Culloden Estate & Spa

Location is approximately 9km outside Belfast. The plethora of armchairs lend an "old-folks homish" atmosphere, especially in the main bar ( which closes on Saturday night, with no resident bar concession). Rooms were a shock....After travelling the world, I had never seen a waste bin full from previous occupants. One of the bath robes was dirty. After raising with a nonchalent reception, the bin was eventually changed, but not the bath robe. Meals were, sorry to say, quite awful...no in-house baked bread, breakfast meats- omlettes- eggs / dinner steaks seemed prepared with the same oil, which deemed the food inedible ( as witnessed by the food remnants left on plates- do the kitchen check returns?) Service on Sunday morning breakfast was limited, it seemed like severe staff shortages. Best staff were doorman Jonathan, and wait staff Shay and Leah, who were exceptionally nice under testing circumstances. This family weekend cost way too much for such an experience, which we expected would be top notch for a special occasion. No Culloden return is planned. The floor 3 clean staff capped all ...when asked was checkout time 11am, she replied snarkily " yes 11....and it's 10 minutes past 11 now".

We enjoyed every second of this experience, the food was superb the service was professional and the spa was great

It is quite a few years since we have stayed in the Culloden, instead choosing the convenience of the city centre. The improvements and redecoration are beautiful. The switching around of the bar and restaurant are a very good move. The hotel definitely screams opulence. The spa and pool areas have improved immensely with the addition of a beautiful sauna and jacuzzi with Belfast lough views, and lounger chairs to relax on. We were however disappointed with the service during our stay. We stopped for a drink in the bar after coming back from a concert. There were only ourselves and one other table, and 3 young people serving. Not one of them came over to us! After waiting 15 minutes I went up myself and asked if I could order some drinks. The following morning we ordered breakfast from the menu. We waited a good 20 minutes, still no food. We eventually found a waiter and asked if they could check on our order. It obviously hadn't been put through and it was another 15 minutes before it arrived. No apology! By then we were the only diners left in the restaurant. There seemed to be a real shortage of staff at breakfast. Would expect more for a 5 star hotel.

We spent a night at the Culloden to celebrate 11 years together. The room was absolutely beautiful and had a great view and a very comfortable bed. From the minute we arrived the staff were very good to us and we felt very welcome. We had a three course dinner in Vespers restaurant, delicious food and the service was exceptional. They reserved a seat for us in the drawing room afterwards which was ideal for a quiet drink. We enjoyed the piano playing. Thanks so much to the staff, we will certainly be back next year.

The staff couldn’t do enough for us. The food was brilliant in both the lough bar and Cultra inn. Drinks were amazing. Reception staff so attentive and went above and beyond. The room (carn suite) was exquisite, we felt like VIPs from the second we got there. The atmosphere in the evening was great with 5* entertainment from both a pianist and a guitarist/vocalist. We have already booked to return next January and I am planning a return visit with another friend come September?!