The Malone

The Malone reopened on 6 February 2026 after an 18-month, multimillion-pound refurbishment of the Malone Lodge Hotel, a south Belfast house that had operated for almost 35 years. It has 103 rooms and suites. The Macklin family owns it, Focus Hotels manages it and Chris Lockhart is general manager. The Times included it in its list of 24 best new hotels in the UK for the year ahead.

The place

The hotel is in the Queen's Quarter of south Belfast, near Queen's University and the Botanic Gardens. The setting is a street of Victorian houses with mature trees. The building itself is a townhouse of nineteenth-century character, and its heritage lies more in the surroundings than in ornate original detail.

The concept

Gareth Macklin, from the owning family, describes a hotel built on about 35 years of family history. His parents and the wider team designed, built and fitted out the new version. The brief was what the owners call relaxed luxury: contemporary, residential interiors that keep some nineteenth-century charm without turning formal.

The work covered the whole site. Guest rooms were redesigned, the lounge and reception were rebuilt, and panoramic suites were added. Art installations refer to Belfast's heritage. The project created 20 jobs and, according to the hotel, strengthened ties with local suppliers. The refit also targeted energy efficiency, responsible sourcing and waste reduction.

Dining & wellness

The Gallery is the restaurant, and its space was expanded in the works. The Greyhound Bar is the second venue, next to a redesigned lounge. The hotel also has a ballroom with 240 seats.