumlin Road Gaol, Murals, and a Very Unfortunate Meal
- Morning: Crumlin Road Gaol Tour. I'm expecting goosebumps. I always am, at places like this.
- Emotional Reaction: Chilling. The history of incarceration in Belfast is… grim. The stories, the conditions… it's a sobering experience. I found myself just standing there, wanting to let it all sink in.
- Mess: The guide was a bit too enthusiastic for my liking. I'm all for passion, but I think he repeated the same story, like, four times. Did it make the tour good? Yes. Did I forget that the next day? Also yes.
- Afternoon: Exploring the murals. Political art and history collide here! The colour and the storytelling is incredible, it really brought the city to life. I'm making a point to visit all of them.
- Evening: Dinner. (This is where things go south, I can feel it.) I tried a restaurant recommended by the hotel.
- Bad Emotional Reaction: Oh dear God, the food. The food was awful. Genuinely, one of the worst meals of my life. The service was slow. The atmosphere was dead. The only good thing was that it made me appreciate my mom’s cooking.
- Quirk: Decided to cheer myself up by ordering a dessert. (Big mistake.) I can't even describe it. Let's just say it involved something that resembled custard, and I abandoned it after two bites.
- Rant: Never going back there. Ever.
- Morning: Crumlin Road Gaol Tour. I'm expecting goosebumps. I always am, at places like this.
Day 4: Shopping, a Comedy Show, and the Search for Redemption
- Morning: Retail therapy. Time to hit the shops. I'm on a "souvenir" mission, even though I never wear the stuff I end up buying. (But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?)
- Anecdote: Got chatting to a shop assistant, who looked vaguely familiar. Turns out, she used to work in my local coffeeshop back home. Small world, eh? And she recommended the best place for coffee.
- Afternoon: Comedy show. I've read reviews of a good venue. Fingers crossed, hoping it's funny.
- Evening: Pub hopping and trying to erase the memory of that wretched dinner. Trying, trying, trying.
- Opinion: The comedy was top-notch! Needed that laugh after yesterday's culinary disaster. And the pubs are the heart of Belfast - such a great vibe.
- Morning: Retail therapy. Time to hit the shops. I'm on a "souvenir" mission, even though I never wear the stuff I end up buying. (But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?)
Day 5: Belfast Castle, Peace Walls, and the Departure Blues
- Morning: Belfast Castle. A castle! Always a good idea.
- Afternoon: A walk along the Peace Walls. A powerful, thought-provoking experience.
- Evening: Last supper in Belfast. The search for a decent meal continues.
- Emotional Reaction: Sad. This trip has blown me away, I feel like I could live here forever.
- Mess: Packing. My suitcase looks like a bomb went off. The washing machine was a complete failure. Goodbye, clean underwear.
- Anecdote: I ended up in a tiny, family-run restaurant. The food was simple, honest, and amazing. The owner even gave me a hug. Belfast had redeemed itself.
- Opinion: Belfast. You're messy, you're beautiful, you're full of stories, and I'm utterly in love.
Day 6: Departure (Prayers for a Delayed-Free Flight)
- Morning: Early start. Gotta get to the airport.
- Final Thoughts (Before the inevitable pre-flight panic attack): Belfast, you've been a true adventure. I’ve laughed, I've cried, I've eaten some truly questionable food. But I've also seen some incredible sights, met some amazing people, and felt a connection to this city that I didn't expect.
- Mess: One last coffee. Praying my flight isn't delayed. Praying my luggage isn't lost. Praying I can find my passport.
- Emotional Reaction: Gonna miss this place. Hard.
- Airport: See you later, Belfast. I'll be back. (Probably).
Important Notes (aka, the disclaimer):
- This itinerary is subject to change, depending on my mood, the weather, and the availability of good coffee and beer.
- Feel free to use this as a rough guide, but don't expect perfection. My plans usually have a tendency to unravel.
- Be prepared for a whole heap of rambling, emotional outbursts, and general chaos. It’s kind of my thing.
- Most importantly: Embrace the mess. That's where the real magic of travel happens.
(And if you see someone wandering the streets of Belfast, looking slightly dishevelled and overwhelmed, that's probably me.)
Azov's Hidden Gem: Golubitskaya's Untouched Beauty (Russia)
Fitzrovia Apartments: So, You Think You Want To Live the High Life...in Belfast? Let's Get Real.
Okay, Views...Seriously? Are They *Really* as Good as the Brochure Says?
Listen, I've seen the brochure. Stunning, isn't it? Belfast Lough glistening, city lights twinkling... *chef's kiss*. But the real question is, will you actually *see* the view? I mean, let's be honest, this is Belfast. We get more rain than a particularly weepy Shakespearean play.
Anecdote Time: I went for a visit. The day I went... well, let's just say the view was a wall of grey. My friend, Sarah - bless her heart, she's easily impressed - insisted she could *almost* see the boats. Look, I love Sarah, but she was probably squinting through a rain cloud. When the sun *does* decide to grace us with its presence? Bloody spectacular. You won't just see the city, you'll feel it. You'll feel like you're on top of the world... until you realise you've got to climb down to get your milk.
My Verdict: They're good, alright? But manage your expectations. Invest in a good umbrella. Or maybe just a really, really good therapist to deal with the weather-induced existential dread.
What About the Price? Is This, Like, a Mortgage-Level Commitment?
Let's not mince words. These apartments are not for the budget-conscious. You're paying for the location, the views, and the perceived "luxury." Think of it as an investment in your Instagram feed, primarily.
Rambling Thought: I keep running into this guy at the coffee shop, always in a perfectly tailored suit. I bet he lives there. He's probably got a personal chef and a walk-in wardrobe the size of my current flat. I bet he never even *thinks* about the price. I, on the other hand, have to decide between oat milk or paying the electricity bill every month. It's a tough call.
My Opinion: If you've got the cash, go for it. If you're scraping by, maybe consider buying a really, *really* good telescope instead. You can get a great one for a fraction of the rent, and at least you can control the weather (sort of) that way.
The Specs! What Are They *Really* Like Inside? Are They Actually Luxurious?
Okay, so "luxury." It's a word that's thrown around a lot. I've seen the show homes, and yeah, they're pretty swanky. Think sleek kitchens, fancy appliances, probably a built-in coffee machine that knows your name and your mood.
Confessions: I tried to subtly touch the granite worktop. It's smooth. *Very* smooth. The bathrooms...the bathrooms are like mini spas. I may have spent a little too long in one, picturing myself as a super-rich person in a fluffy robe. Then reality hit me, and I was back to ramen noodles and a leaky tap.
Unfiltered Thoughts: The question is... are they *genuinely* luxurious, or just impressively decorated? And will they still look "luxury" after the first party? After the first spill of red wine? After the first time you realize the washing machine is making a noise that sounds suspiciously like the end of the world? I'd like to think it's a yes to the former, but I can't be certain. You might require a good noise-cancelling headphones and a lot of duct tape.
What's the Neighborhood Like? Is it all Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams?
Fitzrovia is, well, it's city-center. It's *busy*. Which means you've got restaurants, shops, and all the things that come with being in the heart of the thing.
My Personal Experience: I walked by recently. Saw a beautiful woman with a gorgeous dog. She had a shopping bag that looked like it must be from a designer shop I can't afford to look in the window of. I felt ridiculously underdressed in my jeans and old t-shirt. Then, a delivery van started beeping its horn at her. Turns out, fancy dogs need to be picked up too. And fancy dog owners get stressed by traffic. So, it's not *all* champagne and caviar.
The Reality Check: You're also gonna encounter the city noise. The sirens, the late-night revellers, the construction. You're likely to have to move your car too. It's not a country retreat. But, I'm sure it's a fantastic place to live.
Is it Kid-Friendly?
Umm, let's just say, it depends on what kind of parent you are. Kids and high-rise living... It's not something I have experience of, to be honest.
Just a thought: I imagine strollers and multiple sets of keys and all the things that go with small children could become challenging. Also, you're in a city centre. There are a lot of pubs and restaurants. Could get tricky. But hey, maybe that's exactly what you *want*.
My Opinion: I don't have kids. I can't really answer this. This is one of those, "Do your research" kind of questions. Probably great if you are a city loving person.
What About Parking? A Nightmare?
Parking in Belfast city centre? Yeah, not exactly a walk in the park. I imagine, in these places, they *probably* have allocated parking. But... I've seen some parking garages in the city. They don't fill me with joy.
One time: I swear I spent a good ten minutes wrestling with a ticket machine that was clearly trying to eat my card. Eventually got in, then had to squeeze my car into a space that was apparently designed for a Smart car. And then there were the stairs. Oh, the stairs.
My Advice: Check your options. See what parking is offered. Don't expect a picnic.
Is it worth it though? Really, truly, is it worth the possible stress?
Look, I'm not going to lie. I'm not the target audience. But if you have the disposable income, the desire for those amazing views, and the ability to embrace a certain level of city life... Hotels Blog Guide
