Has one of Northern Ireland’s top hotels lost its 5-Star rating? – The Irish News

TOURISM NI has declined to confirm if a Northern Ireland hotel has lost its 5-Star rating.

A report from the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation stated there were three 5-Star hotels in 2025, down from four the previous year.

This is based on a grading system operated by Tourism NI.

While declining to confirm if any hotels had been downgraded, a Tourism NI spokesperson said the ratings system represented “a snapshot at a point in time”.

“Tourism NI operates a Quality Grading scheme for providers of visitor accommodation, including hotels.

“It is designed to drive quality and best practice across the sector, with the grade awarded based on an incognito visit by a Tourism NI advisor.”

The report from the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation recognised three 5-Star hotels in Northern Ireland in 2025, one less than in 2024.

They added: “Membership of the scheme is voluntary, with the number of members and the grade held being a snapshot at a point in time. Tourism NI’s advisors work very closely with member businesses to enhance their performance and the overall visitor experience.”

Asked again to specifically confirm if any hotels had been given a reduced rating, the spokesperson said they had nothing to add to their statement.

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation also declined to comment, directing the query towards Tourism NI.

The NIHF report further stated there were 98 fewer 5-Star hotel rooms in 2024, the same number as is available at The Culloden Hotel in Co Down.

But when contacted on Friday, a staff member stated their star rating remained in place.

On Monday, a spokesperson for Hastings Hotels declined to confirm if there had been any change.

“As the data in the report is based on information from TNI, I would recommend contacting the Tourist Board directly with your enquiry,” they said.

Culloden Estate and Spa.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

Hotel ratings are not universal, with the AA-hotel guide, TripAdvisor and Google reviews often giving their own scores.

On Booking.com, at least seven hotels in Northern Ireland are listed as 5-Star.

As well as The Culloden, others in Belfast included Regency House, Grand Central Hotel, The Merchant and The Fitzwilliam – with Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry and the recently opened Dunluce Lodge in Portrush also listed.

Dunluce Lodge in Portrush. (cinematictide/Cinematic Tide)

In summarising the current hotel market, the NIHF report indicated that the traditional appeal of star ratings was falling – with consumers increasingly choosing on brand, by review or cost.

There has also been a significant increase in ungraded hotel properties.

“The growing influx of branded hotels presents challenges within Northern Ireland’s current certification/legal licensing framework,” the report said.

“Certain brands do not align with existing certification requirements, prompting discussions about necessary reform.

“Regardless, evolving customer preferences are a strong indication that elements of the current certification and classification system may no longer be relevant and are no longer playing as large a role in the consumer’s decision-making process.”