Hilton Brings DoubleTree to Derry
Hilton has announced the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Derry-Londonderry, marking the brand’s debut in Northern Ireland’s second-largest city.
The transformation comes as part of a franchise agreement with the longstanding owners of the City Hotel.
Marcon have been appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver the extensive refurbishment works of the existing hotel.
The revamped 158-room hotel will feature modernized guest accommodation, a bar and restaurant, a ballroom, several meeting rooms, onsite parking, and a wellness club with a swimming pool. The refurbishment will include a complete reconfiguration of the ground floor, with upgrades to the bar, restaurant, reception area, kitchen, and back-of-house facilities. The project will be executed in carefully planned phases to minimize disruption to hotel operations and customer experience. The overall refurbishment works are due to be completed in 2026.
Located in the heart of one of Ireland’s oldest cities, the hotel will be managed by Focus Hotels and will offer guests stunning views of the River Foyle, a historic waterway integral to the region’s trade and transport for centuries. The property’s prime location provides easy access to some of the city’s most renowned landmarks, including the Guildhall, the Tower Museum, and the 17th-century City Walls.
Graham Dodd, Managing Director of Development for the UK & Ireland at Hilton, highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion: “Our debut in the city marks a significant step in Hilton’s further growth across Northern Ireland. With rising tourism demand in the region, we’re excited to be working closely with Focus Hotels to introduce the warm hospitality that DoubleTree by Hilton is known for globally, enhancing the city’s appeal as a must-visit destination for domestic and international travellers alike.”
Greg McCartney, Chairperson of City Hotel, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that the transformation will solidify the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination in the city. Devin Grosse, CEO of Focus Hotels, echoed this sentiment, stating: “This property is a real treasure in the city’s dynamic hospitality and tourism market, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Hilton. It is a true pleasure to be part of this project, and we look forward to bringing it to life for the hotel’s forward-thinking owners.”