If you’re a homebody who loves to travel but hates leaving your creature comforts behind, a stay at Room2 offers the best of both worlds. As the UK’s first ‘hometel’ brand, it’ll take you a moment to figure out whether you’ve woken up in a luxe apartment or inner-city hotel room. There’s an emphasis on casual hospitality, geared towards common folk who feel out of place in fancy-pants establishments. The whole vibe is very relaxed, but that doesn’t mean standards aren’t high; you can expect just as much from this place as you would a five-star outpost – minus the bells and whistles.
What’s the vibe at Room2?
Above all else, this is an eco-conscious hotel – and what could be more important than that? It runs on 100 percent electric and low-carbon renewable energy, with a zero-waste-to-landfill policy to top it off. The interiors represent this ethos through a lack of flash and extravagance – along with a flurry of tropical foliage to really drive home their appreciation for nature.
Your trendiest friend’s flat? That’s pretty much what they’re going for, aesthetic-wise. You’re able to take in the whole open-plan lobby and dining area from the second you enter. There’ll be a lot going on, from cocktails being slung behind the bar at Winnie’s, to all-day food being served and groups socialising in the comfy living room-style chill zones. An essence of home should be ever-present, whether you find it in the warm lighting, slow pace or homey accessories: think indoor plants, framed prints, books and the odd Roberts Radio. The effortless look is very much intentional, and the colour scheme is eye-popping while working in harmony with the down-to-earth decor. Pastel tones are paired with dark woods, gold accents and fun tile patterns to bring the playful space to life. The cosiness is cranked up with the addition of deep maroon curtains dividing each section. And no neighbourhood bar is complete without live music sessions led by local artists, which you’ll be able to catch every evening from 6pm.
What are the rooms like at Room2?
Designed for long and short stays, all rooms have a charming lived-in feel. An early flight meant we had to fill in the post-check-in hours with brunch, followed by an unplanned 30-minute excursion to reach Crumlin Road Gaol for a good old-fashioned jail tour. Why is this relevant, you may ask? Well, I felt it was necessary to set the scene so you can understand just how ready we were to take a breather and wash off the city/airport by 2pm. Our exhaustion provided a true test of the hotel’s mission: we threw down our bags and dropped to the sofa as soon as the keycard buzzed us in, and I can confirm, it felt just like coming home.
The apartment-style rooms are meant to feel familiar. Most are fitted with a full-functioning kitchenette, and all of them have a work desk, sofa and wall-mounted TV. The decor is simple with the same stylish design as the lobby, promoting a sense of calm and belonging in a familiar space. I’m a sucker for a good bathroom, and this one was worthy of going straight into my Pinterest board. Scribble wallpaper paired with low lighting and red tiles meant it fit the ‘relaxed’ theme while bringing a bit of boujee-ness to ensure the hotel experience isn’t fully in disguise as a rented flat.
As if the lines between ‘everyday life’ and ‘city escape’ weren’t already blurred enough, guests are encouraged to bring their pets and even order takeaways to their rooms – we know, there are less rules and regulations than your average grandma’s gaff.
What are the best things to eat and drink at Room2?
We’ll let Winnie’s take the reins on this one: it’s a great social hub made for laid-back drinks at the wrap-around marble-top bar counter or in a quiet corner on the plush sofas. Request a freshly shaken bramble, whiskey sour or spicy margarita, or keep things simple with a wine or beer on draught. On the food front, I was extremely impressed with the buffet breakfast. There were no components that let the side down: a line of orange casserole dishes contained the cooked elements, keeping the perfectly prepared scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, beans and mushrooms piping hot. We were then presented with pastries, fruit and a DIY yogurt bowl station in the other end of the restaurant, along with a selection of bread to toast (the sourdough was some of the best I’ve had).
À la carte options are available until 4pm as part of the all-day brunch menu. We’re talkin’ bacon baps, Irish cheese toasties and a variety of burgers if you’re extra hungry. Dinner service runs from 5-9pm with a focus on small plates, like mac and cheese croquettes and homemade fishcakes.
What is the service like at Room2?
The style of service fits the casual theme; they won’t be bombarding you with information, unless you ask for it. Check-in was swift and lacking in detail – no mention of check-out or breakfast times. Although, when check-out is as late as 2pm (yep, the room’s yours for a whole 24 hours), and breakfast ends at 10:30am, timings pretty much become a moot point anyway. Every staff member was armed with a friendly face and local insight, listing off all the best pubs in the area that they’d recommend visiting for a one-night-only exploration of Belfast's nightlife.
What are the facilities like at Room2?
There’s no spa – but you wouldn’t really come to Belfast for that kind of holiday. Stay energised in preparation for the day’s action-packed schedule with a trip to the gym. It’s small but houses high-quality equipment along with a view of the street below. Now for the facilities you wouldn’t expect: a handy full-service laundry room and an art gallery showcasing the work of local emerging artists.
Brought a car? There’s a car park six minutes away. No car? No problem. There’s a nifty ‘Press for Cab’ button in the lobby that sends out an immediate request for a taxi.
What’s the area like around Room2?
You couldn't be more central if you tried. On your doorstep is St George’s Market, which dates back to the 1890s, and offers an array of street food, artisanal vendors and more. Restaurants and pubs are plentiful. We actually had dinner at Yugo, a haven of inventive Asian small plates, and I’m surprised to admit that every dish blew me away (especially when we ordered seven of them…). We finished the night at the trusty Kelly’s Cellars for live music in a traditional setting, but you’d be safe ending up in any of the boozers in Cathedral Quarter – a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Umbrella Alley is also a cool spot to check out; here you’ll find the Duke of York, a buzzing local pub that often has clientele spilling onto the street under its signature neon and sign-covered external walls. Titanic Belfast is a short bus ride away and a must-visit. It’s made up of nine interactive galleries that retell the iconic story from an architecturally stunning museum.
Why you should you book a stay at Room2
Championing sustainability, community and home-worthy levels of comfort, this chain will have even the busiest tourists feeling relaxed and rejuvenated while getting the authentic Belfast experience. No matter how far you’ve travelled, you’ll feel that sense of belonging and peace thanks to staff who act like your mates and universally urban interiors that will remind you of at least one aspect of your own home.
DETAILS
Address: 32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6EE
Price: Starting from approximately €105 per night
Closest transport: Great Victoria Street Station is eight minutes’ walk away