IRELAND's first easyHotel will open its doors in Belfast city centre on September 1, with a room setting you back as little as £10 a night.
The city's first super budget hotel will open on Howard Street following a £5 million investment and while it is low on price its local owners maintain it will be high on quality.
Business partners David Crowe and Kevin Baird believe the 81-bedroom easyHotel will cater for the increasing number of travellers who want comfort, value for money and a central location from which to explore the city. The pair also believe there is scope for further easyHotels in Northern Ireland due to the growing strength of the brand.
"We believe Belfast is ready for this hotel and this brand," Mr Crowe said.
"As a super budget hotel I’m very proud of the quality of this hotel, which will offer rooms at a reasonable price.
“It is perfect for someone who wants a clean and comfortable room, right at the heart of Belfast’s city centre. It works for the discerning tourist who wants to explore the city, the historic pubs, museums, the many fine restaurants, as well as all that Belfast has to offer."
"The majority of hotels now which are planned to open or have opened in Belfast are four star or possibly boutique. This is super budget, it's simple, we do what it says on the tin, no more no less and we're value for money," he continued.
Offering a different price point to other hotels in the city, a room for the night will set you back on average £59, but much like big brother easyJet, the earlier you book the less you pay.
"You can go online right now and book a room for a tenner, but saying that the average room rate would be £59, but if you book it two months in advance it should be £29," Mr Crowe said.
In addition to the low price the hotel will also be Belfast's first 'smart hotel', with customers able to enter their room using only their smartphone.
"The hotel set up is just like the budget airlines – everything is done online or on a mobile app. It is also one of the first to allow your smartphone to unlock your room without having to check in. This means our staff can concentrate on looking after our visitors, finding out what interests them and highlighting what the city has to offer,” Mr Baird added.
In addition to the 81 bedrooms spread across four flours, the hotel offers free Wifi throughout the building and a variety of room options. The hotel also features new coffee shop, FIXX, which will be located on the ground floor alongside the entrance.
A total of 60 jobs have been created through construction, with local firms employed throughout the process, including Co Down contractors, O'Prey Developments, while 30 direct and indirect roles will be created once the hotel is open for business.
