Hilton Belfast

The Hilton Belfast is located on the banks of the River Lagan in the heart of Belfast close to the Titanic Museum. It was therefore a perfect fit for the Interior Designer, Aspinall Creative to take inspiration from the renowned ocean liner. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation including all the guest rooms and public areas.

Susan Lake Lighting Design was appointed to devise a lighting scheme to complement the design aspiration of creating traditional glamour and elegance reminiscent of the 5-star luxury as seen on the decks of the Titanic with modern accents.

In the main reception, concealed linear lighting washes the perimeter curtains along the double height glazed façade. The form of the reception pods is picked out with linear LED integrated into the pod frontage. The reception back wall washes light up onto the soffit creating a lit focal point and allows guests to easily identify the reception area on arrival. The architectural lighting is balanced throughout with decorative wall lights and pendants as well as the bespoke contemporary chandelier which creates a further focal point in the double height space.     

The Edwardian influence can be seen in No. 4 Bar the hotel’s Bar and Grill offering. There is a clubhouse feel to the interior with dark, rich finishes reminiscent of the smoking lounge on the Titanic. The grain of the dark timber wall panels has been softly illuminated with linear LED behind the banquette seating. Concealed architectural lighting emphasises features around the space including display shelving and the backbar bottle display. The Edwardian style ceiling coves are softly uplight with linear LED framing the glamourous chandeliers.        

The design aesthetic is continued in the Sonoma Restaurant, positioned at the rear of the hotel overlooking the River Lagan. Aspects of the Titanic style are evident throughout including the ornate ceiling mouldings which are softly illuminated with linear LED creating a modern lightness to the design and providing a fresh feel to the restaurant in the morning breakfast setting and in contrast creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the dinner setting.   

The back bar etched glass shelving is illuminated with linear LED highlighting the bottles creating another focal point, this has been balanced with a soft wash of light to the bar front and decorative pendants above the bar top.

The Titanic style wall panelling frames decorative wall lights and has an additional layer of uplighting from the back of the banquette seating creating an ambient lighting effect. Narrow beam downlights create pools of light onto the tabletops creating a more intimate dining environment.    

The renovation has delivered the desired effect, transforming the hotel from a corporate look and feel into an opulent, welcoming space that blends local inspiration with a modern twist, while offering guests the highest levels of relaxation and indulgence.