Live In Belfast - Frank Tate

Advantages: Variety of shops and 'high street' brand
Disadvantages: Pretty small

...Belfast city center has undergone growth in recent years leading to a more commercialized shopping area. It wasn't that long ago that many big name companies simply wouldn't bring their businesses to Belfast, what with the troubles and all. More stable times have brought a huge variety of shops, supermarkets and malls back to the streets of Belfast. As far as city centers go Belfast's is not that big, it is centralized in a number of key streets that house most of the big brand companies. These key streets are Royal avenue, Chichester street and high street. There are many other adjoining streets that 'feed' off these, and also house any number of shops and shopping areas. Royal avenue is by far the most commercialized street in belfast, in it you would find most of the high street chains that you would in any other major city... Read review

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Advantages: City Centre, close to night life, good room quaility
Disadvantages: No onsite car parking

...I have now stayed here twice, and have to say that on both occasions the experience was a positive one. The Holiday Inn, 22 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, has 170 rooms and is of a very high quality in the specification. On both occasions I was staying over as I was going out that evening in Belfast. It is a bit expensive to stay over in a hotel, but well its so nice to pamper yourself, and you don't have to worry about taxi's or making breakfast the next morning. The cost was £108 per night with the first night a little cheaper. This was Christmas and so was dearer, I think Belfast can be more expensive though for what's a provincial/regional city. However you pretty much know what you are getting when you stay with the Holiday Inn Group, and it was a 4 star. Arrival As soon as you arrive you are immediately aware... Read review

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Advantages: Lots to see & do
Disadvantages: Some people

...I divide my time between Belfast and North Antrim, although for shopping, nightlife etc, Belfast is always preferable. Belfast has received a lot of bad press in the past, although thankfully cease fires have made people want to visit this city, and the city itself has evolved a lot over the past few years. There are even 'trouble tours' if you have the desire to see some of the trouble areas. The main development within the city in recent times was the laganside development, including office space, apartments, the lagan lookout, and also the Odyssey. The odyssey consists of restaurants, 2 cinemas and also an indoor arena, with an ice rink, although this is covered for concerts. I tend to go to the Odyssey for a night out, as there are a wide choice of restaurants, including the Hard rock cafe, la Tasca (a Spanish restaurant... Read review

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