The Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will transform a Victorian building to its former glory in the popular seaside town of Portrush.
Entry to Northern Ireland
Resulting from a franchise agreement with Andras House, The Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is now set to open as the only internationally branded hotel in the town.
Graham Dodd, managing director, development, UK & Ireland at Hilton, said: “Northern Ireland has seen a significant jump in tourism in recent years, with travellers coming from all over the world to experience the charm of this captivating country.”
“Portrush continues to experience growing demand for high-quality accommodation that provides an authentic experience rooted in local culture, making it the perfect location for Northern Ireland’s first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel.”
An Economic Impact Statement commissioned by Andras House projects that the hotel will boost local economy by £1.6 million and visitor spending by £1.1 million annually, while also seeing the creation of almost 70 jobs during construction and over 40 jobs for the hotel’s operation.
Janice Gault, chief executive, Northern Ireland Hotel Federation, said: “The Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will bring contemporary branded hotel accommodation to Portrush and will attract international visitors to the north coast area.”
“The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, with one million visitors in 2019. This project will allow more guests to stay in the Council area, increasing visitor spend and investment locally.”
Local connection
Fitting in with the brand it’s a part of, the hotel will embrace the distinct culture of its locale to provide a base for travellers who are looking for the authenticity of an independent hotel in a destination worth exploring.
This 83-key hotel will occupy a site that served as a hotel and artisan bakery between 1895 and the 1980s, with interiors that embrace the local heritage and culture, as well as the colours of the coastal landscape, in this restored and extended building.
Amenities within the hotel will include a café, restaurant and bar. Nearby sites to explore then include the city of Belfast, Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway. In 2025, Portrush will also host the 153rd Open golf tournament.
On these plans, Rajesh Rana, director, Andras House, said: “I am very pleased to be commencing this exciting and high-profile project. We understand the importance of this building to the town of Portrush; with so much history and fond memories created here over the years, our architects and designers have responded by developing a scheme that will complement the old with the new. We will start work in September 2023, and this investment of £11 million will undoubtedly be a flagship project for the area.”
