New Chapter for 5 STAR Merchant Hotel, Belfast

2010 Opening for Extension Incorporating Spa, Jazz bar and Conference facilities

Tuesday 10th November 2009 marked the unveiling of a stunning ‘New Chapter’ in the story of Northern Ireland’s spectacular Merchant Hotel. The five star establishment, set in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, revealed dramatic plans for a new £16million extension incorporating a new luxury spa, decadent jazz bar, roof top garden, a state of the art gymnasium, 38 new bedrooms which will be the largest guest rooms available in Belfast at 42m², as well as an extensive meetings and events suite with excellent state of the art facilities. These additions to the prestigious hotel make it a perfect venue for both incentive and corporate meetings business.

Due for completion in Summer 2010, the impressive development is set to further transform the historical Cathedral Quarter in Belfast city centre with The Merchant Hotel now occupying an entire city block from Waring Street, through Skipper Street and High Street.

The expansive extension was part of The Merchant Hotel’s owner Bill Wolsey’s long term vision for
the ground-breaking luxury hotel. He commented: “The New Chapter has been in development for a number of years with careful consideration afforded to absolutely every new element. We have created a landmark that the people of Belfast can continue to be take pride in.”

“The innovative facilities will allow us to further grow our profile as an international standard bearer for Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry. It is due to the hard work and dedication of our team that today The Merchant has an internationally acclaimed reputation alongside the world’s most respected hotels and a guest experience that is second to none in Northern Ireland. We have much to look forward to with the completion of the New Chapter in 2010.”

New elements of The Merchant Hotel’s £16million New Chapter include:

• 38 new bedrooms. These will be the largest guest rooms available in Belfast (42m² minimum)
• A luxury spa with five treatment rooms, a Champagne nail bar, a hydrotherapy area and excellent dining facilities. This will be the first full spa available in Belfast city centre and will be open to
non-residents
• A state of the art rooftop gymnasium with panoramic city views
• A decadent jazz bar with live jazz and an excellent menu
• A roof top garden with stunning landscaping, canopies for inclement weather and an external fire
• Six multi-purpose, self contained meeting rooms and events suite with superb facilities for business meetings.

For further information on booking a meeting or incentive opportunities at the Merchant Hotel, please visit their website at:www.themerchanthotel.com or contact:

Lisa Scott
Sales Manager
T: +44 (0) 28 9023 4888
E: lisas@themerchanthotel.com