Construction under way on AC by Marriott in Belfast

19 August 2016 by Katherine Price

Construction is under way on Marriott International's first Northern Ireland hotel, a £25m 188-bedroom AC Hotel in Belfast.

Marriott International was selected for Belfast Harbour's new City Quays hotel under a franchise operating agreement with Interstate Europe Hotels and Resorts.

The hotel will include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, fitness facilities and meeting rooms, and will be the third AC Hotel to open in the UK following the launch of hotels in Manchester and Birmingham. Marriott has two hotels in Ireland: the Shelbourne Dublin, a Renaissance hotel, and Powerscourt hotel, Autograph Collection in Co. Wicklow.

The hotel is due to open in early 2018.

Paul Thomas, director of international development at Marriott International, said: "This will be the first AC Hotel by Marriott in Northern Ireland, demonstrating our commitment to opening design-led hotels in thriving destinations where we see growing demand from discerning travellers seeking a refreshed hotel experience."

Robert Crook, managing director of Interstate Europe Hotels and Resorts, said: "We're thrilled to be operating the first Marriott International-branded hotel in Belfast. It's a fantastic development for the city's tourism industry, catering for both the leisure and corporate markets."

Graeme Johnston, Belfast Harbour's property director, said Marriott's strong presence in the business market "will complement the wider office developments planned for City Quays", adding the hotel will also be well placed to "tap into Belfast's growing reputation as a conference destination".

Gerry Lennon, chief executive of Visit Belfast, said it will be a "welcome addition to Belfast's growing portfolio of hotels".

He added: "Just last year, we saw room sales break the one million barrier for the first time, and room occupancy averaged in excess of 78%. The addition of the internationally-renowned Marriott brand will only strengthen Belfast's positioning as a must-see destination."

Third AC Hotels by Marriott in UK set for Belfast >>

AC by Marriott approved for Manchester's New Cross area >>

Marriott International to open 22 AC Hotels worldwide >>

Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>