The Belfast City Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday, 2 May, starting at Stormont Estate and finishing at Ormeau Park. With the start and finish several miles apart, choosing the right hotel can make race weekend easier.
We’ve selected 6 hotels for Belfast Marathon runners, including options near the city centre shuttle pickup areas, a hotel within walking distance of the start and accommodation with self-catering facilities.
Below, you’ll find our recommended hotels, useful location comparisons and practical information about getting to the start, collecting your race pack and returning after the finish.
When : 02 May 2027
Which Hotel Is Right for You?
Not sure where to stay for the Belfast Marathon? These six hotels offer different options for race morning, budget and accommodation preferences.
Best Overall
Convenient for the expo and start shuttle.
Recommended Area
Lanyon Place / Waterfront
Best Hotel
Hilton Belfast
Close to ICC Belfast and a short walk from Lanyon Place shuttle departure.
Shuttle Access
An easy start on race morning.
Recommended Area
City Hall / Donegall Square
Best Hotel
DoubleTree Belfast City Ten Square
A central hotel near City Hall, near shuttle buses to Stormont.
Budget Runner
More space for less.
Recommended Area
City Centre / Great Victoria Street
Best Hotel
Travelodge Belfast
A more affordable city-centre option with convenient access to the start shuttle area.
Self-Catering
Prepare your own meals.
Recommended Area
City Centre / Howard Street
Best Hotel
The Flint
Studio-style accommodation with kitchen facilities.
Walking to Start
Stay near Stormont Estate.
Recommended Area
Stormont / East Belfast
Best Hotel
Stormont Hotel
Reach the marathon start on foot without relying on a shuttle.
Best Value
Breakfast and a practical location.
Recommended Area
Queen’s Quarter / University Street
Best Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Belfast City
A reasonably priced hotel within walking distance of Ormeau Park.
Where to Stay for the Belfast Marathon
For the Belfast Marathon, I would focus on three areas: Belfast City Centre, Lanyon Place and Stormont. The best location depends on whether you prefer easy access to the start shuttle, the race expo or the option to walk to the start.
Belfast City Centre – Near City Hall
The area around Belfast City Hall is a practical choice for marathon runners. Shuttle buses depart to Stormont from the City Hall area, making it a convenient base for race morning.
There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops nearby, so it’s also a good location if you’re spending a few extra days in Belfast.
Lanyon Place & Waterfront
Staying near Lanyon Place is particularly convenient for collecting your race pack at ICC Belfast. Shuttle buses to Stormont also depart from Lanyon Place.
This area is worth considering if you want to stay close to the expo while still having easy access to the city centre.
Stormont – Walking Distance to the Start
If you’d rather avoid the shuttle on marathon morning, staying near Stormont Estate is another option.
The main advantage is being able to walk to the start area. However, the finish is at Ormeau Park, so you’ll need to plan your return journey after the race.
OUR TIP
For most runners visiting Belfast, the areas around City Hall and Lanyon Place are the most practical choices. Both had shuttle connections to Stormont in 2026 and are convenient for exploring the city. Check the official 2027 shuttle arrangements before booking.
Our Recommended Hotels for Belfast Marathon
These are our six hotel picks for Belfast Marathon weekend, selected for their location, race-day access and accommodation options.
ABOUT OUR WALKING TIMES
Walking times are approximate and measured to Belfast City Hall or Lanyon Place, where shuttles to Stormont departed in 2026. For Stormont Hotel, we use the walk to the start area instead. Shuttle pickup points and race-day arrangements may change for 2027.
BEST OVERALL
Hilton Belfast ★★★★
Hilton Belfast is a practical choice for Belfast Marathon runners. Its location beside ICC Belfast makes race pack collection easy, while Lanyon Place offers a convenient departure point for the start shuttle bus.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- No need for a separate trip across the city to collect your race pack
- Breakfast available at the hotel before heading to the start
- Easy access to Belfast city centre for a pre-race meal or last-minute essentials.
Good to know: The marathon finishes at Ormeau Park, not at Stormont. From the finish area, you can walk back to Hilton Belfast without relying on the return shuttle.
Race morning: Approximately 6 minutes’ walk to Lanyon Place, where shuttles to Stormont depart.
After the finish: Approximately 25 minutes’ walk back to the hotel from the finish area at Ormeau Park.
Lanyon Place / Waterfront · €€€
BEST FOR SHUTTLE ACCESS
DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square ★★★★
DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square is a good choice for runners who prefer staying close to the start shuttle pickup area. The hotel is directly opposite Belfast City Hall, making it easy to reach the shuttle without a long walk on marathon morning.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Central location with restaurants and shops nearby for pre-race essentials
- Breakfast available at the hotel before heading to Stormont
- Convenient base for anyone combining the marathon with a city break
Good to know: The hotel’s standard checkout time is 11 am. If you’re checking out on race day, arrange luggage storage or a late checkout in advance.
Race morning: Approximately 4 minutes’ walk to Belfast City Hall, where start shuttles depart to the start area.
After the finish: Return shuttles operated from Ormeau Embankment to the city centre.
City Hall / Donegall Square · €€€
BEST FOR BUDGET RUNNERS
Travelodge Belfast ★★★
For runners looking to keep accommodation costs down, this city-centre hotel offers a good balance of price, room space and location. The rooms are relatively spacious for a budget hotel, and the City Hall shuttle area is within easy walking distance.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- More room space than many other budget options in central Belfast
- Plenty of nearby places to eat before and after the race
- Convenient location for runners arriving by train or bus
Good to know: There is no breakfast restaurant at the hotel, so plan where to eat before the race. The hotel has a 24-hour reception and offers snacks and drinks.
Race morning: Approximately 6 minutes’ walk to Belfast City Hall, a start shuttle departure area.
After the finish: Check the 2027 return shuttle arrangements for connections back to the city centre.
City Centre / Brunswick Street · €€
BEST FOR WALKING TO THE START
The Stormont Hotel ★★★★
If you’d rather walk to the marathon start than rely on a shuttle, this hotel opposite Stormont Estate is worth considering. Its location in East Belfast makes race morning easier, although you’ll be staying outside the city centre.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- No need to catch an early shuttle from central Belfast
- On-site restaurant for dinner before the race
- Free parking if you're travelling to Belfast by car
Good to know: Road closures around Stormont Estate may affect access to the hotel on marathon morning. If you’re travelling by car, check the official road closure information for 2027 and arrange your arrival and departure accordingly.
Race morning: Approximately 21 minutes’ walk to the Stormont start area.
After the finish: The marathon finishes at Ormeau Park, several miles from the hotel. Return shuttles operate towards Stormont.
Stormont / East Belfast · €€€
BEST FOR SELF-CATERING
The Flint Hotel ★★★★
Prefer to prepare your own meals before the marathon? The Flint offers studio accommodation with a fully equipped kitchenette, so you’re not dependent on restaurant opening hours. Its central location also makes it convenient for reaching the City Hall shuttle area on race morning.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Prepare your usual pre-race breakfast and meals
- King-size beds and a seating area in every studio
- Free laundry facilities, useful for longer stays or washing running gear after the race
Good to know: There’s a Tesco and a Marks & Spencer within a short walk, making it easy to stock up on familiar food and breakfast essentials before race day.
Race morning: Approximately 6 minutes’ walk to Belfast City Hall, where start shuttles depart.
After the finish: Return shuttles operate from Ormeau Embankment to the city centre.
City Centre / Howard Street · €€€
BEST VALUE STAY
Holiday Inn Express Belfast City ★★★
Looking for a more affordable hotel without giving up too much convenience? Located in Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, this Holiday Inn Express includes breakfast and offers a practical base for runners who don’t mind travelling a little further to reach the start shuttle.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Breakfast included in the room rate
- A quieter location outside the busiest part of the city centre
- Restaurants around Botanic Avenue for a pre-race dinner
Good to know: Free secure parking is available on-site, subject to availability. If you’re leaving your car at the hotel during the marathon, check with reception whether you can collect it after checkout.
Race morning: Approximately 22 minutes’ walk to either Belfast City Hall or Lanyon Place shuttle buses.
After the finish: Approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the Ozone Complex area (finish) at Ormeau Park.
Queen’s Quarter / University Street · €€
Race Day Information
The Belfast City Marathon takes place on Sunday, 2 May 2027, starting at 9 am at Stormont Estate and finishing at Ormeau Park. As the start and finish are several miles apart, it’s worth planning your transport before race day.
Getting to the Start at Stormont
In 2026, shuttle buses departed from Belfast City Hall and Lanyon Place to Stormont Estate.
The shuttle pickup points and timetable for 2027 have not yet been confirmed. Check the official transport information before race weekend.
Race Pack Collection
Race pack collection for the 2027 marathon will take place at ICC Belfast (Waterfront Hall) on Friday, 30 April and Saturday, 1 May.
Race packs will not be posted, so make sure you collect yours before marathon day. Collection times and further instructions will be available from the organisers.
Getting Back After the Finish
The marathon finishes at Ormeau Park. In 2026, return shuttle buses departed from Ormeau Embankment towards Belfast city centre, with some services continuing to Stormont.
The 2027 return transport arrangements have not yet been announced. Depending on your hotel, walking back may also be an option.
Road Closures on Marathon Day
Expect road closures and traffic restrictions across Belfast on race day. These may affect hotel access, parking and public transport.
If you’re driving, check the official 2027 road closure information before travelling.
Official race information: Belfast City Marathon 2027
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our hotel recommendations are based on location, Belfast Marathon access and independent research.
