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UK budget accommodation chain easyHotel may not be able to open its new Belfast property due to a lack of certification on room sizes, despite having “received reassurances” about its opening.
The £5m premises, located on Howard Street, started life as office space but has been converted into an 81-bedroom hotel. However, it contains double rooms that are below 13sq metres which is less than the lower limit as stipulated by Northern Ireland law, according to legislation set out in 1992 and last modified in 2009.
The new hotel was scheduled to open next month, but certification granted by Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI) to operate legally hangs in the balance.
EasyHotel Belfast said in a statement: “easyHotel Belfast is currently working closely with Tourism NI utilising their expertise as well as going through the normal certification process. The super budget model is an exciting new product that is becoming ubiquitous in all major city destinations. It is designed to cater for the increasing number of travellers who want simple comfort, a central location and great value to allow them to explore all the experiences that a city has to offer.
“Known for its quality and affordability, we are very proud to bring easyHotel to Belfast. Building work is on programme for opening in August and we believe it will be an excellent addition to the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.”
EasyHotel in London said earlier in an statement issued on 3 July: “easyHotel makes a significant contribution to local economies. Our popular room format offers basic comfortable accommodation from £19.99 a room so that guests have more to spend in the space outside their rooms. That means more expenditure in local restaurants, shops and tourist locations. Our rooms are fully compliant with the very latest national guidance on room sizes.
“Procedural delays at the Assembly mean that guidance has not yet been updated in Northern Ireland, but in our on-going dialogue with Tourism Northern Ireland throughout the planning process we have received reassurances. Ultimately this is a discretionary matter and we have written to the Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, seeking urgent clarification.”
