The Rabbit Hotel expands with £2.5M upgrade
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has unveiled a £2.5 million expansion, enhancing its luxury offerings with 17 new rooms and exclusive perks.
This major investment strengthens its position as a premier Northern Ireland hospitality destination after being named the ‘Best Place to Stay’ for 2024 by The Times and Sunday Times.
The expansion, which welcomed its first guests on 6 December, boosts the hotel’s total rooms to 50 and creates 14 new jobs, increasing its workforce to 150. Associate Director Lynsey Gordon said the decision was driven by strong demand. “Since The Rabbit opened in 2020, it has always been hugely popular and has received great support. Expanding the offering has always been part of our long-term strategy,” she explained.
Previously operating with just 33 rooms, the hotel often had to turn guests away, especially during peak seasons. “During peak periods, such as summer months or major events, we found ourselves turning away guests due to limited capacity. This expansion will allow us to meet the growing demand and provide a seamless experience for all visitors,” Gordon said.
Stylish design & unique features
The new rooms maintain The Rabbit’s signature quirky aesthetic, incorporating listed terrace houses. “That allowed us to create character in each room while maintaining our playful and colourful décor. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, or unique shapes that enhance their charm,” she noted.
High-end amenities include Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso machines, and luxury bedding. “The style is a mix of mid-century and Scandinavian design, offering a trendy and stylish finish. The new rooms are an extension of that kind of design and quirkiness that we have in the rest of the hotel,” Gordon added.
Four deluxe rooms offer unique bathing experiences—one with a hot tub, two with copper freestanding baths, and another with a jacuzzi bath. “These extras have been a number one request since we’ve opened. Having our first room in The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat with its own private tub has been a firm favourite with guests,” she revealed.
Adding to the luxury, the hotel is launching a cocktail turndown service. “A mixologist visits guestrooms in the evening to offer guests a freshly made cocktail right at their door, adding a touch of indulgence to their stay,” Gordon explained.
The spa area is also expanding, introducing private wood-fired hot tubs along the lakeside. “Plans are also underway to expand spa treatment rooms, add a gym facility, and potentially introduce more hot tubs and sauna spaces to elevate the wellness offerings,” she added.
A strategic expansion & future growth
The expansion is part of a phased growth plan. “We took smaller steps at first to see how the market responded, especially coming out of COVID, but confidence has grown, and we feel secure in our outlook,” said Gordon. With The Open coming to Northern Ireland in July, she expects high demand.
Long-term plans include a 46-bedroom wing, additional spa facilities, and potentially a new restaurant. “The new wing is still in the planning stages, but it reflects the thoughtful steps we are taking as part of a larger strategy to enhance the offering at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat,” Gordon said.
Sustainability is also a priority, with solar panels installed to offset energy use and a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. “We really feel that our recent investment is a strong and positive reinforcement of how we see the success of the Northern Ireland tourism industry. It is such a vital part of the Northern Ireland economy, both regarding jobs and the general revenue stream,” Gordon noted.
“As a destination property, we want guests to come and fully immerse themselves in our facilities,” she concluded.
Check out our latest February 2025 issue for the full interview.
