7 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Hastings Hotels
This Summer come to Northern Ireland, where luxury, relaxation and adventure awaits you with a Staycation at Hastings Hotels from just £50 per person. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay on one of our unique KingKoil Pillow Top Cloud Beds and full Irish breakfast to complete your perfect Staycation break.
With 7 Hotels located across Northern Ireland to choose from, you can plan a break away that explores all the award winning attractions we have become famous for. You may be familiar with our 7 luxurious Hotels, but you may not be as familiar with these 7 surprising facts about our Hotels...
1. The Europa Is One Of The World’s Most Famous Hotels
The world famous Europa Hotel is located in the heart of Belfast City Centre boasting impressive rooms, food and service. The hotel is positioned as one of Belfast’s premier destinations but it also quickly gained the reputation as ‘Europe’s most bombed hotel’ during the Ireland Troubles. The hotel suffered 36 bomb attacks. Still standing, the hotel has since hosted prime ministers, celebrities, and presidents – including President Bill Clinton who stayed at the hotel when he was initiating the peace process in 1993 and now has a hotel suite named after him.
2. Hastings Hotels Is The Largest Independent Hotel Group In Northern Ireland
Founded by Sir William Hastings over 50 years ago, Hastings Hotels is Northern Ireland’s premier hotel group. Over the past 30 years Sir William Hastings introduced all four of his children to the group in the roles of Managing Director, Sales Director, Marketing Director and Events Director. The Hastings collection has seven luxurious hotels across the province. The seven fabulous properties offer guests an impressive choice of venues, from city centre hotels with easy access to all major air, sea and road links, to those that are located amidst breath-taking scenery and world famous golf courses, with a host of leisure and sporting pursuits for all the family – something for everyone.
3. A Flight Path Into Belfast City Airport Had To Be Adjusted During The Building Of The Grand Central Hotel
During the creation of Belfast’s tallest hotel project, a flight path had to be adjusted to accommodate the 475 ft tall Tower Crane which was used to support the initial construction work of the hotel. The £30m four-star, 300-bedroom Grand Central Hotel Belfast transformed the 23-storey Windsor House in the city centre – becoming the single biggest investment by family-run Hastings Hotels in the company's history. The name was suggested by Hastings Hotels founder Sir William Hastings.
He said: "The original Grand Central, which also boasted 300 bedrooms, was built in 1893 and was the thriving hub of Victorian Belfast as well as the finest hotel in Ireland. Winston Churchill, Al Jolson, Mario Lanza and The Beatles all enjoyed its luxurious hospitality." (Belfast Telegraph).
4. Hastings Hotels is Celebrating a ‘Quacking’ 30 Years of The Duck
Hastings Hotels first introduced its yellow signature rubber duck in 1990 – the group could never have imagined it would become such a sought-after collector’s item. 30 years later and the fabulous array of ducks are loved by guests who have stayed with Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels – including stars of stage, screen, song and sport. During the last 30 years Hastings Hotels has created over 100 different themed ducks including the Rory Quack-Ilroy, the chef Table D’uck, Giro Duck, Titanic Duck, Wally The Walled City Duck, Duck of Thrones, Jemima Pudding Duck and Kiss me Quack for Valentine’s Day.
Officially now holding the title of Lady Duck, Julie Hastings, Marketing Director of Hastings Hotels and Creator of the famous ducks said: “I read that a rubber duck in your bath can relieve the tensions and stresses of every-day life. I thought that the fun factor of finding a rubber duck in the bathroom would bring a smile to guests and we encouraged them to take the ducks home. The rest, as they say, is history!”
5. Hastings Hotels Has Its Own In-House Sleep Expert
Do you remember the last time you got a good night’s sleep? Well it’s bound to be possible here. With a resident sleep expert, offering tips and tricks on how to get a better night’s sleep, Hastings Hotels will ensure you’re ready for the next day ahead. Take a warm bath, limit pre-bed snacking and having a consistent routine are just a few… But if that’s not enough to help you then I’m sure the famously nicknamed “cloud beds” will allow you to drift off straight away. “Made bespoke for Hastings Hotels by King Koil in Kildare Ireland, these beds feature a deep pillow layer, hand filled with a blend of soft cushioning for that “floating on clouds” experience. Beneath the pillow top lies the luxurious support of 1,400 independent pocket springs which conform to your body shape, preventing partner disturbance to ensure a dreamy night’s sleep.” (Belfast Telegraph).
6. Hastings Hotels Has A Long List Of Celebrity Stays
What do Katy Perry, Shania Twain, Ed Sheeran and The Killers all have in common? Very famous artists yes, but they have all also stayed at one of seven Hastings Hotels’ properties. With an impressive choice of venues, and accommodation close to the city centre, Hastings Hotels offers the ideal stay for a nearby gig or A-List getaway.
7. Hastings Hotels Hosts Ireland’s Tallest Bar
The Observatory is Hastings Hotels most spectacular jewel based at the very top of The Grand Central Hotel, serving you your very tallest beverage in Ireland. Situated in Ireland’s tallest hotel, this one-of-a-kind place of a sophistication allows you to admire views of the entire city whilst sipping on your newly popped glass of champagne. You can also take a seat in one of the luxurious lounge chairs to peruse over the dazzling food menu savouring Belfast’s finest delicacies.
For more information on our Summer offers contact us on 028 9047 1066 or click here for more information.