Hastings Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street holds a unique place in Belfast's history as one of the most recognisable hotels in the United Kingdom. During the Troubles, the Europa was bombed on multiple occasions — earning it the widely cited, if somewhat grim, distinction of the most bombed hotel in the world. The building was repeatedly rebuilt and refurbished, and since the peace process it has become a symbol of Belfast's resilience. It has hosted presidents, prime ministers, and international media delegations across the decades, and its guest list includes Bill Clinton and numerous heads of state.
The hotel sits on Great Victoria Street beside the Grand Opera House, one of Belfast's finest Victorian theatres, and is directly opposite the Crown Liquor Saloon, a National Trust-owned Victorian gin palace. Belfast Grand Central Station is a short walk away, making the Europa one of the most transit-accessible hotels in the city.
Accommodation ranges from Standard and Superior Rooms to Junior Suites. Rooms have been modernised across successive renovations and offer reliable comfort with contemporary furnishings, flat-screen televisions, and well-appointed bathrooms. The Piano Bar Brasserie serves an international menu throughout the day, while the Piano Bar itself is a long-standing social hub, regularly hosting live music on weekend evenings.
A gym is available on the premises. The conference and meetings offering is extensive — over 10 event rooms accommodate groups from small boardroom meetings to large multi-day conferences. The hotel is particularly suited to business travellers, city-break visitors, and Opera House theatregoers who value a central, historic address with reliable services at a mid-range price point.
Room types
- Standard rooms
- Superior rooms
- Junior suites
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Gym
- Meeting rooms
- Concierge
Location
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AP
54.5951, -5.9321 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic Belfast landmark with a history spanning the Troubles and the peace process
- Adjacent to the Grand Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street
- Piano Bar with live music on weekend evenings — one of Belfast's longstanding social venues
- Extensive conference and meetings facilities across more than 10 event spaces
- One of the most transit-accessible hotels in Belfast, steps from the main bus and rail interchange
Tips for visiting
- The Crown Liquor Saloon directly opposite is a Victorian masterpiece owned by the National Trust — visit before or after dinner.
- Request a room on an upper floor facing away from Great Victoria Street for a quieter night's sleep.
- The hotel frequently offers promotional rates on its own website — worth comparing before booking through aggregators.
- Pre-theatre dinner packages are sometimes available in conjunction with the Grand Opera House next door.
- The Europa is the closest major hotel to Belfast Grand Central Station, making it practical for early morning or late evening rail travel.