Hilton announced plans to bring the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand to Northern Ireland, with an opening in Portrush, as part of a franchise agreement with Andras House. Once opened, The Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is anticipated to be the only internationally branded hotel in the town. The 83-room hotel will include a cafe, restaurant, and bar.
As part of the planning permission, Andras House commissioned an Economic Impact Statement, with the hotel projected to boost the local economy by €1.85m and visitor spending by €1.27 annually, creating new opportunities for surrounding businesses. It will also see almost 70 jobs created during construction and over 40 jobs once the hotel begins operation.
Portrush will also host the 153rd Open in 2025, marking the return of the famous golf tournament to Northern Ireland.
Graham Dodd, managing director of 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.”
Rajesh Rana, director of 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 €12.7m will undoubtedly be a flagship project for the area.”
Janice Gault, chief executive of the 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.”
