At the Chambers of Distinction, a fabulous boutique hotel on Belfast’s Malone Road, each of the rooms are named after well-loved figures with links to the city. And it has been such a hit with guests, owner Melanie Harrison is expanding the venue with a major investment. Inside, as well as the Heaney and Lewis rooms you will find, among others, the Bronte, Samuel Beckett, Percy French, John Lavery and Jonathan Swift bedrooms.
Each opulent space tells a story about a famous person with strong ties to Belfast and celebrates their life.
Melanie Harrison
No two rooms are the same, with owner Melanie Harrison going to extreme lengths to fill each with unique items synonymous with the rooms’ namesakes.
For example, the Heaney Room gives a real nod to Bellaghy, the poet’s homeplace. Tweed and leather cushions evoke thoughts of traditional farmer’s jackets while Seamus Heaney’s works of poetry and prose are available to read on the shelves.
Plates on the wall and a crystal lamp in the room with some Irish lace throughout and an antique typewriter lend to the theme. The dark green colour gives a stylish, elegant feel.
Cosy yet spacious for a single traveller with a double sleigh bed.
Melanie said: “Belfast has given the world so much and this city has been home to so many extraordinary people that I wanted to create somewhere which really celebrates them. What better way to get acquainted with a city than through the people who helped shape it?
“We are a city of storytellers, and we find the rooms are really helping us portray interesting and important stories about Belfast in an entertaining way.
Described as a ‘bohemian bolthole’, the hotel currently comprises 16 elegant rooms, but this is about to change with Melanie investing in an adjoining property.
The Ruby Murray room
“We are located on what I believe is one of the most stunning rows in Belfast, with the building originally built in 1879 as Victorian merchants’ residences.
“Our expansion will create a further 11 suites, a piano lounge, larger kitchen, dining spaces and pleasant communal areas,” she said.
“I am so proud of the progress we have made in the short time since opening in 2020.
“We were in the midst of the pandemic and the world was a very different place back then, it was quite a scary time to be opening a new hotel.
“But the reception from our guests has been wonderful. The Chambers of Distinction is a place where you check in as a guest but check out as a friend, we create a real homely feel with a warm Irish welcome.
“We are located close to the Lyric Theatre and the Grand Opera House as well as the Crescent Arts Centre, Mandela Hall and Queen’s Film Theatre, so it’s not uncommon for those performing or attending shows to either stay with us or enjoy our hospitality in the lounge afterwards.”
Harrison Chambers, Belfast
Prior to 2020, Melanie had returned from living in France and was living in the top-floor apartment in the home next door and renting out five bedrooms.
She then acquired the property next door, taking the plunge and transforming the two buildings into the Harrison Chambers of Distinction.
Now, just four years later, she is in expansion mode again with a further acquisition.
Melanie restored the historic buildings to their former glory and is currently in the process of doing the same to the newly acquired building.
“I have spent a large part of my life travelling and have lived in places such as America, New Zealand, Luxembourg, England and France.
“It was on my travels that I fell in love with hospitality and of course meeting new people,” she explained.
“Opening the hotel has transformed my life and given me a new energy.
“It has been the best thing I have ever done.
“We really went the extra mile when refurbishing the building. It’s such a beautiful and historic property so we wanted to be really sympathetic to that when it came to fixtures and fittings.
“There was beautiful period cornicing and as we got further into the refurbishment the building started to give up original features which had been hidden behind plaster board when the properties were transformed into offices and apartments in the 1960s.
“It was such a joy to discover these original pieces which add so much character and charm to each room.
“We have also added local features like floorboards from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, carpets from Ulster Weavers and handmade Arroll radiators — everywhere you look there is a story to be told.”
Bedroom,wallpaper,bed,floor light,side cabinet,blind
The rooms have everything from four-poster beds, rolltop baths, huge bay windows, antique furniture and sumptuous velvet curtains.
They are both decadent and elegant but always with Melanie’s personality woven in through the use of eccentric curios and one-off pieces of furniture.
“I have a real passion for auctions and antique shops, and I am always scouring them for unique pieces or quirky items which will be perfect for the hotel.”
But far from being a living museum, the Chambers of Distinction has everything a modern traveller expects.
“Guests don’t have to compromise on modern facilities to stay in a hotel which is brimming with old-world charm. From powerful rain-showers to professional customer service, we have thought of everything,” said Melanie.
As well as the seal of approval from guests, the Chambers of Distinction has also won a series of awards during the short time it has been open.
“One year after launch it won the prestigious National Geographic Best of the World Award.
“It has also won the Irish Independent’s Fab 50 Award — these are awarded to Ireland’s best 50 places to stay.
Melanie reveals, “It has been a real whirlwind since we opened but I have loved every minute.
“The work is hard, but it is so rewarding, and I adore meeting new people.
“We are currently in the middle of refurbishing the new building and I am so excited for the next chapter in the life of the Harrison Chambers of Distinction.”
That new chapter has been supported by the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Northern Ireland through a £160,000 loan which was facilitated by Whiterock.
The news follows the recent announcement of the fund’s first deal which was with the new owners of the Bucks Head in Dundrum, Co Down, Alex Greene and Bronagh McCormick.
A £100,000 loan enabled them to refurbish the popular restaurant ahead of a grand re-opening.
Melanie recalled, “The process of working with Whiterock was very straightforward and the team really helped and guided me.
“I would have no hesitation in recommending them to other business owners.
“I had been a bit nervous of meeting my deadlines, but Whiterock helped me feel really assured and when the loan was agreed the funds were transferred in a really timely manner which helped me with my plans to buy the property.
“The deal with the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland will really help us go to the next level, building on what we already have and attracting even more people from all around the world.”
The £70m fund offers a range of commercial finance options including debt finance and equity investment to support businesses from all sectors in Northern Ireland and at different growth stages.
Whiterock manages the debt fund, offering loans of £25,000 up to £2million while Clarendon Fund Managers provide equity stakes in smaller businesses up to £5million.
To book a stay at the Harrison Chambers of Distinction visit www.chambersofdistinction.com.
To find out more about the fund please visit www.investmentfundnorthernireland.co.uk