Marriott opens first UK dual-branded property in Slough

Marriott International has today opened its first UK ‘double-decker', dual-branded hotel in Slough, three months ahead of schedule.

The dual-branded hotel is developed and owned by Slough Borough Council and operated by Cycas Hospitality. The development was built by Slough Urban Renewal, a joint venture between the council and Morgan Sindall Investments.

The 244-bedroom complex forms part of a major development transforming the town's former library site, which also includes 64 new apartments and 4,000 sq ft of restaurant and retail space.

Occupying the lower four floors is Marriott's lifestyle brand Moxy, with 152 bedrooms, including 28 twin and eight accessible rooms. Interiors pay tribute to the Thunderbirds TV series, filmed on the nearby Slough Trading Estate. Residence Inn by Marriott Slough occupies the fifth to ninth floors, with 92 suites designed for longer-staying guests with extra living space and kitchens.

Both hotels have their own entrance and reception, but guests can use the shared facilities, such as six meeting rooms and four larger interconnecting event spaces, a fitness studio and a ninth floor Residence Inn outdoor terrace. Guests can also choose between the ground-floor Moxy Bar and the Residence Inn Bar & Lounge.

Wayne Androliakos, Cycas Hospitality's chief operating officer, said: "With our experience of developing double-decker hotels, we understand the benefits a ‘two-in-one' approach can deliver to travellers and travel bookers. With the former library site now transformed into a vibrant destination, we are confident that the addition of two high-profile hotel brands will help boost Slough's profile and add renewed life to the town centre."

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of Slough Borough Council and cabinet member for regeneration and strategy, added: "The council chose to involve itself with this development knowing it would be a long-term asset to the town in terms of creating employment for our residents, adding much-needed hotel capacity, and delivering a secure revenue stream back to the council from its lease that will help sustain local services in the future. It's great to see this unique hotel and residential development in the heart of the town and its opening couldn't be more timely in terms of the new local jobs it has delivered."

The two properties represent the first of nine to be opened by Cycas Hospitality across Europe this year.