When local hotelier Andras House Ltd. agreed with Holiday Inn EMEA to develop their new European concept in budget accommodation for the business and leisure traveller, Andrew Nesbitt architects were appointed to design the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Ireland.

Working closely with the client and the Holiday Inn concept architects in Belgium, designs were developed to maximise the 0.5 hectare site in the City University precinct.

The scheme provides 114 guest rooms on three upper levels, serviced by the 'Great Room'- combined reception, dining, lounge and waiting areas. An independent 'Inex' conference centre is incorporated at ground level with separate reception and catering facilities.

The modelled facade reflects the traditional bay fronted Victorian terrace properties which characterise the adjacent Queens Conservation Area.

Full scale prototype guest rooms were constructed off site, to evolve final detailing and placing of all internal elements. The 5,500 sq.m. building was opened one year after construction commenced on site.

Client

Andras House Ltd.