Belfast hotel upgrades luxury status

7 July 2009 -

A £5 million upgrade for the Park Avenue Hotel in Belfast has resulted in the establishment achieving four-star status.

The family-owned 56-bedroom hotel, which employs 100 staff, recently completed a makeover and improvements to its bedrooms, bar, restaurant and conference centre.

An inspection by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board resulted in the accommodation in Northern Ireland earning the fourth star.

Hotel director Mandy Martin, grand-daughter of founder Harry Stephens, commented that the establishment has very strong local ties and a proven track record of commitment to the community.

She added: "We are expressing confidence in the sector and the continuing development and realisation of the potential for east Belfast, the wider city and Northern Ireland to become a mainstream destination."

Last week's Belfast Lyric Theatre secured £500,000 of conditional funding, which will go towards the £1.3 million needed to complete construction work at the venue and pay for a 394 seat auditorium, rehearsal room, riverfront foyers and a 150-seat studio theatre.