Belfast’s largest hotel Group, Andras Hotels, has today completed a £5million, 60-bedroom extension to the Holiday Inn Express®.

The Queen’s Quarter, Belfast-based property, which has been owned and operated by Andras Hotels since 1996, will benefit from the Holiday Inn Express ‘New Generation’ design concept, to the new bedrooms featuring a modern and ergonomic design.

The new bedroom wing extends over three floors and includes two underground car parking decks and parking at surface level. Additionally, the lobby and dining areas have also had the New Generation makeover, providing integrated design and flexible dining. The Express Café & Bar is central to the public space innovation, making it inviting for fast tasty food or the free ‘Express Start’ cooked breakfast, which is included for every guest.

Each new bedroom has stylish fresh modern decor featuring larger beds with premium bedding, increased connectivity and Smart TV, air-conditioning and elegant bathrooms.

The work which began in April 2017 has been completed by MSM Contracts who are also refurbishing and extending the Crowne Plaza property in Belfast for Andras Hotels, due for completion later this month. Both projects are being funded by Danske Bank.

Holiday Inn Express, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), is one of the worlds’ most recognisable budget hotel brands, with 2,618 properties featuring 265,269 rooms worldwide providing the brand’s ethos of ‘Simple, Smart Travel’.

Director of Andras Hotels, Rajesh Rana, said “The past number of years have seen us invest over £25million into our properties and the economy of Belfast.

“Our extension at Holiday Inn Express will help meet the growing demand for mid-range hotel accommodation in the city, serviced by a corporate and leisure market who want a simple, engaging place to rest, recharge and work. It is our longest running hotel and with its global brand recognition provides consistent travellers from across the globe.

“Over the past 19 years, we have fostered an excellent partner relationship with IHG, and we now operate three IHG branded hotels in Belfast - Holiday Inn®, Belfast City Centre, Crowne Plaza Hotel at Shaw’s Bridge and here at Holiday Inn Express®.

Rajesh Rana, continued: “We are in an extremely busy and exciting time for Andras Hotels. We are extending and refurbishing our Crowne Plaza which will further meet the demand for hotel accommodation in our thriving city.

Rajesh concluded: “I would like to thank Danske Bank for their continued confidence and investment with our brand.”

Lewis McCallan, Head of Relationship Management - Corporate Banking, Danske Bank said: “At Danske we are absolutely delighted to support the continued growth and success of Andras Hotels, another milestone in its journey with a market leading International brand.

“The extensions to Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza will further enhance the already buoyant tourism and hospitality sector locally.

“Once again congratulations to Rajesh and his team at Andras Hotels, Danske is proud to be working in Partnership with this leading indigenous, property and hospitality business at the forefront of this dynamic sector which is, and will continue to be, instrumental for the future success of the NI economy on a global platform.

Lewis concluded: “With Belfast recently being highlighted as the top city to visit in the respected Lonely Planet Guide for 2018, Andras Hotels are poised to go from strength to strength.”

Andras Hotels was founded in Belfast, where it has a 37-year history. It currently operates five internationally-branded hotels and serviced apartments with over 700 beds in the city which will extend to 1000 by the end of the year.