Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Luxurious Malmaison, Belfast

The Malmaison philosophy has always been "Individual hotels for individual people; great food, great style and great value."  The name Malmaison comes from the name of the original home of Napoleon and Josephine, a grand house just west of Paris that was seen in its time as being representative of social change and an icon of great style."

On the brink of Belfast's most modern quarter, No.8 in the Malmaison chain stands proudly as the first Irish outpost. Situated on Victoria Street, looking out onto the famous Belfast Docks, the luxury hotel occupies a former seed warehouse dating from the 1870s. The impressive Grade A list building has a beautiful and intricately carved stone facade. As dusk falls, it is illuminated, highlighting the details and drawing you in to see more. Inside, the unique structure's oak beams, tall ceilings and cast iron features have been retained and styled to dramatic effect.

On entering through the original, heavy arched doors you're immediately enveloped in the warmth of both the deep hued, sultry décor and the genial, smiling staff. Low bucket arm chairs seated next to deep wooden desks adorn the reception area and emit a sense of relaxation and permission to unwind.

The lobby is a large open area with the brasserie and bar extending from it at opposite ends of the room. The lobby's low slung sofas and coffee tables are perfect for relaxing with a fresh coffee and watching the world go by. The simple and stylish colour scheme adorns soft velour sofas and chairs in charcoal grey. They're splashed with vibrant purple, silver and black cushions and strategically positioned lamps cast a soft glow. Framing the vast sash windows, which flank the full front aspect of the building, are great swathes of curtain, also soft and warming in fabric and colour.  Placed temptingly in one corner is a fabulous chaise lounge of purple suede and (perhaps to distract you from collapsing upon it) a collection of antique artifacts stand nearby: an enormous Victorian folding camera and collection of vintage polo sticks and balls.

 For bookings telephone: 02890 220210 or click here.

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Water Vigilance and Measure

Call it the vigilance committee or eco-functionality, but you have to hand it to the Cook Faucet for being a cool way to measure and keep a tab on how much water you consume. The buttons on the tap are divided into 100 ml, 500 ml and 1 liter and if you need some more, simply press the button for a wee bit longer or opt for the normal.

Cook Faucet is a 2012 iF Design Talents Winner.

Designer: Jae il Bae