https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/b...707746877.html

NI hotel set for £7m upgrade as it joins worldwide Hilton chain

City Hotel, Derry
The City Hotel in Derry is to become a DoubleTree by Hilton, part of the worldwide Hilton chain, in a £7m investment.

Hilton confirmed it had entered a franchise agreement with the hotel’s long-term owners, with the property to be managed by Focus Hotels.

A £7m upgrade of the current hotel is set to start immediately after the Derry Halloween festival in November. And the owners are “optimistic” that the work will be complete by summer 2025.

Graham Dodd, managing director, development UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “Our debut in the city marks a significant step in Hilton’s further expansion across Northern Ireland.

"With rising tourism demand in the region, we’re excited to be working closely with Focus Hotels to introduce the warm hospitality that DoubleTree by Hilton is known for globally, enhancing the city’s appeal as a must-visit destination for domestic and international travellers alike.”

The hotel will remain locally owned by current directors Patrick and Gay Durkan, Lawrence Duddy, Gregory McCartney and Eleanor McCartney Logue.