Ivanhoe Hotel near Belfast awarded four stars following £4m investment

October 8, 2026 The Belfast Desk

The Ivanhoe Hotel near Carryduff has been awarded four-star status by Tourism Northern Ireland following a decade of investment and redevelopment.

Exterior of the Ivanhoe Hotel near Carryduff, awarded four-star status by Tourism Northern Ireland — The Ivanhoe Hotel near Carryduff has been awarded four-star status by Tourism Northern Ireland following a £4 million investment programme. Photograph: Tourism NI.

The family-run hotel received the grading under Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme, with assessors praising its service, refurbished accommodation and commitment to staff development.

The award follows major improvements throughout the property, including £4 million invested in the ground floor and bedroom accommodation.

£1.5m investment transforms hotel bedrooms

One of the most significant elements of the redevelopment was a £1.5 million investment to completely redesign and refurbish all 29 bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms.

Newly refurbished bedroom at the Ivanhoe Hotel near Carryduff following a £1.5 million investment — One of the Ivanhoe Hotel’s 29 bedrooms, which have undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment programme. Photograph: Tourism Northern Ireland.

The bedroom interiors were designed by the late Hugh Wallace, the architect and interior designer known for his role as a judge on RTÉ’s Home of the Year.

The hotel has also invested £2.5 million in its ground floor, including improvements to its bistro and reception areas.

Conference and events facilities have been extended and upgraded, including the Lagan and Bracken suites.

Tourism NI praises hospitality standards

Tourism NI assessors highlighted the hotel’s consistent standards throughout the guest experience, from booking and arrival through to dining and departure.

David Roberts, Paula Keane and Wallace Dunne pictured with the Ivanhoe Hotel's four-star Tourism NI award — From left: David Roberts, Director of Destination Development at Tourism NI; Paula Keane, General Manager at the Ivanhoe Hotel; and Wallace Dunne, Deputy General Manager at the Ivanhoe Hotel, celebrating the hotel’s four-star award. Photograph: Tourism Northern Ireland.

Staff were praised for their welcoming and attentive approach, with the assessment recognising the hotel’s emphasis on training and development.

David Roberts, Director of Destination Development at Tourism NI, welcomed the achievement.

“Tourism NI is delighted to award the Ivanhoe Hotel a four-star grading,” he said.

He credited the hotel’s investment, design improvements and commitment to staff development, while highlighting the continuing involvement of family members in its day-to-day operation.

Family-run hotel celebrates achievement

Paula Keane, General Manager at the Ivanhoe Hotel, said achieving four-star status had been a key ambition following the investment programme.

“Following a £2.5 million investment in our ground floor and a further £1.5 million investment in our bedrooms, our ambition was to achieve four-star status for the Ivanhoe Hotel,” she said.

She thanked Tourism NI for its guidance and support and said the hotel remained committed to improving its facilities and service.

What does the four-star grading mean?

Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme assesses accommodation businesses against standards covering facilities, service, cleanliness and the overall guest experience.