The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast, one of the city’s acknowledged luxury accommodation destinations, has been put up for sale, with a EUR37 million listing price.

Since it opened in 2009, the property has gained a strong reputation as an independent luxury hotel in the Northern Irish capital. It was bought by current owner Michael Holland in 2015, and is now being offered as a freehold asset. Any new buyer might want to consider whether the property will stay independently branded, or whether it may perform even better under an affiliation with an international luxury hotel brand.

Expansion Plans

The hotel has 146 guest rooms currently, but is being sold with an existing planning approval for a significant extension. This would provide a further 52 bedrooms, plus a swimming pool and spa, further expanding the property’s amenities for guests.

Currently the property trades as part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts affiliation, providing it with a level of international marketing and a loyalty programme for guests. However, a new owner could choose to terminate this arrangement, were an alternative brand chosen for operations into the future.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Group also has a hotel in Dublin, where the company has also obtained permission for an extension. It has recently invested in refurbishing the property, and says it remains as a business committed to its other hospitality investments.

Belfast’s hotel market has a reasonable pipeline of new properties on the horizon, but none planned for the five star or luxury segment of the market. As a result, the outlook for existing assets such as the Fitzwilliam is strong. In contrast, the four star and extended stay segments of the market are active.

Among brands on the way is Yotel, which has committed to operate a new build, 165 room property in the city’s historic Shaftesbury Square. Hilton, which is expanding more broadly across Ireland and Northern Ireland, will be adding Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre to its growing presence. Another office conversion, this will see Centre House remodelled to provide a 176 room hotel.

Expanding Extended Stay Options

For those heading to Belfast on business, seeking a place to stay for a longer period, their choice is about to get broader. The 130 unit Aparthotel Adagio Belfast is under construction, converting the 10 storey Dorchester House to the brand. And Irish brand Staycity is also developing an aparthotel in the city, with both projects due to open in the first half of 2027.

Another recent addition to the city is Bob W, with an 84 unit aparthotel due to open by the end of 2026. And following on, with a launch in 2029 planned, is IHG. It has signed to bring its Staybridge Suites to the city, as part of the Bedford Yard development project.