Belfast's New IBIS King & Queen Hotels

Andras House, Belfast’s biggest hotel group has announced the launch of two new city centre budget hotels under the international Ibis brand, representing a £12million investment into the city and creating over 50 new jobs.

Ibis Belfast City Centre, located on the corner of Castle Street and King Street in Belfast and Ibis Queens Quarter, situated in University Street in the city, represent a significant vote of confidence for Northern Ireland’s burgeoning tourism sector from Accor, a leading global hotel group and player in the international hospitality market with over 4,000 hotels worldwide. The hotels were officially unveiled by Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment today in Belfast.

Lord Diljit Rana, Chairman and Chief Executive of Andras House, Belfast’s biggest hotel group was responsible for securing the international Ibis brand for Northern Ireland. The company currently operates some of the best-known worldwide hotel brands in Belfast, including the Ramada Hotel, Days Hotel and Express by Holiday Inn.  Andras House has built and will operate the hotels under franchise: “We are delighted these are the first ever franchised Ibis hotels in the UK. This shows a significant vote of confidence by the globally-renowned Accor Hospitality Group in our company. It is symbolic of their trust in the Northern Ireland tourism product and in the quality of service they know will be delivered to our high standards locally.”

“We are also proud to be part of Belfast’s regeneration strategy, particularly with the opening of the Ibis Belfast City Centre hotel in Castle Street on 12th November, which has significantly improved a previously dormant and neglected area in the heart of the city.”

Jean-Jacques Dessors, Chief Operating Officer for Accor Hospitality UK and Ireland, commented:  “The Belfast hotels opening today illustrate the latest generation of Ibis hotels, offering quality, affordable rooms and convivial bar and dining facilities. Andras House’s design team worked with local architects and suppliers during this development to produce two hotels of exceptionally high quality. Expansion into Northern Ireland represents a significant move towards our goal of becoming the reference point for economy hotels with quality services at very attractive prices."

The hotels combined will offer a total of 174 bedrooms (Queen’s Quarter 50 rooms and City Centre 124). Opening rates for both Belfast hotels are just £49 per room. As the leading European economy hotel company, Ibis offers its business and leisure customers the best value for money services in its market. Its worldwide development reflects the success of the Ibis standard, which guarantees its customers, throughout its establishments:

- A location close to airports, train stations, business centres & main tourist sites;
- A modern and perfectly equipped bedroom;
- Room service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- Bar and light hot and cold restaurant facilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- Wi-Fi internet connection;
- Breakfast available from 4am until noon;
- Prices that are clear and always competitive; and
- The “15 Minute Satisfaction Contract”.

The “15 Minute Satisfaction Contract” is a unique illustration of the brand’s demanding approach. Ibis is so confident of its level of services that it offers a 15-minute satisfaction guarantee to correct any problems for which the hotel is responsible within 15 minutes or the accommodation is free.
Accor's budget Ibis brand was first established in 1974 and operates over 800 Ibis hotels globally.  Between 2009 and 2010, one to two new Ibis hotels are expected to be launched in the world every week.

Photo Caption:

Belfast Welcomes New Global Budget ‘King and Queen’ Hotels - Two new Ibis hotels were launched in the city today in the regal King Street and majestic Queen’s Quarter. Pictured at the opening are Lord Diljit Rana, Chairman of Andras House, responsible for bringing the hotels to the city, and Gabriella Pallazini, the new General Manager for the hotels.

Visit: www.ibishotel.com