Why it’s good for business
The Northern Irish economy has been a star performer since 2005, in part
because of the success of the Republic of Ireland’s economy just across the
border. The end of the Troubles and recent investment in infrastructure has
meant that Belfast has proven attractive to companies looking for a European
headquarters, particularly in the technology sector.
The Hilton Templepatrick is handy for Belfast International Airport (15
minutes away) and also if you have a meeting at the drinks firm Diageo or
the food firm Moy Park.
Despite its proximity to the airport the hotel is in an open country location
and has an 18-hole golf course in the grounds – perfect if you want to mix a
business meeting with a couple of rounds of golf. The staff are friendly and
incredibly helpful.
The room
Standard rooms at the hotel, which measure 26 square metres, are good value
and clean. The suites – measuring 39 square metres - are more contemporary,
with plenty of brown and beige in evidence. The beds also have those
enormous wooden headboards that are so fashionable now. The suites all have
views of the golf course.
The décor will be familiar to any regular big American chain hotel guest –
comfortable with few surprises.
A place to meet
The hotel is a fully fledged conference and incentive location, with a number
of meeting rooms suitable for anything up to 260 people (the Castle Upton
suite). For an informal meeting, just nip down to the Lounge bar for a chat
over a good coffee or, if it’s getting late in the afternoon, an Irish
whiskey.
Technology credentials
Wi-fi has yet to reach the individual rooms from the common areas of the hotel
but there is wired high-speed internet access in all deluxe rooms at a cost
of £15 a day. Wireless access in the lobby costs £10 a day.
Fed and watered
The hotel’s restaurant, Treffner’s, offers a friendly place to eat if you’re
on business although you might end up sharing with a few kids if you dine
too early. A typical menu might include warm cured salmon with a fennel and
orange salad and salsa verdi, beef Wellington or salmon and crab ravioli –
with the only true Irish influences the beef and the plate of Irish cheese
for dessert. Great views of the golf though.
In the know
The desk staff recommended Deane’s
in Belfast for a power business lunch. This is Northern Ireland’s only
Michelin-starred restaurant and offers inventive dishes such as tagliatelle
of local squid for starters and belly of saddle back pork with langoustine
and white beans for main. A three course lunch costs £21.50 excluding wine.
The wine list is extensive but pricey.
Business class
Prices at the hotel are good value and there’s a free shuttle to the airport.
Business farce
Wi-fi should be extended throughout the rooms.
The bottom line
Double rooms at the hotel start from £64 a night, including breakfast, when
booked over the internet in advance. Suites are from £25 a night more.
Need to know
Hilton Templepatrick, Castle Upton Estate, Templepatrick, Northern Ireland,
BT39 0DD. Tel: 028 9443 5500. www.hilton.co.uk/templepatrick.
Check-in 3pm, check-out 12 noon.
