Work on this new hotel brings with it a significant investment in the Belfast hospitality sector of approximately £20 million (€30 million approximately) and the creation of over 100 jobs - a huge boost to the hotel industry in Northern Ireland. This luxury hotel will exude all of the glamour, sophistication and impeccable customer service of its sister property in Dublin.
Located at the city centre end of Belfast’s Golden Mile, The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast will be the ideal spot for both business and leisure travellers to Northern Ireland's thriving capital city. The hotel is just a short walk to an array of cultural spots including City Hall, the Old Museum Arts Centre, Linen Hall Library and the Crown Liquor Saloon (featured in the classic James Mason movie ‘Odd Man Out’). It is also close to the central shopping area at Royal Avenue, the soon to be opened Victoria Square Complex and a wide array of restaurants and style bars.
The hotel, comprising 131 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites will also have a superbly appointed penthouse suite overlooking the city sights. Designed by noted architect Ian Halliday, from the firm of Halliday Ramsay, with interiors mirroring the look and style of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (originally designed by Christopher Ash who will be working on the interior of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast with design firm Project Orange), the Fitzwilliam Belfast promises to be a stunning addition to the Belfast hotel sector.
Belfast is now officially chic, with tourist bible "The Lonely Planet" placing the city in its Top 10 must see destinations for 2007. The city now attracts more than 6m visitors a year, contributing £285m to the economy and supporting 16,000 full-time jobs. Speaking at the launch today in Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Jim Rodgers (Ulster Unionist Party - UUP) welcomed this investment with open arms. "This ground breaking is symbolic of many things for Belfast. It means increased jobs for area residents, growth opportunities for local business owners and forward.
