The Lodge Hotel completes £1.8 million refurbishment as tourism demand drives investment on North Coast

The newly refurbished bedrooms at The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine after family-owned McKeever Hotels completed a £1.8 million investment to modernise the hotel and enhance the guest experience.

A £1.8 million investment has transformed all of the bedrooms at The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine, with owners McKeever Hotels saying the refurbishment is designed to meet growing demand for high-quality accommodation on Northern Ireland’s North Coast.

The major upgrade comes just a year after the family-owned hospitality group acquired the hotel and follows an exceptionally busy period for tourism, including The Open Championship 2025, when the property was fully booked by the R&A to accommodate international media, athletes and tournament staff.

Responding to rising tourism demand

McKeever Hotels says the investment forms part of a wider strategy to reinvest across its portfolio, supporting local jobs while improving facilities for visitors.

Every bedroom at The Lodge Hotel has now undergone a complete refurbishment, with the aim of creating a more modern and comfortable experience for both leisure and business guests.

The company also confirmed it is continuing work to reposition the hotel as one of the North Coast’s leading accommodation destinations following its acquisition of the property in 2024.

Busy Open Championship highlighted demand

The hotel’s role during The Open Championship underlined the growing demand for accommodation in the area.

Being fully booked by the R&A throughout the championship demonstrated the property’s importance within the region’s tourism infrastructure at a time when thousands of visitors travelled to Northern Ireland for one of golf’s biggest events.

Strong local connections remain a priority

Tracy Young, The Lodge Hotel’s General Manager

The Lodge Hotel’s General Manager, Tracy Young, said the refurbishment builds on the hotel’s long-standing relationship with the local community.

“We’ve always been incredibly proud of our strong connection to the local community. We see people returning year after year, whether that’s families enjoying a North Coast staycation, locals and friends catching up, or golfers exploring everything the region has to offer.

“We’re really excited to welcome both new and familiar faces into our newly refurbished bedrooms, ensuring every stay at The Lodge feels comfortable, modern and truly memorable.”

Long-term commitment to the North Coast

McKeever Hotels Managing Director Eddie McKeever said the scale of the investment reflects confidence in the region’s tourism sector.

“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to The Lodge Hotel and to the North Coast as a key tourism destination. Following an incredibly busy period during The Open, it was clear there is strong and sustained demand for high-quality accommodation in the area.

“These upgrades will ensure we are well placed to meet that demand, while providing a comfortable and modern environment for both leisure and business guests.”

More than a hotel

Since purchasing the hotel in 2024, McKeever Hotels says it has focused not only on commercial development but also on strengthening the hotel’s role within the local community.

Among the initiatives introduced is the borough’s first Chatty Hotel, delivered in partnership with the Causeway Loneliness Network. The initiative offers a welcoming space where people can meet others, enjoy a conversation over a cup of tea, play games or simply spend time in the company of others, helping to tackle social isolation.

Events Manager Scott Smyth said the project reflects the team’s commitment to giving something back.

“It’s a really great new initiative and something we’re genuinely passionate about as a team.

“We want to give back to the community that supports us every day. It’s open to everyone, offering a welcoming space to meet new people and enjoy a game, pick up a book, have a cuppa, or simply sit in the company of others.”

The refurbishment represents one of the latest hospitality investments on the North Coast, as operators prepare for continued growth in tourism and seek to build on the international profile generated by recent major events.