As a seasoned traveler, I’ve slept in everything from stark corporate boxes to glamorous five-stars with marble floors that might as well have been polished on the backs of angels. But then, on my latest escapade to Belfast, I stumbled upon something that didn’t just accommodate me—it embraced me, pulled me in, and never let me go.
Enter The Harrison Chambers of Distinction—a place so creatively decadent, it feels like you’ve arrived at your fabulously flamboyant, well-traveled aunt’s home. You know, the one who’s seen the world, has impeccable taste, and has an eclectic collection of art, stories, and maybe a slightly alarming collection of vintage perfume bottles.
The Anti-Hotel in Belfast That’s Pure Creative Energy
Forget everything you know about typical hotels. The Harrison is Belfast’s most creative anti-hotel—and when I say that, I mean it’s a place where whimsy, opulence, and eccentricity come to stay. The vibe? It’s like you’ve wandered into an artsy living room, but with plush velvet curtains, antique furniture, and rooms so unique they might be mistaken for sets in a Wes Anderson film. This isn’t a hotel, darling. It’s an experience. And Melanie Harrison, the hostess with the mostest, is the heart and soul of this gloriously unapologetic treasure chest. Think of her as your wildly charismatic aunt who’s traveled to every corner of the world, has an eye for design, and knows the kind of stories that make you lean in, wide-eyed, at dinner. It’s no wonder the hotel’s energy flows through her—she’s the curator, the storyteller, the guide to everything that makes The Harrison so wonderfully you.
Step Through the Wardrobe Into a World of Quirk and Charm
The first thing you’ll notice when you check in is the entrance. You don’t simply walk in through a door—oh no, you step through a Narnia-inspired wardrobe. The kind that only a literary connoisseur and design maven like Melanie would think to include. It’s a cheeky wink to C.S. Lewis, the beloved author of The Chronicles of Narnia, who hailed from these parts. It’s playful, unexpected, and exactly what you need after the usual rigmarole of airport transfers and taxis.
You’re not entering just any hotel. You’re entering a world where imagination reigns and, trust me, you want to stay in this world.
The Rooms: Where Rock Stars, Narnia, and Titanic Legends Live Side by Side
Each of the 30 rooms (spread across five restored townhouses in Chlorine Gardens) has its own personality. I was lucky enough to see a few, and if you’re even a tiny bit into interior design or creativity, get ready for a sensory overload in the best possible way. The Led Zeppelin Suite? It’s a rock ‘n’ roll dream. The kind of room that makes you want to throw on some vinyl, dive into the leopard print-covered bed, and pretend for a second that you too are a legend on stage at Madison Square Garden. Records and art line the walls, and there’s something about the room’s swagger that makes you feel like you’re part of a rock star’s after-party. But if you’re looking for something that’ll make you breathe in awe, the Thomas Andrews Suite is a showstopper. Inspired by the man who designed the Titanic, this suite practically screams old-school luxury, with antique furniture, bold Victorian details, and a bath that would make Marie Antoinette envious. If there’s one suite that’ll make you feel like royalty, this is it. Do not miss it—seriously. If only for the dramatic flair.
Then there’s the C.S. Lewis Suite, which is pure magic. Picture this: a vintage typewriter, a few nods to the author’s whimsical world of Narnia, and just enough mystery to make you want to lose yourself in the pages of a book. If you’ve ever dreamed of being swept away into a fantastical world, this room will do it—without the talking animals, of course.
Creator, Melanie Harrison.
What truly makes The Harrison unforgettable is Melanie Harrison, the charismatic force behind it all. She’s part interior designer, part storyteller, and part hospitality guru. Walking into the hotel feels like meeting a long-lost friend who’s eager to show you around her most cherished collections. Whether she’s sharing stories of the hotel’s conception (spoiler: it involved a lot of passion, creativity, and perhaps a cocktail or two), or curating your day with the best hidden gems of Belfast, Melanie makes you feel like you’ve just walked into the most creative corner of the world. She doesn’t just provide a place to stay; she immerses you in an experience—one that, quite frankly, I never wanted to leave.
Don’t Miss the Pistachio Croissants. Seriously.
The morning breakfast? Let’s talk about it. If you think you’ve had a good croissant, you haven’t tried The Harrison’s pistachio croissants. Don’t ask questions. Just order them. I promise you’ll thank me later. Flaky, nutty, and slightly decadent, they’re the kind of croissants you eat slowly, because you want the moment to last longer.
The Stay of Your Dreams
If you’re tired of bland, corporate hotels that leave you feeling empty, The Harrison Chambers of Distinction will rejuvenate your soul. It’s where artistry meets hospitality, where creative chaos is celebrated, and where you’re treated like a guest at the home of someone with a worldlier perspective and a wicked sense of fun. Melanie Harrison, with her flair, warmth, and unforgettable stories, is the soul of this place—and if you’re lucky enough to meet her, you’ll understand what makes this hotel the most uniquely creative place in Belfast.
From the Narnia wardrobe entrance to the Thomas Andrews Suite (the crown jewel) and the pistachio croissants, The Harrison is a place where you leave not just with souvenirs—but with memories of a stay that felt like visiting the most vibrant, well-traveled aunt anyone could ever have. Book a night (or five), and find out what I mean.
Travel Tip: Ask Melanie for her curated Belfast map—you’ll find yourself on a treasure hunt for the city’s hidden gems that most tourists miss.
By: Lucas Raven
