Business

Belfast hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton rebrand for Ten Square Hotel in multi-million pound revamp

Latest franchise deal with Paddy Kearney’s property group follows moves by Hilton to ramp up brand presence in north

Ten Square Hotel, next to Belfast City Hall, which is to be rebranded as a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme.
Ten Square Hotel, next to Belfast City Hall, which is to be rebranded as a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme. (Chris Hill)

Belfast city centre hotel Ten Square is to undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment programme and rebrand as DoubleTree by Hilton

The Loughview Leisure Group’s hotel is set to be relaunched as DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square later this year, following the completion of an investment programme throughout the 131-bedroom venue.

Paddy Kearney’s hospitality business, which has owned Ten Square for the past decade, has already signed up with Hilton for the upgraded Kingfisher Country Estate in Templepatrick, which was acquired in 2021.

Loughview recently completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the golf resort, which lies on a 220-acre estate in Co Antrim.

Hilton has also expanded its brand around the north by penning new deals with the owners of the City Hotel in Derry to rebrand as DoubleTree, while the new Andras House Marcus Hotel in Portrush will join Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.

The Kingfisher Country Estate features a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.
Loughview's DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on its Kingfisher Country Estate in Templepatrick.

“We are delighted to work with Hilton on this fantastic development in the heart of Belfast, as part of our ongoing partnership,” said Loughview’s group finance director, Chris Kearney.

“We take great pride in continuing to drive investment into the capital, contributing to its dynamic evolution and increasing global appeal.”

Graham Dodd, Hilton’s managing director for UK & Ireland development, said: “The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square marks a significant milestone in Hilton’s growing presence across Northern Ireland.

“Welcoming this fantastic property to our portfolio will further cement Belfast’s status as a premier destination for travellers from near and far.”

Alongside Ten Square and the Kingfisher resort, Loughview Leisure, which is part of Paddy Kearney’s Kilmona Group, has planning approval for a 146 bedroom hotel at Centre House on Belfast’s Chichester Street.



Two other hotels in the group’s portfolio were closed to the public several years ago.

Both the Loughshore Hotel in Carrickfergus and the Chimney Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey were subject to long-term UK Government contracts to house asylum seekers from July 2021, resulting in 100% occupancy.

The Loughshore Hotel was sold in 2023, while Chimney Corner remains closed to the public.