The long-anticipated Bedford Hotel will open a month earlier than planned, with its official launch confirmed for Wednesday 8 April 2026 in Belfast city centre.

Initially expected to begin taking bookings in May, the timeline has been accelerated following an intensive final construction push. The multi-million-pound restoration of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building — a 1904 Scottish Baronial-style landmark — has involved round-the-clock work to return the property to use.

Despite bringing the date forward, the hotel’s leadership says standards remain paramount. Before welcoming its first guests in April 2026, the 82-bedroom hotel is undergoing rigorous quality-control checks to ensure it meets the highest international benchmarks for luxury and safety.

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Backed by RFM Hotels, the project marks a major investment in the city centre, creating more than 100 jobs and breathing new life into one of Belfast's most distinctive vacant heritage sites. As part of the sensitive restoration, 32 original vault doors have been preserved throughout the building.

The hotel will include a destination restaurant, The Nineteen Hundred, alongside a café/bar led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel. Best known for his work at Lough Erne Resort and the G8 Summit, McMeel will champion local produce and support the development of emerging hospitality talent.

Mike Gatt, General Manager of The Bedford Hotel, said: "Our teams and contractors have been working night and day to reach this point sooner than anticipated. We are now entering a phase of meticulous preparation and rigorous testing to ensure that every detail – from the service standards to the room finishes – is to the highest of standards. Hospitality plays a vital role in Northern Ireland's economy, and we are eager to welcome our first guests to this rejuvenated landmark."