Hilton unveils its first property on north coast following £11m renovation
The 80-room Marcus Portrush is a Tapestry Collection by Hilton venue, and marks Hilton's first presence on the north coast.
Its opening takes place ahead of golf extravaganza The Open at Royal Portrush in July.
Andras House, led by chief executive Rajesh Rana, had carried out an £11m renovation on an old Victorian-era hotel on Main Street where The Marcus is now located.
According to an economic impact assessment carried out by Andras House, the hotel is tipped to boost the economy in the area by £1.1m in annual visitor spending, while creating over 40 permanent jobs.
Hilton said the restoration 'carefully preserves historic features, including original mosaic signage, decorative floor mosaics reflecting the site's rich hospitality heritage, and the restored tiled façade'.
The company said the new hotel's name, 'whimsical design' and 'coastal charm' were inspired by fictional character Marcus, described as a 'comic book-style adventurer'. Children staying at the hotel are to receive a complimentary storybook about his adventures.
There are historical photographs on display in the hotel to celebrate Portrush's heritage as a Victorian tourist resort, while the interior design is said to draw inspiration from the surrounding coastline.
The hotel has an Asian fusion restaurant, Nemesis, featuring classics like sirloin steak, as well as Asian dishes.
And its cocktail bar has been designed to evoke 'the charm of snug harbour bars, with low ceilings, rich textures, and a warm, intimate atmosphere'. Its cocktail menu includes Poitín with mango.
Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm.
"As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch – making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.'
Rajesh Rana, director at Andras House, said: 'I am delighted to be welcoming our first guests to this exciting and high-profile project.
"Portrush has so much history and fond memories created here over the years, and our architects and designers have responded by delivering a scheme that embody these stories in a modern style.
"This investment of £11m will bring much needed modern hotel accommodation to the area, helping to regenerate the Main Street of Portrush and secure its future as a must-go tourism destination.'
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