The Bedford Hotel has officially welcomed its first guests inside the Grade B1-listed Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre.

A staff ribbon-cutting was held this morning at the entrance, led by General Manager Mike Gatt and Belfast One BID CEO Martina Connolly.

The launch follows a meticulous multi-million-pound restoration of the 1904 Scottish Baronial-style landmark. Originally due to open next month, a swift final construction push enabled the 82-bedroom luxury boutique property to debut ahead of schedule, reinvigorating one of the city’s most notable heritage assets.

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A hallmark of the project is the conservation of 32 original steel vault doors discovered throughout the building. Instead of removing these reminders of its financial past, the team restored them in place and repurposed them within guest rooms as striking mini-bar entrances, uniting historic detail with modern comfort.

Led by RFM Hotels, the transformation safeguards the building’s architectural character while creating a premier hospitality destination, combining ornate stonework and high-quality interiors with contemporary international standards.

Mike Gatt, General Manager of The Bedford Hotel, said: "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."