Escape to Derry's Hidden Gem: The Belfray Country Inn Awaits!

The Belfray Country Inn Derry / Londonderry United Kingdom

Escape to Derry's Hidden Gem: The Belfray Country Inn Awaits!

Escape to Derry's Hidden Gem: The Belfray Country Inn - A Review That's (Hopefully) Worth More Than Haggis!

Okay, so, I just got back from the Belfray Country Inn in Derry, and honestly… my head's still spinning a bit. Trying to write a review that covers EVERYTHING feels a bit like trying to herd cats, but here goes! Prepare for a rollercoaster, folks. Buckle up!

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• Keywords: Belfray Country Inn, Derry, Northern Ireland, Hotel Review, Spa, Restaurant, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Luxury Hotel, Weekend Getaway, Holiday, Ireland, Best Hotels Derry, Hotel with Pool, Romantic Getaway, Fine Dining, Spa Day, Derry Accommodation.
• Title Tag: Belfray Country Inn Review: Derry's Hidden Gem - Honest & Detailed!
• Meta Description: My REAL review of the Belfray Country Inn in Derry! Accessibility, food, spa, and more! Learn from my mistakes (and triumphs!). Plus, hilarious ramblings because, well, life!

First Impressions & Getting There (And, Oh Boy, Did I Need a Drink After!)

So, Derry. Beautiful city, right? The Walls? Amazing. But finding the right hotel can feel like navigating a blizzard. The Belfray… well, it's tucked away. Seriously, the GPS nearly gave up on me. But hey, a scenic drive is never a bad thing, eh? I parked, relieved to see the car park [free of charge] (yes!). The exterior? Classic, charming, a bit… understated, maybe? It definitely gives you the "secret hideaway" vibe. And thank goodness for the elevator, because after that drive, my legs were NOT ready for stairs. (Accessibility: check!)

Accessibility - The Real Deal

Right, let’s dive into the accessibility. I was pleasantly surprised. The wheelchair accessible rating is legit. The facilities for disabled guests were really well thought out. The entrance and corridors were spacious, and I noticed ramps where needed. Elevator access to all floors was crucial, obviously. They seem to have focused on making things easy to navigate. I didn’t personally experience the full ins-and-outs of all the accessibility features, but from observation, things like the layout, the door widths and the positioning of things were well done. Great job, Belfray!

Checking In & Initial Room Reactions - My Room, My Castle! (Or, at Least, a Very Nice Room)

Check-in/out [express] was quick – always a bonus. The staff were friendly and helpful ( concierge was super useful later, by the way!). The lobby had a nice, airy feel. Then, the room! Oh, the room. Okay, here's where things get really good.

• Rooms: Available in all rooms - Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens

My first thought? "YES, blackout curtains!" (Blackout curtains) – a godsend for someone who likes to sleep in past sunrise (guilty!). The bed was enormous; the Extra long bed felt ridiculous (in the best possible way). The bathrobes were fluffy. Free bottled water – always appreciated. Free Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi [free]) – vital for the Instagramming of my epic weekend. And speaking of internet - Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless – they've got you covered! The room was well equipped and had an inviting touch and it felt instantly relaxing.

A Bit of a Blip (and a Lesson in "Don't Forget Your Phone!")

Okay, confession time. First night, I left my phone charging in the room. Classic move, I know. Went down for dinner, had a grand time (more later!), and when I got back… I couldn't find my room key! Panic set in (a lot of security [24-hour] and smoke alarms were probably going off in my head) . The front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver, and they sorted it out super quick. Lesson learned: don't be a numpty! (But hey, the Staff trained in safety protocol were brilliant!)

Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - My Stomach's Review is Coming!

This is where things get REALLY interesting, folks. The food! I can honestly say that I've got no idea which meal was my favourite.

• Dining: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant

The restaurant was a treat. The International cuisine in restaurant was a definite plus - something for everyone! I went for a full-on experience here, a full-on buffet for breakfast ( Breakfast [buffet]) and had the a la carte for dinner (A la carte in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant). It was seriously impressive. The breakfast buffet had everything – pastries that could make a French chef weep with joy, fresh fruit, and an array of cooked options that kept me fuelled all day. Seriously, that breakfast alone was worth the trip. The service was friendly and attentive – I swear, the staff were psychic, always anticipating my tea needs. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent and Coffee shop was well-stocked. The Dinner menu, full of dishes, was amazing. They happily did alternative meal arrangement for my friend who needed it. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Desserts in restaurant – melt-in-your-mouth heaven. Happy hour at the bar was also a winner, especially after a day of exploring. They have a Poolside bar, which seems delightful, but the weather said "no". Oh, and 24 hour Room service [24-hour]?! Bless them.

The Spa - My Body's Moment of Bliss

Okay, let's talk spa. Because, let's be honest, a spa day is basically essential for a proper weekend getaway. And the Belfray has a good one. ( Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] )

I had a massage that was… well, let's just say I felt like a noodle afterward. All the tension melted away. The Swimming pool (indoor) was lovely, and the Sauna and Steamroom were perfect for unwinding. The Pool with view (although I didn't see it in the flesh this time) sounds absolutely tempting.

Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe and Sound (in a Hopefully Covid-Free Bubble!)

The Belfray clearly takes cleanliness seriously. I was impressed with all their precautions and safety measures - which were reassuring:

• Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment

Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Loads of Hand sanitizer stations? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely! Things were well maintained, clean and well kept. I'm not gonna lie, I actually felt safe there, which is a huge bonus these days.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Beyond the Room and the Restaurant

Derry is a city with a great heart (Things to do).

• Things to do, ways to relax:
• Outdoor venue for special events
• Indoor venue for special events
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Meetings
• Seminars
• **Audio-visual equipment for

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The Belfray Country Inn Derry / Londonderry United Kingdom

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my Belfray Country Inn, Derry/Londonderry, UK, adventure. And let me tell you, it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (and potentially disastrous first impressions)

• 14:00 - Arrival & Check-in (the "Oh God, did I pack the right shoes?" phase): Okay, so the flight was… a flight. You know? Up, down, pretzels. The usual. Landed in Derry, and let me tell you, the scenery is stunning. Like, genuinely took my breath away. The rolling green hills? The crisp air? Ugh, just… sigh. BUT! Then I got to the car rental place. Let's just say my driving skills in a foreign country are… optimistically described. Spent a solid hour (okay, maybe 90 minutes) just trying to figure out how to navigate the roundabouts. British roundabouts are like labyrinths built by sadists. I think I momentarily became one with the concrete island. Finally, finally made it to The Belfray, and it looked every bit as charming as the pictures, phew. Check-in was smooth, but let’s just say, it involved a small crisis of whether I'd accidentally brought enough socks. The answer? Probably not.
• 15:00 - Room Exploration & Initial Frustration with WiFi (because we all know the drill): The room. Oh, the room! It was cozy, and had the loveliest big window with a view of the grounds. Immediately dropped my bag, and then… the WiFi. Of course. A glacial connection. Felt like I was trying to download a video dial-up style. This fueled a mild internal rage that only the promise of a pint could quell. Honestly, the WiFi situation is my first actual gripe - a travel-sized version of a global pandemic, it is.
• 16:00 - "Research" at the Bar (aka, desperately needing a drink and some local knowledge): Found the bar. Hallelujah. I swear, that first sip of a proper Guinness? Pure bliss. Met a local named Sean (pronounced "Shawn," apparently. Note to self: Learn to pronounce things correctly.) He was a fountain of knowledge! He regaled me with tales of Derry’s history, the Troubles, everything. Really fascinating, but also a bit overwhelming. He recommended a walk around the city walls that's a great way to understand the heart of the place.
• 18:00 - Dinner at the Belfray Restaurant: (The "Oh God, did I order that?" moment): The Belfray restaurant is gorgeous, all polished wood and low lighting. The menu, however, was… ambitious. I went for the seafood platter, which sounded divine. Reality? More like a mountain of seafood. A truly epic mountain. I, a person of modest appetite, started to sweat. But, I persevered! The scallops? Fantastic. The mussels? Okay, maybe I overdid it. A few rogue clams made a daring escape (to the floor?). But the wine was flowing, and by the end, I was surprisingly content, even if I felt like I’d swallowed a small ocean.

Day 2: Derry City, Walls, and A Very Wrong Turn (and a newfound appreciation for local art)

• 09:00 - Breakfast, and Attempting to Master the Irish Breakfast (the "Is this…a sausage?" crisis): The breakfast was a feast! Full Irish, the whole shebang. Black pudding? Yes, please! White pudding? Okay… a bit… earthy. The sausage itself, though? I am 90% certain it had a different name, but it was delicious. I think it has something that's in that region, but it was really yummy.
• 10:00 - Walking the Walls & The City Walls (the "History Hits You Like a Brick" experience): Sean was right! Walking the city walls was incredible. The views, the history… it’s all just breathtaking. The walls themselves tell a story, with gunshot residue and all. You could almost feel the past. I truly think that it would be a must-do for anyone.
• 12:00 - The Guildhall & The Bloody Sunday Memorial: (the "Chills Down My Spine" Moment): Visited the Guildhall, a gorgeous Victorian building, and then the Bloody Sunday Memorial, which was a powerful and deeply moving experience. It’s… hard to describe how much history is packed into this city. You can feel it in the air. A sobering reminder, but important, nonetheless.
• 14:00 - A Wild Goose Chase (and a Lesson in Geography): This is where it gets messy. I decided to explore the local art scene. Found a tiny gallery recommended by Sean, but… ended up on a seemingly endless, windy road. Spent a solid two hours (and a near panic attack) navigating roads that seemed designed to make you lose hope. Finally gave up and, eventually, eventually found my way back to the Belfray, utterly defeated by Google Maps.
• 16:00 - Soothing the Wounds with a Pint (the "Recovery Hour" session): Needed a pint, and a lot of it. Found myself back in the bar commiserating with a lovely couple from Wales. They shared incredible stories, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed.
• 19:00 - Another Dinner at the Belfray (this time, playing it safe): Stick with the fish and chips, which was amazing. It was so simple, but perfect.

Day 3: The Giants Causeway and Departure (the "Goodbye, Charming Derry" Sendoff)

• 08:00 - Breakfast and the Great Giant's Causeway Pilgrimage: Another hearty breakfast (I'm starting to think I could live on Irish breakfasts). Today was the Giant’s Causeway! The drive was gorgeous, the scenery was amazing, but the winding roads made me feel a little nauseous!
• 11:00 - The Giants Causeway (the "My Mind is Blown" Moment): The Causeway! Honestly. Just… wow. The scale, the formations, the power of nature! It’s one of those places that lives up to the hype. I was like a kid again, scrambling over the rocks. Definitely recommend sturdy shoes!
• 14:00 - Return and Packing (the "Where did the time go?!" phase): Back to the Belfray, and the dreaded packing. How did I accumulate so much stuff in three days?! Felt a pang of sadness, knowing I'd be leaving this charming place.
• 16:00 - Final Pint & Farewell: One last Guinness at the bar, saying goodbye to the friendly staff.
• 17:00 - Departure (the "I'll be back!" proclamation): Back to the airport, with bags of memories and a newfound appreciation for the Irish spirit. I'll be back, Derry/Londonderry. I promise.

And that, my friends, is it. A messy, beautiful, and utterly human experience. Derry/Londonderry, you’ve won my heart. Now, let the adventure continue!

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The Belfray Country Inn Derry / Londonderry United KingdomHere's your FAQ, the way you requested, complete with all the messy, emotional, and opinionated bits: ```html

Okay, so, The Belfray... what's the vibe, really? Is it all tweed jackets and hushed whispers?

Right, so, the 'vibe'? First off, ditch the stuffy images. (Unless you *like* tweed, then, well, you do you). The Belfray's got this… well, it's got history dripping off it, that's for sure. Think less Downton Abbey, more… local pub that's decided to class itself up a bit. It’s comfy, you know? Seriously, I wore my comfiest jeans. No one batted an eyelid. Actually, the fireplace? AMAZING. It just… calls to you. You wanna curl up with a book and a Guinness. And then… and then you order another Guinness. See? Comfy.

The food! Everyone always bangs on about the food. Is it *actually* good? Or is it influencer-level hype?

Okay, FOOD. This is where I get VERY opinionated. Listen, I’ve eaten my share of… well, let’s just say, *questionable* hotel restaurant food. This? This is the real deal. I swear, the first bite of the… ugh, I can't remember the exact dish, but it involved seafood and a sauce made by angels. It was… *chef's kiss*. And the presentation? Delightful. But here's the thing: it felt *real*. Not staged. Not trying too hard. Actually, I messed up my steak order, but the waiter was so lovely, and they fixed it. (Me, flustered, probably mumbled something about the joys and perils of a good meal...). So, yes. It’s good. Beyond good. It’s food you feel *happy* about eating.

Room with a view? Any recommendations for room numbers to book? Spill the tea!

Alright, alright, room recommendations. Look, I'm not an insider, but I will say… the view itself is a *big* selling point. I didn't have the best view, and I'm a little cross about it, to be honest. I was facing the car park, *sigh*. Ask for a room with a view! Trust me. Mountains and greenery are the way to go. The other side of the hotel... it's what dreams are made of! Don't be like me, *check your room view*.

The Spa! Is it any good? Do they have good massages?

Look… I am a spa *snob*. And by that, I mean, I like a good massage but I’m also terrible at relaxing in those environments. So, the spa. It's got the usual suspects - sauna, jacuzzi, the works. The massage was… Look, it was lovely. But for me, it wasn't the best thing I'd ever experienced. I’m not saying it's bad, just… I was expecting more *Zen*. I did like the products they used though. And the fluffy robes? Divine. I think that's the best part, the robe.

Derry itself! Is the Belfray well-placed for exploring the city? How easy is it to walk into Derry?

Location, location, location! The Belfray is outside the direct city centre, which is great if you want a bit of peace and quiet. But, it's so incredibly easy to get into Derry, you wouldn't believe it. A quick taxi ride. Or you can drive. The walls of Derry are famous for strolling around, so you're well-positioned to soak it all in and walk around the city. I got lost, but then found a coffee shop and *that* was the entire highlight of the day. I'm talking about Derry, and the Belfray puts you in a fantastic position to do it all.

Okay, let's talk about service. Are the staff friendly? Because a cold welcome can ruin a whole trip.

The staff… absolutely spot-on. Honestly, they're the best. This is one of those places where you get the feeling they genuinely *care*. I had a little issue – completely my fault, I’d forgotten something. The staff jumped in to help me straight away. That kind of extra mile? That’s what makes a place memorable. They're chatty, helpful, and just… *nice*. It makes all the difference. Made the whole experience.

Anything I should NOT expect? Like, are they going to wake me up with a full Irish at 6 am?

Okay, what *not* to expect. Um… don't expect perfection. (Where in life *is* perfect, really?). I found a tiny stain on my pillowcase. But you know what? It's a real place, people live there, there is *life* and that's okay. They do a full Irish. So if you hate that kind of start to the day, then maybe don't do full Irish. You are quite far from a bustling city, so expect some peace and quiet and expect a fantastic meal.

Drinks! What's the bar like? A good selection of drinks? Cocktails?

Yes! The bar! Look, they have a solid selection. The Guinness was *heavenly*. I had a cocktail too - a Cosmopolitan. It was very good. The barman was lovely, and friendly and took the time to chat. Perfect place for a nightcap. I'm not normally a bar person, but the bar was perfect for a good few hours! Just go to the bar. You won't regret it.

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The Belfray Country Inn Derry / Londonderry United Kingdom

The Belfray Country Inn Derry / Londonderry United Kingdom

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