WHAT'S IT LIKE? One of two Radisson hotels in Northern Ireland (the other being the Radisson SAS Roe Park Resort in Limavady, Londonderry), the hotel is part of the Gasworks development, situated on the site of the former Belfast Gasworks which closed in 1988. The development consists mainly of office space, including the £45 million Halifax call centre. Regular guests of Radisson SAS hotels will know they normally have a centrepiece around which the property revolves, and this one is no different – to one side of the building is a calming artificial lake, onto which look the restaurant, bar and open glass lifts.
WHERE IS IT? Around ten minutes' walk from Belfast's City Hall, the Gasworks complex is located to the south of the city just off Ormeau Road. The hotel is also set back one street from the River Lagan, whose banks have been redeveloped to include attractive riverside walkways winding down towards the city's Waterfront Hall (see main text). A major advantage of the hotel's location is the fact the Gasworks has no through traffic – this combined with the lake and nearby river gives the property the feel of a peaceful out-of-town hotel.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 120, of which 90 are standard, 22 business, and seven are one-bedroom suites. There is also one extended suite which includes a boardroom.
ROOM FACILITIES As is the norm with Radisson hotels, the rooms are split into different themes – in this case Urban (predominantly red colour scheme) and Nordic (cool blues). I was staying in business room 301, an Urban room overlooking the front of the hotel. The view from here is of the car park and a building site beyond, so it's advisable to ask for a room with a lake view. All rooms have air conditioning, minibar, laptop-sized safe, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, trouser press, TV with pay movies, iron and ironing board, and a workdesk with complimentary wired internet access. Unfortunately the internet cable in my room was not working (although I was able to pick up a reasonable wifi signal – this is officially only available in the public and meeting areas). Business rooms differ only in the amenities provided, which include a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary movies, DVD and CD player, bathrobe and slippers, and upgraded bathroom amenities. Business room guests also receive complimentary breakfast and free access to a nearby gym.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Italian restaurant Filini has a great location on the ground floor overlooking the water, and its decked terrace, open kitchen and bright, airy room add to the feeling of space, making this a great summer venue. The Filini brand is being rolled out across the Radisson chain, with this the fourth hotel to receive the makeover. I tried the deliciously sticky starter of frissee and radicchio salad with toasted walnuts, honey and Gorgonzola (£6.50), and for main course chose the chargrilled tuna with vincotto, cherry tomatoes and rocket salad (£14.50).
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are five meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 12 boardroom-style to 150 theatre-style. All rooms have natural daylight, air conditioning, motorised screens and wifi internet access, and plasma screens, video projectors and PA systems are all available on request.
LEISURE FACILITIES Not on site, but the hotel has a partnership with LA Fitness which allows guest to visit its nearby gym for a small charge (complimentary to Business room guests).
VERDICT Perfect for business travellers looking for a modern hotel away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, but still within walking distance of it.
PRICES Fully flexible internet rates for a midweek stay in mid-July started from £110, room only.
CONTACT Radisson SAS Hotel Belfast, The Gasworks, 3 Cromac Place, Ormeau Road, Belfast; +44 (0)2890 434 065; belfast.radissonsas.com.
