Derry’s hospitality scene has received a significant boost this autumn with the opening of two major new hotels on Strand Road, the Maiden City Hotel and the Walled City Hotel, marking a welcome investment in the city’s growing tourism and visitor economy.

The Maiden City Hotel, located at 22-24 Strand Road, officially opened its doors on 15 August 2025, welcoming guests to the heart of the city. The 43-bedroom property offers a stylish retreat for solo travellers, couples, families, and business visitors alike. Facilities include a residents’ lounge, the Olive Room restaurant, and the Spire Bar, designed to provide a warm and contemporary setting for guests and locals.

Just a few doors away, the Walled City Hotel is set to open this week within the beautifully restored former Bank of Ireland building, originally constructed in 1927-28. Featuring 40 bedrooms initially and 72 bedrooms on completion of phase two development commencing 2026-27, the project represents a major investment in Derry’s tourism infrastructure and the ongoing revitalisation of its historic buildings.

The development was inspired by the strong and sustained growth of Derry’s tourism market, which continues to generate new employment opportunities and attract both domestic and international visitors. The project’s investors highlighted the success of similar adaptive reuse projects in the city, such as the Bishop’s Gate Hotel and Shipquay Hotel, which have become thriving boutique destinations in their own right.

These openings come amid a period of sustained confidence in the North West’s hospitality and tourism sectors, following a series of major announcements including a £7 million investment in Derry’s City Hotel, soon to be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton, and the Galgorm Group’s acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady.

Together, these developments underscore a growing optimism for the North West’s visitor economy, positioning Derry and the wider region as a leading destination for high-quality accommodation, food, and cultural experiences.

Owner Mark Doherty, Maiden and City Hotel, commented:

“Our investment in the Maiden City Hotel and the Walled City Hotel reflects our continued confidence in Derry’s growth and potential. Since 2019, our group of Donegal investors has worked together to deliver high-quality developments that strengthen the city’s hospitality offering and support its wider community. The transformation of the former Travelodge and the restoration of the historic Bank of Ireland building represent a combined £22.5 million private investment, adding two exceptional properties to Derry’s thriving visitor economy.”

Anna Doherty, CEO of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The opening of the Maiden City Hotel and the Walled City Hotel is another clear sign of confidence in Derry’s future. These developments not only enhance our city’s accommodation offering but also reflect the strength and resilience of our tourism and hospitality sectors.

“Tourism continues to be one of the North West’s key economic drivers, contributing over £70 million annually to the Derry City and Strabane District Council area and supporting more than 4,000 local jobs. With visitor numbers steadily rising year on year, the addition of new, high-quality hotels is essential to meeting growing demand and ensuring we can host larger events, conferences, and cultural festivals.

“Each new investment helps to sustain local employment, attract more visitors, and showcase the very best of what the North West has to offer, from our rich history and vibrant food scene to our growing reputation for hospitality excellence. It’s an exciting time for the city, and we look forward to seeing these new hotels thrive as part of Derry’s ongoing growth story.”