Belfast’s Bedford Hotel to Open Ahead of Schedule
Belfast's newest hotel The Bedford Hotel situated beside Belfast city hall.
The Bedford Hotel has announced an early opening date, with its doors set to welcome guests on Wednesday, 8th April 2026. Initially planned for a May launch, the hotel’s opening has been expedited due to an intensive final phase of construction.
This multi-million-pound restoration project has revitalised the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, originally constructed in 1904 in the Scottish Baronial style. Teams have been working tirelessly, day and night, to restore the property to its former glory.
Despite the accelerated timeline, hotel management assures that quality remains a top priority. Rigorous quality-control measures are being implemented to ensure that the 82-bedroom hotel adheres to the highest international standards of luxury and safety ahead of its first guests.
The project signifies a substantial investment by RFM Hotels in Belfast’s city centre, generating over 100 new jobs and breathing new life into one of the city’s most notable heritage sites.
Gerry Lennon, CEO of Visit Belfast, remarked, “The opening of The Bedford Hotel is a fantastic addition to Belfast’s tourism offering and a strong vote of confidence in the city’s growing appeal as a destination. By sensitively restoring one of our most treasured buildings, this project not only celebrates Belfast’s heritage but also strengthens our ability to welcome the increasing number of visitors choosing the city. High-quality investments like this play an important role in showcasing Belfast on the global stage and sustaining the momentum of our visitor economy.”
Mike Gatt, General Manager of The Bedford Hotel, stated, “Our teams and contractors have been working night and day to reach this point sooner than anticipated. We are now entering a phase of meticulous preparation and rigorous testing to ensure that every detail – from the service standards to the room finishes – is to the highest of standards. Hospitality plays a vital role in Northern Ireland’s economy, and we are eager to welcome our first guests to this rejuvenated landmark.”
The hotel will feature a destination restaurant named The Nineteen Hundred, paying homage to its history, alongside a café/bar led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel. Known for his work at Lough Erne Resort and during the G8 Summit, Noel will focus on a culinary offering that highlights local produce while nurturing the next generation of hospitality talent.
Ciaran O’Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, added, “Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of resilience. This is not simply about launching a hotel – it is about creating sustainable employment, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the ongoing vibrancy of the city. We can’t wait to welcome our first customers through the doors in a few short weeks.”
With the revised schedule, rooms are now available for booking starting from 8th April 2026 at www.thebedfordhotelbelfast.com.
