Best Hotels in Derry
Are you searching for a hotel in Derry, Ireland? Read our guide to the best places to stay in Derry for all budgets.
Also known as Londonderry, Derry is one of the most amazing cities you can visit in Northern Ireland.
It took us a few weeks to get there after we set off on our epic Ireland road trip from Dublin Airport. But it was definitely worth it.
The city sits near a border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, so it was actually the first place we visited in Northern Ireland.
Besides its exquisite location, Derry is known for its intact city walls, rich heritage and culture, and turbulent history.
Simply put, Derry is a beautiful city with a unique history, and it was one of the highlights of our Ireland itinerary.
If you have more time, staying in Derry overnight is a great idea to experience everything this city has to offer.
So, here is our choice of the best hotels in Derry for every budget.
Our Favorite Hotels in Derry
If you're in a rush and don't have much time to read, here is a quick summary of the best hotels in Derry in each category.
These are our favorite hotels in Derry.
Best Hotel - Maldron Hotel Derry
Best for Backpackers - Iona Inn
Best for Families - Maldron Hotel Derry
Best for Couples - The Ebrington Hotel
Best for Business - Bishop's Gate Hotel
Budget Hotel - Holiday Inn Express Derry
Mid-range Hotel - City Hotel
Boutique Hotel - Shipquay Boutique Hotel
Luxury Hotel - Bishop's Gate Hotel
Airport Hotel - Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel
If you want to know more, keep on reading. We've compiled a list of the best hotels in Derry for all budgets and preferences.
Why Visit Derry
Derry is one of the most amazing cities you can visit in Ireland.
It's packed with history, historical landmarks, pubs, Georgian architecture, and vibrant murals.
The 17th-century walls, which, by the way, you can easily explore on foot, are just icing on the cake.
If you're really into history, Derry is a perfect place to learn about The Troubles and the Unionist/Protestant conflict.
We also really enjoyed the River Foyle setting, which is perfect for leisure walks.
Simply put, there are so many things to see and do in Derry for all travelers.
Why Stay in Derry
We've already established that you won't get bored in Derry. But there is more.
Derry has a prime location on Emerald Isle's north coast.
After finishing the Wild Atlantic Way at Malin Head, we continued to Derry.
There are many amazing scenic drives in Ireland, so you can be sure that one also starts there.
We're talking about the Causeway Coastal Way, which leads along the stunning Antrim coast all the way to Belfast.
If you've never heard about it, note this route features places such as Downhill Demesne, Dunluce Castle, or Giant's Causeway.
Derry is also just a few kilometers from the border with the Republic of Ireland.
This means you can easily explore the amazing County Donegal from there.
No matter what your travel itinerary looks like, it's a great place to stop for a night or two.
Where to Stay in Derry
Derry is very compact despite being the second-largest city in Northern Ireland.
Therefore, the City Center (and the Walled City) are the best area to stay in Derry.
The city is walkable, so staying in a hotel with a central location only makes sense.
The main advantage is that most of Derry's major sights are within a short walk. Plus, you will find all the great pubs, restaurants, and stores there.
We quickly discovered that many well-rated hotels are located in this area, which is very convenient.
Best Budget Hotels
It's common knowledge that accommodation is one of the biggest travel expenses.
So we always try to opt for budget-friendly hotels whenever possible.
Here are the best affordable places to stay in Derry.
Holiday Inn Express Derry | This 3-star hotel is a perfect base for your stay in Derry. It has an amazing location, modern decor, cozy rooms, a buffet breakfast, and accommodating staff. Holiday Inn Express is perhaps the best budget hotel in Derry.
Da Vinci's Hotel | Situated about two kilometers north of the city center, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a modern bistro restaurant and a bar, good facilities, and free parking. It is also dog-friendly.
Best Mid-range Hotels
Mid-range hotels usually have comfortable rooms, great facilities, and excellent service.
Generally, these properties offer the best level of comfort for your money.
Maldron Hotel Derry | Located within the historic city walls, Maldron Hotel Derry is a great place to stay. It offers modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, an underground garage, and a fitness room.
City Hotel | Situated in the city center, this 4-star hotel boasts cozy rooms, a great restaurant, an indoor pool, and free parking. This is one of the most popular mid-range hotels in Derry.
The Ebrington Hotel | Set on the east banks of the River Foyle, this beautiful hotel is just a short walk from the city center. Ebrington offers a combination of Georgian style, modern luxury, and impeccable service.
Boutique Hotels
Staying at boutique hotels is always a great experience.
These properties are more intimate, personalized, and very different from traditional chain hotels. If you are interested in this segment, try to book one of these hotels.
Shipquay Boutique Hotel | Situated in the city center, Shipquay is one of the most beautiful hotels in Derry. This hotel boasts stylish rooms with views of the Derry Walls, great food, organic toiletries, and helpful staff.
Waterfoot Hotel | Situated about 4 kilometers northeast of the center, this hotel offers a great retreat away from the busy city life. Expect comfortable rooms, attentive staff, good food, and free parking.
Bishop's Gate Hotel | Built in 1899, this hotel boasts luxurious rooms, unrivaled service, delicious food, valet parking, Edwardian architecture, a ballroom, and much more. Bishop's Gate is arguably the best hotel in Derry.
Best Hostels
If you're a backpacker or just traveling around Ireland on a budget, note that there are currently no hostels in Derry.
This leaves budget-minded travelers with a limited number of affordable options.
You can either stay at a guesthouse, bed and breakfast, or budget hotel.
In European cities, we usually prefer budget chain hotels as they usually offer the best value for your money.
Best Guesthouses and B&Bs
Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are great places to stay if you want a more personalized experience and want to save money.
Really, you don't need to blow your budget on a hotel, as Derry has several cheap accommodations.
Iona Inn | Iona Inn is less than a 10-minute walk from the city center. This family-run guesthouse offers cozy rooms, complimentary breakfast, and friendly staff. A lively pub is just next door if you're interested in Irish music.
Serendipity House | This lovely bed and breakfast offers modern accommodation less than a kilometer from the city center. Expect charming rooms with amazing views, comfy beds, welcoming staff, and on-site parking.
Best Airport Hotel
The City of Derry Airport is located about 12 kilometers east of Derry.
Several airlines, such as Loganair and Ryanair, operate at this regional airport.
The airport offers flights mostly within the U.K. and some popular European vacation destinations.
The City of Derry Airport currently has no hotel, though you will find one just a few kilometers down the A2.
Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel | Conveniently located on A2, this is the best hotel near the City of Derry Airport. The White Horse Hotel has comfortable rooms, free parking, a large indoor pool, a sauna, and an on-site restaurant.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
