Northern Ireland’s hotel room count may have passed 10,000

Northern Ireland’s hospitality landscape is undergoing a transformation, with the total number of hotel rooms potentially surpassing the long-anticipated 10,000 mark, according to a new report from the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF).

While the official tally currently records 9,548 rooms across 141 certified hotels, the NIHF says the figure doesn’t fully reflect the growing contribution of non-traditional accommodation now offered by many hotel operators.

The organisation’s Hotels 2025 report highlights a broadening of the definition of hotel stays, with lodges, forest dens, shepherd huts, and studio-style suites now playing a larger role in the guest experience. Many of these are located on hotel grounds, enhancing both capacity and appeal.

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector had been on track to hit the 10,000-room milestone by 2020 or 2021. However, the pandemic brought hotel development to a near halt.

Now, momentum appears to be returning. According to the NIHF, the 10,000-room figure is expected to be firmly exceeded by 2026.

Although only four hotel openings are forecast for 2025, these—including The Walled City Hotel in Derry, The Bedford in Belfast, Dunluce Lodge, and The Marcus in Portrush—are expected to add around 200 new rooms. Five more developments, due between 2026 and 2027, are set to contribute an additional 753 rooms.

In total, hotel investment across the region is projected to near £2 billion by 2027.

NIHF President Vicky Green praised the industry’s progress despite ongoing economic pressures. “Northern Ireland’s hotel industry has demonstrated exceptional resilience and vision in recent years,” she said. “Despite ongoing challenges, we continue to invest, evolve and lead the way in delivering top-class accommodation and memorable guest experiences. This next chapter is not just about numbers. It’s about reimagining what hospitality looks like and futureproofing our offering for the years ahead.”

Janice Gault, Chief Executive of the NIHF, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the shift in traveller expectations. “We are seeing a shift in how guests want to stay. While the traditional hotel room remains central, today’s traveller increasingly seeks out unique, flexible and experiential options,” she said.

“From eco-cottages to forest lodges, hotels are adapting to meet demand and it’s this innovation that is quietly pushing our room numbers beyond the 10,000 mark.”

Despite the progress, the industry faces challenges from inflation, unregulated short-term rentals, and the rise of student housing competing in the accommodation market.

Still, sector leaders remain confident that Northern Ireland’s hotel scene is evolving in a way that keeps pace with the demands of modern tourism.