I stayed in the best hotel in Northern Ireland — this is my honest review

The Rabbit is a funky spa retreat just a short drive from Belfast (Picture: The Rabbit Hotel)

Metro Checks In to The Rabbit, a kooky spa hotel named the best in Northern Ireland.

Hotels that top ‘best of’ lists are usually extravagant, expensive, and inclined to make you feel like you need to stand on ceremony.

Bucking that trend in the funkiest of ways is The Rabbit, a whimsical spa retreat, 20 minutes’ drive from Belfast, that has fun written into its DNA.

We’re talking a giant disco ball shimmering above a glass-fronted Roman bath; a reception area that looks like a circus tent, complete with a free popcorn machine and a resident cockapoo called Florence; four-poster relaxation beds and prosecco sorbet on tap.

It’s wild, it’s wacky, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s why.

Where is it?

The Rabbit is tucked away in Templepatrick, an unassuming village about a 10-minute taxi ride from Belfast International Airport.

There’s nothing to write home about in this tiny Antrim town, but it really doesn’t matter. The hotel has everything you need for a night or two, and if you’re really desperate, you can always catch the bus into Belfast, right outside the entrance.

The Rabbit is tucked away in Templepatrick (Picture: Supplied)

What’s the vibe?

The Rabbit bills itself as a hidden gem, and true enough, we almost miss the turn for the entrance.

Four years ago, it was a car park, but today it’s an eye-popping paradise for young couples and hen parties — a ‘girls on tour’ vibe is felt at every turn.

In 2021, the owners of the Galgorm Resort (Ireland’s best spa resort, about 30 minutes away) bought what used to be the Templeton Hotel.

Blood, sweat and a £9.5 million glow-up transformed it into the place it is today, complete with a lake, gardens, a separate wedding space called The Boathouse and, of course, the famous spa.

The showstopper is the heated Roman bath, surrounded by stone columns and topped with the aforementioned disco ball. There are salt rooms, steam rooms and saunas, plus a relaxation area where your worries will melt into heated marble beds.

The showstopper is the Roman bath, topped with a disco ball (Picture: The Rabbit Hotel)

There is a small treatment menu (I’m told the candle massage, which uses hot wax to work out knots, is the most popular). But if you’re looking for the full works, I recommend scooting up to the larger spa at the Galgorm instead.

It must be said, too, that this spa leans more towards fun than relaxation. You can take drinks around with you, in white plastic glasses, and the vibe definitely skews young.

It’s either your dream or your worst nightmare, but the hotel allows dogs. There are dog-friendly rooms and your pup can accompany you in the lobby, bar and garden.

What are the rooms like?

Your warren for the night is one of 50 rooms, all bursting with personality — think neon signs, William Morris wallpaper, and luxury touches including retro Swan kettles and everyone’s favourite, Dyson hairdryers.

There are four categories – Snug, Comfy, Luxe and Attic – each suited to a different stay. If you’re with your girls and planning to spend most of the time in the spa, the Snug is ideal. If you’re on a romantic weekend away, it’s worth splashing out on Luxe.

These rooms open onto private courtyards, which have copper baths and wood-fired heaters. I was there on a sweltering weekend in August, but in winter I can’t imagine anywhere cosier.

Food and drink?

I enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak and sides from the extensive dinner menu, which has everything from sticky Korean chicken wings to local prawns and catch of the day, straight off the boats at the Belfast docks.

The wine cellar and Hunter’s Bar provide plenty of cosy nooks (Picture: The Rabbit Hotel)

Most mains come in around the £25-£30 mark, which does feel pricey for a hotel of this calibre.

Drinks are even more expensive. I must admit I raised an eyebrow at the sight of £15 for a signature cocktail, and even more for an Aperol Spritz.

Instead, I recommend grabbing a Guinness in the cosy Hunter’s Bar, and watching the live band that plays nightly from Thursday to Saturday.

You can nurse your hangover with a hearty breakfast the next morning; I recommend the French Toast.

How much does it cost?

If you’re visiting in autumn, a Snug Room is £175 and a Comfy Room (which includes an outdoor bathtub) is £255.

Breakfast is included, plus spa access and a 30-minute clay ritual for two people.

This involves rubbing yourself with clay, sitting in a steam room while it soaks into your skin, and washing it off — all with a panoramic view of the lake. It’s always nice to get a freebie, but it’s a bit of a non-event.

The verdict

As we say in Ireland, The Rabbit is good craic. It’s perfect for groups of friends and young couples looking for an affordable weekend away.

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