The Malone undergoes multimillion-pound boutique refurbishment in Belfast

Belfast’s Malone Lodge Hotel is preparing to reopen in early February 2026 following an 18-month, multimillion-pound refurbishment.

The Macklin family, owners of the hotel, have rebranded the property as The Malone, positioning it as a high-end boutique destination in the city’s Queen’s Quarter.

The 103-bedroom Victorian townhouse has been fully reimagined, combining its nineteenth-century architectural charm with contemporary interiors. The project has introduced modernised guest rooms, redesigned public spaces, and upgraded facilities aimed at delivering a luxury boutique experience while preserving the building’s historic character.

Gareth Macklin, director of The Malone, said: “Our new name reflects our identity: a sophisticated, contemporary boutique experience that honours the property’s history. To be the only hotel in Northern Ireland named among the UK’s Best New Hotels for 2026 by The Times is a testament to the hard work that has gone into our reopening.”

Macklin added: “This redevelopment is not just about the building – it’s about our guests, our staff, and the community we serve.”

The refurbishment has created up to 20 new jobs across hospitality and management roles, and it is supporting a wide range of local suppliers, boosting economic activity in the area. Recruitment for key leadership positions is ongoing to ensure the hotel’s service aligns with its new four-star luxury positioning.

The Malone’s transformation represents the latest chapter in its history, which began in 1945 when it opened as the Bowness Hotel. Under the Macklin family’s stewardship, the property has become a staple of Belfast’s hospitality landscape.

The combination of heritage preservation, modern interior design, and strategic workforce expansion underscores the hotel’s commitment to providing a distinctive guest experience while contributing to local economic growth.

Discover the full details of The Malone’s transformation and luxury offerings in the complete article.