Entrepreneur offers budget travellers a new city centre option
Hospitality entrepreneur Adrian McLaughlin is opening revamped budget accommodation in Belfast city centre following a £200,000 investment.
Adrian and his business partners secured a long-term lease on Bank Square Townhouse, formerly operated by Dream Apartments.
The former manager of the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, the Gibson Hotel in Dublin and Carton House Hotel in Co Kildare, said: “For a long time I’ve felt that there was an opportunity in Belfast to provide somewhere for visitors that offers boutique features at a budget price.
“So when the opportunity arose to take on Bank Square, I didn’t hesitate.
“We have a 24-hour front desk, and there’s even free single-estate coffee and snacks in the lobby.
“The decor’s very distinctive too, and features classic monster movie-style murals with a local twist, which we commissioned from Belfast artist Leo Boyd.”
Rooms include an en-suite, with a power shower, SMART TV, broadband and air conditioning.
The venue also boasts a car parking arrangement with nearby CastleCourt and a host of city centre restaurants will give guests ample choice when it come to dining.
Two years ago Adrain set up another hospitality business, Guilt Trip Coffee + Donuts, but said it was operating in a “difficult trading environment”.
It has five outlets, with three in England, one in east Belfast and one in Holywood.
He said: “Increasing costs and continued lack of consumer confidence are symptomatic of a lot of sections within hospitality right now.
“We continue to work hard at offering the very best coffee and donut experience there is and look forward to a return to more normal trading conditions.”
