{"id":423644,"date":"2025-09-14T12:14:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T12:14:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/423644\/"},"modified":"2025-09-14T12:14:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T12:14:19","slug":"i-stayed-in-the-best-hotel-in-northern-ireland-this-is-my-honest-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/423644\/","title":{"rendered":"I stayed in the best hotel in Northern Ireland \u2014 this is my honest review"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\tThe Rabbit is a funky spa retreat just a short drive from Belfast (Picture: The Rabbit Hotel)<\/p>\n

Metro Checks In<\/a>\u00a0to The Rabbit<\/a>, a kooky spa hotel named the best in Northern Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hotels that top \u2018best of\u2019 lists<\/a> are usually extravagant, expensive, and inclined to make you feel like you need to stand on ceremony.<\/p>\n

Bucking that trend in the funkiest of ways is The Rabbit, a whimsical spa retreat, 20 minutes\u2019 drive from Belfast<\/a>, that has fun written into its DNA.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re talking a giant disco ball shimmering above a glass-fronted Roman bath; a reception area that looks like a circus tent, complete with a free popcorn machine and a resident cockapoo called Florence; four-poster relaxation beds and prosecco sorbet on tap.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s wild, it\u2019s wacky, but it\u2019s not for everyone. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

Where is it?<\/p>\n

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The Rabbit is tucked away in Templepatrick, an unassuming village about a 10-minute taxi ride from Belfast International Airport. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing to write home about in this tiny Antrim town, but it really doesn\u2019t matter. The hotel has everything you need for a night or two, and if you\u2019re really desperate, you can always catch the bus into Belfast, right outside the entrance.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"A
\n\t\tThe Rabbit is tucked away in Templepatrick (Picture: Supplied)
\nWhat\u2019s the vibe?<\/p>\n

The Rabbit bills itself as a hidden gem, and true enough, we almost miss the turn for the entrance.<\/p>\n

Four years ago, it was a car park, but today it\u2019s an eye-popping paradise for young couples and hen parties \u2014 a \u2018girls on tour\u2019 vibe is felt at every turn.<\/p>\n

In 2021, the owners of the Galgorm Resort<\/a> (Ireland<\/a>\u2019s best spa resort, about 30 minutes away) bought what used to be the Templeton Hotel.<\/p>\n

Blood, sweat and a \u00a39.5 million glow-up transformed it into the place it is today, complete with a lake, gardens, a separate wedding space called The Boathouse and, of course, the famous spa.<\/p>\n

The showstopper is the heated Roman bath, surrounded by stone columns and topped with the aforementioned disco ball. There are salt rooms, steam rooms and saunas, plus a relaxation area where your worries will melt into heated marble beds.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"A
\n\t\tThe showstopper is the Roman bath, topped with a disco ball (Picture: The Rabbit Hotel)<\/p>\n

There is a small treatment menu (I\u2019m told the candle massage, which uses hot wax to work out knots, is the most popular). But if you\u2019re looking for the full works, I recommend scooting up to the larger spa at the Galgorm instead.<\/p>\n

It must be said, too, that this spa leans more towards fun than relaxation. You can take drinks<\/a> around with you, in white plastic glasses, and the vibe definitely skews young.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s either your dream or your worst nightmare, but the hotel allows dogs. There are dog-friendly rooms and your pup can accompany you in the lobby, bar and garden.<\/p>\n

What are the rooms like?<\/p>\n

Your warren for the night is one of 50 rooms, all bursting with personality \u2014 think neon signs, William Morris wallpaper, and luxury touches including retro Swan kettles and everyone\u2019s favourite, Dyson hairdryers.<\/p>\n

There are four categories \u2013 Snug, Comfy, Luxe and Attic \u2013 each suited to a different stay. If you\u2019re with your girls and planning to spend most of the time in the spa, the Snug is ideal. If you\u2019re on a romantic weekend away, it\u2019s worth splashing out on Luxe. <\/p>\n

These rooms open onto private courtyards, which have copper baths and wood-fired heaters. I was there on a sweltering weekend in August, but in winter I can\u2019t imagine anywhere cosier.<\/p>\n

Food and drink?<\/p>\n

I enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak and sides from the extensive dinner menu, which has everything from sticky Korean chicken wings to local prawns and catch of the day, straight off the boats at the Belfast docks. <\/p>\n

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\n\t\tThe wine cellar and Hunter\u2019s Bar provide plenty of cosy nooks (Picture: The Rabbit Hotel)<\/p>\n

Most mains come in around the \u00a325-\u00a330 mark, which does feel pricey for a hotel of this calibre.<\/p>\n

Drinks are even more expensive. I must admit I raised an eyebrow at the sight of \u00a315 for a signature cocktail, and even more for an Aperol Spritz.<\/p>\n

Instead, I recommend grabbing a Guinness in the cosy Hunter\u2019s Bar, and watching the live band that plays nightly from Thursday to Saturday.<\/p>\n

You can nurse your hangover with a hearty breakfast the next morning; I recommend the French Toast.<\/p>\n

@onthemapuk<\/a> <\/p>\n

The Rabbit Spa Retreat & Hotel \ud83d\ude0d | This is located in Belfast and an unreal super luxury spot. They offer multiple bars and restaurants inside and various different fancy rooms to choose from. There\u2019s also an outdoor bar you can access while enjoying all the spa services. It also overlooks a small lake. Could not recommend this amazing place enough! Any questions just comment & ask below as we recently stayed for 2 nights! \ud83d\udc47 #Belfast<\/a> #SpaHotel<\/a> #BelfastThingsToDo<\/a> #belfastfood<\/a> #BelfastHotels<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c Set Me Free \u2013 Mallin<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How much does it cost? <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re visiting in autumn, a Snug Room is \u00a3175 and a Comfy Room (which includes an outdoor bathtub) is \u00a3255.<\/p>\n

Breakfast is included, plus spa access and a 30-minute clay ritual for two people. <\/p>\n

This involves rubbing yourself with clay, sitting in a steam room while it soaks into your skin, and washing it off \u2014 all with a panoramic view of the lake. It\u2019s always nice to get a freebie, but it\u2019s a bit of a non-event. <\/p>\n

The verdict<\/p>\n

As we say in Ireland, The Rabbit is good craic. It\u2019s perfect for groups of friends and young couples looking for an affordable weekend away.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tEverything you need to know: at a glance\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Check in\/check out:<\/strong>\u00a03pm and 12pm.<\/p>\n

Disability access?\u00a0<\/strong>Yes. The entrance has level access, and there is a wheelchair lift to access rooms on level 1.<\/p>\n

Standout feature:<\/strong>\u00a0The spa and restaurant.<\/p>\n

Perfect for:<\/strong>\u00a0Young couples and hen dos.<\/p>\n

Not right for:<\/strong>\u00a0Families and guests looking for five-star luxury or a relaxing spa.<\/p>\n

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