Belfast's most famous hotel has seen more makeovers than most thanks to its tormented history, but its latest refurbishment exudes a plush but business-like air with a series of stylish new executive rooms challenging the hotel's somewhat predict.
Despite the rather faceless front entrance (accessed through a never-ending sea of car-park tarmac), the Wellington offers a surprising choice of rooms, excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere - all within walking distance of some of Belfast.
Standing on a prominent corner of Belfast's Golden Mile, Dukes has an ideal location close to pretty much everything you might want to see in town.
Set in an up-and-coming part of town, Radisson is trying hard to impress at its new Belfast hotel, a haven of contemporary chic kitted out with specially commissioned fine art, Italian designer furniture and a real sense of cool, calm sophisticat.
The centrepiece of a tree-lined Victorian terrace, the modern Malone Lodge has pulled in many plaudits for its large, luxurious rooms with elegant gold and navy decor, good food and pleasant, helpful staff.
A new hotel in a truly central location, the Fitzwilliam pushes all the right style buttons with its use of designer fabrics, cool colours and mood lighting.
Hotel, bistro, bar and nightclub rolled into one, super slinky Madison's is a sharply styled place with an excellent location, top-notch service and plush accommodation. At these rates it's simply one of the best mid-range options in town.
This B&B is a cut above your average South Belfast B&B, and feels more like a boutique hotel with its stylish, minimalist decor; friendly, efficient staff; delicious breakfasts; and 24 bright and cheerful rooms.
One of Northern Ireland's most atmospheric hotels, the Bushmills is an old coaching inn complete with peat fires, gas lamps and a round tower with a secret library.
In the centre of the old town, Dobbin's is a friendly and informal place with 15 small and creaky-floored but comfortable rooms.
Bland, business-like and pretty ordinary, you won't find any scatter cushions or massive Buddha heads disturbing the no nonsense attitude of a Jury's hotel, but with good rates and a location just two blocks from City Hall it seems peevish to com.
This modern, purpose-built hostel is just off the Diamond in the centre of town. Accommodation is mostly in four- to six-bed dorms with one twin room with private bathroom. There's also a kitchen, restaurant, laundry and bike shed.
Set in a large, bay-windowed Victorian house with a welcoming fire in the common room, the Castle is just a few minutes walk from the bus stop and the beach.
Belfast's modern Hostelling International (HI) hostel is conveniently located just off Shaftesbury Sq, so it can be a bit noisy at night when the pubs and clubs empty.
This community-run complex in West Belfast is best described as a posh hostel, set in grounds overlooking a small lake, offering 38 rooms with private bathroom and TV.
This modern, purpose-built hostel near the west end of White Park Bay has mostly four-bed dorms, plus twin rooms with TV, all with private bathroom.
This is a small and homely hostel set in a terrace house overlooking the harbour, with one six-bed dorm, a family room and a couple of twin and double rooms.
A lively, 130-bed hostel in the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, the Linen House has less homely character than some of Belfast's other backpacker options, but has all the basic creature comforts you'll need.
Paddy's is beginning to show its age – it could do with a deep clean – but is still good value with friendly staff who are happy to point you to the best local pubs.
This long-established hostel is set in a quiet terraced house in the university area. A bit on the small side, but coal fires and a friendly crowd make it more cosy than cramped.
This rambling guesthouse in a wonderful old red-brick villa is set back from the street in its own gardens, and has a choice of spacious, if old-fashioned rooms.
This is a brand-new place close to Queen's University, boasting a beer garden, a barbecue and a games room.
Leafy South Belfast sprouts another new hostel, stylishly decked out with shiny IKEA-style kit.
This excellent independent hostel offers dorm beds, basic shared accommodation in the camping barn, or a place to pitch a tent.
Just a few minutes' walk from both beach and harbour, this popular hostel is set in a Victorian terrace house, but feels cosy rather than cramped.
Comfy bunks, lockable luggage baskets, private shower cubicles and a relaxed atmosphere are what you get at one of Belfast's newest hostels, run by a couple of experienced travellers. Conveniently located close to both Queen's and the city centre.
