A NEW multi-million pound hospitality development billed as Belfast’s first ‘hometel’ has opened for business.
Room2 on Queen Street features 175 rooms over nine floors.
Its London-based operator Lamington Group has described the venture as a cross between a home and hotel.
Developed by Oakland Holdings, Room2 opened on Monday morning, five years after the project was first announced, and three years after work started on the site of the former Lyndon Court building.
Oakland is headed by Gareth Graham, whose family is behind the Sean Graham bookmaking franchise.
In 2021, Oakland sold the nearby Merchant Square office block to a Saudi Arabian investor for £87m.
Read more:
- US-based operator Sonder confirmed for new £20m Belfast aparthotel
- Time capsule sealed in 1923 uncovered during development of Belfast hotel
- Belfast developer pens 25-year aparthotel lease with new 'hometel' company
The company has signed a 25-year lease arrangement for its Queen Street development with hometel firm Lamington, marking its first property outside England.
Similar in concept to an aparthotel, some of Room2’s units include a fully equipped kitchenette and separate living space.
The concept also includes ‘mattress menus’ and 24 stays, with 2pm check out as standard.
The building also includes Winnie’s café and bar, a laundry room, and co-working areas.
“We are so excited to open our first property outside of England and expand into the lively city of Belfast, bringing our unique hometel experience to a new location,” said Robert Godwin, chief executive of Lamington Group.
“Belfast has been so welcoming to us, and we are thrilled to make strong connections in the community through employing local staff who know the city inside out.
“Through working with home-grown talent and suppliers we aim to support the local economy whilst also inspiring both guests and residents to live in an environmentally conscious way.”
