8th April 2026
Today, The Bedford Hotel, situated in the iconic Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, has officially opened its doors to the public. To mark the occasion, a celebratory staff ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this morning at the hotel’s entrance, led by General Manager Mike Gatt and Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
The opening follows a meticulous multi-million-pound restoration of the 1904 Scottish Baronial-style property. Originally scheduled to open next month, an intensive final construction phase allowed the 82-bedroom luxury boutique hotel to welcome guests ahead of schedule, revitalising one of the city’s most significant heritage sites.
A standout feature of the multi-million-pound renovation is the preservation of 32 original steel vault doors found throughout the property. Rather than removing these relics of the building’s financial history, the design team restored them in situ. These heavy-duty doors, which once protected the city’s most valuable records, have been repurposed within guest rooms as unique, high-impact entries to the hotel’s mini-bar spaces – blending historic character with modern luxury.
The restoration, led by RFM Hotels, has transformed the historic building into a premier destination for guests while carefully preserving its architectural soul. From the ornate stonework to the high-end interior craftsmanship, the hotel blends Edwardian grandeur with contemporary international standards.
Mike Gatt, General Manager of The Bedford Hotel, expressed his pride: “We are absolutely delighted to officially open the doors of The Bedford Hotel today. This is more than just an opening; today marks a significant moment in the history of this magnificent building and the city of Belfast. This project has been a long-awaited labour of love, and seeing this 1904 landmark brought back to life is incredibly rewarding. This is just the start of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming guests through these doors for many years to come.”
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID, added: “The opening of The Bedford Hotel sits on the final corner of Donegal Square to receive significant investment in the past couple of years, breathing new life into a treasured landmark, and bringing new experiences for visitors.
“This is a milestone moment for Belfast’s tourism industry, creating more rooms for tourists and more opportunities for our city centre businesses. The investment is a strong vote of confidence in Belfast’s global appeal, and it significantly strengthens Belfast’s ability to host visitors in a setting that celebrates our rich history.”
Beyond its 82 guestrooms and suites, the hotel introduces a new culinary heart to Donegall Square. The Nineteen Hundred is a destination restaurant named in homage to the building’s history, while the Café/Bar, led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, renowned for his work at the G8 Summit, focuses on local produce and mentoring the next generation of Northern Ireland’s culinary talent. The project has already made a significant impact on the local economy, creating over 100 new jobs and supporting local supply chains throughout the restoration and operational phases.
The Bedford Hotel is now open for bookings: www.thebedfordhotelbelfast.com
