ALOFT AND RESIDENCE INN by Marriott – Belfast Titanic Quarter

Ganson Group – RMI Architects + JMK Group

After years of planning, design, construction and collaboration, a significant new chapter has been added to Belfast’s iconic Titanic Quarter with the completion of the new Aloft and Residence Inn by Marriott Belfast at Hamilton Dock.

Set within one of the city’s most recognisable waterfront landscapes, the development brings 228 new bedrooms to the heart of Titanic Quarter, comprising 135 Aloft hotel rooms and 93 Residence Inn suites. More than a hotel development, the scheme forms part of the continuing transformation of Belfast’s historic docklands into a vibrant, mixed-use destination.

The location is difficult to match. Sitting alongside the historic dry dock and close to the SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast, Titanic House and the SSE Arena, the development is embedded within an area synonymous with Belfast’s industrial heritage, maritime history and ongoing regeneration.

Designed by RMI Architects and constructed by Ganson Group in collaboration with JMK Group, the project is the result of years of planning, coordination and hard work from a diverse team of consultants, contractors, specialists and stakeholders.

The finished development brings two distinct Marriott brands together within a single scheme. Aloft offers a contemporary, technology-driven hospitality experience, while Residence Inn is designed around longer stays, with studio and one-bedroom suites featuring dedicated kitchen and living areas.

At ground level, the two brands share a welcoming arrival experience, with reception, lobby, bar and café facilities. Supporting amenities include a fully equipped gym, back-of-house facilities and integrated car parking, creating a comprehensive offer for both short- and extended-stay guests.

An important aspect of the development extends beyond the hotel buildings themselves. New public realm and landscaped areas strengthen the relationship between the development and its surroundings, creating improved pedestrian connections through Titanic Quarter and helping link some of Belfast’s most significant visitor attractions.

The development therefore contributes not only to the built environment, but to how people experience the wider Quarter.

Its relationship with the historic dock is particularly significant. The dry dock, SS Nomadic and Titanic Belfast provide a unique setting, while the new public realm helps bring these destinations together as part of a more cohesive visitor experience.

For an area defined by its industrial and maritime heritage, the development introduces a contemporary architectural and hospitality presence while remaining connected to the character and history of its surroundings.

Titanic Quarter has evolved significantly in recent years, developing from a historic shipbuilding district into a major destination for tourism, business, leisure and residential activity.

The addition of Aloft and Residence Inn further diversifies this offer, providing accommodation for visitors ranging from city-break and leisure guests to business visitors and those requiring longer stays. The Residence Inn suites respond to growing demand for flexible extended-stay accommodation, while Aloft brings a contemporary hotel experience aimed at a new generation of guests.

Sustainability has also played an important role, with the development designed to achieve high environmental performance standards and targeting BREEAM Excellent and LEED Gold accreditation.

These ambitions reflect the importance of creating buildings that respond not only to the needs of today’s guests, but to the long-term future of Belfast and its waterfront.

Ultimately, the completion of Aloft and Residence Inn by Marriott Belfast is the result of a collective effort. From the initial vision and design through to construction and completion, the project has required close collaboration, technical expertise and commitment from everyone involved.

RMI Architects, Ganson Group and JMK Group, alongside the wider project team, have delivered a development that adds a new dimension to one of Belfast’s most recognisable destinations.

After years of planning and delivery, Aloft and Residence Inn by Marriott Belfast now form part of the next chapter in the evolution of Hamilton Dock — combining contemporary hospitality with a setting steeped in Belfast’s history.

The development reflects how far Titanic Quarter has come, while demonstrating what can be achieved when architecture, construction, hospitality and regeneration come together around a shared vision.