The Malone Hotel, a rebranded Victorian townhouse in Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, reopened in early February 2026 after an 18-month, multi-million-pound refurbishment. It is the only hotel in Northern Ireland to be named among The Times UK‘s “Best New Hotels” for 2026, according to Visit Belfast Partners. This article unpacks what the accolade means for your stay, covering verified facts about the property, guest reviews, and practical details.
Last checked: 2026-08-12
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Hotel name: The Malone Hotel · Location: Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter · Star rating: 4-star · Accolade: UK’s Best New Hotels 2026 by The Times
Snapshot: The Malone Hotel at a Glance
- Named one of the UK’s “Best New Hotels” for 2026 by The Times (Visit Belfast Partners)
- 103 bedrooms after the refurbishment (Expedia; Visit Belfast Partners)
- Four-star boutique hotel (The Malone Hotel official site)
- Reopened early February 2026 after an 18-month refurbishment (FOCUS Hotels)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-12.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, three booking platforms (Expedia, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor), two travel-review publishers (The Telegraph, Trip.com), and industry announcements (Visit Belfast Partners, FOCUS Hotels Management, Hospitality & Catering News).
We did not make an on-site visit or conduct staff interviews. Price data and availability were not independently verified.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | The Malone Hotel |
| Location | Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter (South Belfast) |
| Star rating | 4-star |
| Accolade | UK’s Best New Hotels 2026 by The Times |
| Room count | 103 |
| Former name | Malone Lodge Hotel |
| Check-in / Check-out | 15:00 / 11:00 |
| Breakfast | Available (noted on Skyscanner) |
| Guest rating (Tripadvisor) | 4.0/5 from 2,293 reviews |
| Guest rating (Expedia) | 8.4/10 “Very good” from 1,004 reviews |
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 103 |
| Star rating | 4-star boutique |
| Check-in time | 15:00 |
| Check-out time | 11:00 |
| Breakfast served | Yes |
| Notable event spaces | Large ballroom (weddings and events) |
Who Owns The Malone Hotel?
The hotel is owned by the Macklin family. In a statement published by Visit Belfast Partners, a spokesperson for the Macklin family said: “To be the only hotel in Northern Ireland named among the UK’s ‘Best New Hotels’ for 2026 by The Times is a testament to the hard work that has gone into our reopening.” The family has operated the property under its previous name, Malone Lodge Hotel, for years before undertaking the full rebrand and renovation.
The implication: the Macklin family’s commitment to the refurbishment aligns with the hotel’s new positioning.
How Many Rooms Does The Malone Hotel Have?
The Malone Hotel offers 103 bedrooms following its 18-month refurbishment. This count is confirmed by both Visit Belfast Partners and Expedia. The hotel describes itself as a “four-star boutique” property, and the room count places it among the larger boutique hotels in South Belfast.
The Telegraph’s review of the former Malone Lodge Hotel noted a “huge ballroom” popular for weddings and events—a feature that remains after the refurbishment.
The pattern: 103 rooms provides a balance between intimate service and ample event capacity.
How Clean Is The Malone Hotel?
Available review data indicates strong overall guest satisfaction. On Tripadvisor, the hotel holds a 4.0/5 rating from 2,293 reviews, ranking #34 of 56 hotels in Belfast. On Expedia, it scores 8.4/10 “Very good” from 1,004 reviews. Neither platform breaks out cleanliness separately in the available data, but the composite scores suggest guests are generally satisfied with the property’s condition and upkeep.
Skyscanner and Trip.com list the hotel as offering breakfast and being a 10‑minute walk from Belfast Botanic Gardens and Queen’s University—information that aligns with a well-maintained, conveniently located property.
The bottom line: while no specific cleanliness metric exists in the supplied data, the aggregate review scores indicate a property that meets guest expectations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Named among The Times “Best New Hotels 2026” – the only hotel in Northern Ireland to receive that recognition.
- 103 rooms after a full refurbishment, blending modern boutique style with Victorian character.
- Huge ballroom available for weddings and events.
- Set in Belfast’s leafy Queen’s Quarter, near Botanic Gardens and Queen’s University.
Cons
- Currently ranks #34 out of 56 hotels on Tripadvisor, indicating strong local competition.
- Some online references still use the former “Malone Lodge Hotel” name, which may cause confusion.
- Limited parking information available; the official site does not mention dedicated parking.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The Malone Hotel is the rebranded successor to the former Malone Lodge Hotel. Visitors searching under the old name will find the same property, now fully refurbished. For travellers specifically looking for a boutique stay in South Belfast, The Malone is the only hotel in the area to have earned a Times “Best New Hotels” listing for 2026. Other hotels in the Queen’s Quarter include privately operated guesthouses and a few larger chain properties, but none share the same Victorian architecture and recent award.
Our Pick: Who Should Stay Here
- First-time visitors – The Queen’s Quarter location offers easy access to Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum, and the university area, while still being a short bus ride from the city centre.
- Couples – The boutique atmosphere, refurbished rooms, and on-site ballroom (occasionally used for events) provide a romantic backdrop, though check if a wedding is scheduled during your stay.
- Luxury seekers – The hotel’s four-star positioning and Times accolade make it a premium choice in Belfast, but those wanting full five-star service may want to compare with top-tier options in the city centre.
“To be the only hotel in Northern Ireland named among the UK’s ‘Best New Hotels’ for 2026 by The Times is a testament to the hard work that has gone into our reopening.”
– Spokesperson for the Macklin family, owners of The Malone Hotel (via Visit Belfast Partners)
“A huge ballroom makes Malone Lodge Hotel popular for weddings and events.”
– The Telegraph review (noting the former name, now The Malone Hotel) (The Telegraph)
thegourmetboys.com, linkedin.com, hotels.com, tripadvisor.co.nz, tripadvisor.com, linkedin.com, hospitalityandcateringnews.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Malone Hotel in Belfast?
The hotel is owned by the Macklin family. A spokesperson for the family confirmed this in a statement about the Times recognition.
How many rooms does The Malone Hotel have?
The hotel has 103 bedrooms after its 2026 refurbishment – a figure confirmed by both Visit Belfast Partners and Expedia.
How clean is The Malone Hotel?
The Malone Hotel has a 4.0/5 rating from 2,293 reviews on Tripadvisor and an 8.4/10 “Very good” rating from 1,004 reviews on Expedia.
What is the best hotel in Belfast?
The answer depends on your priorities. The Malone Hotel is the only Northern Ireland property named among The Times UK Best New Hotels 2026, making it a strong contender for a boutique stay. Tripadvisor currently ranks it #34 out of 56 Belfast hotels overall.
Can I wear green in Belfast?
Yes, wearing green is fine in Belfast. It’s a common colour in the city, associated with both local heritage and fashion – no restrictions apply to hotel guests or visitors.
Does The Malone Hotel have parking?
The hotel’s official website does not list dedicated parking. Guests are advised to contact the hotel directly for current parking arrangements.
The Malone Hotel emerges from its 18-month transformation with a clear identity: a four-star boutique property in Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, backed by a prestigious Times accolade and solid guest ratings. Its 103 rooms, Victorian architecture, and ballroom make it a suitable choice for couples, first‑time visitors, and those seeking an award‑recognised stay in South Belfast.