Celebrating Twenty-seven Years of Ravenhill House Belfast.
Ravenhill Guest House Sign in 1997 when we still had a cherry blossom tree at the front of the house.
It’s our birthday! We can't believe that 27 years have passed since we first opened the doors of our restored Victorian house in the heart of leafy South Belfast. Back in those early days, we started with just a telephone, a fax machine for bookings, and a newborn baby! We had a vision to provide guests with a warm, welcoming home away from home in Belfast.
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian house, we offer our guests nineteenth-century grandeur combined with contemporary comforts with a uniquely Irish hospitality. We have always taken pride in offering exceptional service, immaculate accommodation, and what many say is the best breakfast in Belfast. Whether it's our freshly baked homemade breads or our delicious homemade granolas and mueslis, we ensure that our guests start their day on the right note.
The last 27 years haven’t been without their challenges. Belfast has seen huge transformations, from periods of uncertainty to a booming, vibrant city filled with new cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions such as Titanic Belfast. We’ve navigated economic downturns and the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdowns and restrictions, like many in the hospitality industry, our business was deeply impacted. However, we chose to take time to focus on marketing Ravenhill House and diversifying our offerings to meet the changing demands of the Belfast tourism industry. More recently, the cost-of-living crisis has posed further challenges for small, family-run businesses like ours. But we remain optimistic, fuelled by the support and loyalty of our guests and the ever-evolving city of Belfast itself.
Our drawing room at the front of the house in 1997. It was painted fully red with red carpets then.
Belfast has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, offering a diverse range of exciting attractions. Visitors can explore the historical significance of Titanic Belfast, enjoy the natural beauty of the Botanic Gardens, and savor delicious local food at St. George's Market. For a deeper dive into the city, you can wander through the impressive Queen’s University campus, stroll through the lively Cathedral Quarter to experience traditional music and vibrant nightlife, and discover a fantastic selection of independent cafes, artisan shops, and restaurants.
While the city continues to evolve, some things at Ravenhill House remain the same. Our commitment to offering warm hospitality, delicious homemade breakfasts, and a peaceful retreat in the city has never changed.
Reflecting on the past 27 years, we feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to the thousands of guests who have walked through our doors. Every guest has contributed to the story of Ravenhill House, and many have become friends along the way. It’s the wonderful people we meet that make what we do so rewarding, and we truly treasure the connections we’ve made over the years.
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Whether you stayed with us for a weekend or became a regular visitor we are so grateful for the support of our small business.
With love,
Olive and Roger Nicholson.