Culloden Estate & Spa, part of Hastings Hotels, is one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious five-star hotels. The hotel is housed in a 12 acre estate that was built in 1876 in true Gothic style architecture. The grounds boast of matching landscaping from 19th century. The buildings on the estate seem to be surrounded by expansive carpets of manicured lawns. The estate was originally built as the palace for the all-powerful bishops and now as a five star hotel that estate has retained its aura of luxury and power of the Victorian era. The large grounds provide ample space for parking. Various lots located around the grounds can accommodate up to 400 cars. There is a clear path from each lot to the entrance of the hotel and they are lined by majestic cedar, eucalyptus and pine trees. There are stunted dwarf bushes and hedgerows in between. The beauty of the gardens is enhanced by a series of modern metallic and classic stone statutes.
The High Ceiling Lobby With Chandeliers Will Impress Anyone
As you enter the main building of the hotel, you will be impressed by the lobby with its high ceiling and overhanging chandeliers. The grandeur of the lobby is beautified with stucco decorations and gold-leaf framed paintings. Some original artwork adorns the space including ‘The Pawnbroker,’ a 19th century painting, a couple of bronze statutes of stags and a grand piano. The ground floor apart from a fine dining restaurant has large drawing rooms furnished to create an elite private club atmosphere.
Cultra Inn and The Mitre are Two Restaurants in the Main Building
The hotel has a total of 105 suites and 11 self catering apartments. The estate was built when space was not a constraint and so the suites and apartments are spacious and boasts of beautiful views of the gardens. The bed is large enough to occupy an entire room of a modern luxury hotel. The suites now have large flat screen television with a large center table and cozy twin sofa. The walls have been decorated with original paintings by local artists. For dining the hotel provides two options. Cultra Inn is a high-ceilinged, wood-beamed bistro with an open fireplace. It serves dishes made predominantly from local produce and the menu features local cuisine. The Mitre, on the other hand boasts of an international menu.
Culloden Estate & Spa Irish Castle Renovation Costs 1 Million Pounds
The hotel has spent over a million British Pounds for a comprehensive renovation of the estate. The new additions post renovation includes a hexagonal-shaped gym, a small similarly shaped pool in the centre area with a walkway around it leading to the steam room. The ESPA spa has eight treatment suites. The gym is very well equipped with every conceivable instrument to encourage fitness and athleticism. The hotel offers a 90-minute yoga session and Pilates complimentary to its guests. The location of the hotel also works to its advantage as it is only 15 minutes drive away from downtown Belfast, the capital city. There is plenty of art and cultural activities the guests can engage in including the interactive nine-gallery Titanic Experience which was opened in Belfast earlier this year to mark the centenary of the sinking. The hotel is also doing its bit to commemorate the sinking. It is offering a special afternoon tea which includes menu items similar to those served to first-class passengers on board the doomed vessel.
