I stayed in one of Belfast's oldest hotels and there was one key highlight

I've been to the Europa hotel on many occasions for work meetings, press conferences, and events, but I've never stayed in it overnight, nor have I felt like I actually took time to have a proper look around me when inside.

We all know the history of the Europa, famously known as the most bombed hotel in the world, having suffered 36 bomb attacks during the Troubles. It's also hosted some very famous faces through the years, including former US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hilary, who have a suite named after them in the hotel.

So while attending an event in the hotel a few weeks ago, we decided to stay overnight. The most striking thing about the Europa as you walk in is the grand lobby area, and just off the reception, you'll find The Lobby Bar. We arrived at around 3.30pm in the afternoon, and The Lobby Bar was absolutely buzzing. There was a live four-piece band, and the crowd enjoying the music spanned a range of ages, from young girls in their 20s having a catch-up over cocktails to a large group of senior citizens sipping on their G&Ts.

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And it was the older crowd who were in the mood to party, as a few of them even got up to dance along to the band, a wholesome moment to watch.

The hotel also has a beautiful Piano Bar on the first floor, which was a hive of activity on that Saturday afternoon, with some enjoying a decadent Afternoon Tea. This is another thing I want to return to try out; it looked incredible!

After a quick drink in the bar, we checked into our room, which was on the 10th floor. It was serviced by two elevators from the main reception, which seemed to confuse some people about which one they needed to be in, depending on their floor.

Our room was spacious, with a good-sized bathroom and large double bed. It wasn't as luxurious as I had expected, but it was clean and fresh and maybe could just be doing with a little freshening up. I know the hotel has recently revamped some of the Executive rooms, but it was a very busy weekend of events when we stayed, so we just missed out on one of these. However, we will definitely return again to try them out. There was a lovely little treat waiting for us in the room in the form of two beautiful cupcakes which went down a treat with a cup of tea.

Our room window looked out onto the side of the hotel with a birdseye view of the stage door of the nearby Grand Opera House where we watched lorries unloading the latest set for an upcoming show.

After our event, it was time to return to the room, and as the clock ticked into the early hours, I was glad to see the cosy and comfortable bed after a long night in high heels.

The bed and pillows were really comfortable, which is something I am quite fussy about in hotels. I've been known to bring my own pillow on occasion!

After a restful night's sleep, it was a slow Sunday morning for us. We enjoyed the calm and quiet, which we're not used to at home with two young children!

We headed down to breakfast which was available to 11am on weekends which was great for us as we still managed to enjoy a nice lie-in.

This, for me, was the highlight. Hotel breakfasts can be hit and miss, particularly if they're buffet style as this one was. But even being among the last group to have breakfast, the food was piping hot. We both opted for the Ulster fry, and everything was cooked to perfection. You definitely couldn't tell it was buffet style as the soda bread, bacon, sausages, etc, were all freshly cooked and really tasty. They also had handy little takeaway cups at the coffee machine which I thought was a nice touch so you could grab one on your way out and enjoy it while out exploring.

I have to commend the staff of the hotel who were amazing throughout our stay. It was a very busy weekend with numerous events taking place, and they handled everything seamlessly.

The Europa is the perfect spot for a stay in the city, it's central to pretty much everywhere you might want to explore and everywhere is a quick walking distance away, including the new Grand Central transport hub.

So if you're planning a stay in Belfast this festive season or new year, I'd definitely recommend the Europa, and don't dare sleep in on the breakfast, I promise it's worth it!

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