Hilton said that it has signed a franchise deal with the long-term owners of the hotel, which will see Focus Hotels handle the establishment.

After November's Derry Halloween celebration, a £7 million renovation of the existing hotel is scheduled to begin. The owners also express "optimism" over the completion of the project by the summer of 2025.

Hilton's managing director for growth in the UK and Ireland, Graham Dodd, stated: "We are excited to be making our city debut as a major step in our continued expansion throughout Northern Ireland."

"We are thrilled to be collaborating closely with Focus Hotels to bring the warm hospitality that DoubleTree by Hilton is known for worldwide, boosting the city's appeal as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers," the statement reads. "With rising tourism demand in the region."

Current directors Patrick and Gay Durkan, Lawrence Duddy, Gregory McCartney, and Eleanor McCartney Logue will continue to own the hotel locally.