THE smart new £6.5 million Holiday Inn Express on the outskirts of Dunstable is now up and running.
Dunstable mayor Councillor Pat Staples carried out a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the stylish London Road hotel on Monday, June 11.
The 120-bedroom venue, which also has conference facilities, is on the A5 opposite the Beech Road junction.
It has given a new lease of life to part of a landmark site, which was once home to the former BTR rubber factory.
Now celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will be making a guest appearance at a “grand opening” event at the hotel later this month.
On Monday, business representatives and other visitors from the area were given tours of the building after it opened its doors for the first time.
General manager Louise Thrussell said: “Everyone is delighted. The day was a great success.
“I am proud to be the general manager of the new hotel.
“It was very exciting to welcome our first guest. All the staff are keen to do a great job.”
Visitors had commented favourably on the hotel’s fresh, contemporary look and affordable rates.
Twenty in-house posts have been created for the new Holiday Inn Express.
On top of those, up to 15 further jobs are expected to have been generated within the housekeeping agency involved in the hotel.
> On June 28, the hotel will be running a series of sessions for anyone who is interested in taking a closer look at the facilities and also meeting the team.
Jean-Christophe Novelli will be attending a gathering at the hotel that evening.
To enquire about booking a place at the sessions, email admin.dunstable@holidayinnexpress.org.uk.
