Leicester Square is famous as the home of film and theatre and today sees a new addition to the Square, with the opening of a Premier Inn at number 1 Leicester Place. Premier Inn’s brand new 83 bedroom hotel was officially opened on the 16th May by Whitbread Chairman Anthony Habgood, Whitbread Managing Director Patrick Dempsey, and Minister of Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose MP. The new hotel, which sees a £12 million investment into the London economy, is one of 20 hotels that will have opened by the end of 2013 across the city as part of a major expansion drive for the hotel chain.
Premier Inn Leicester Square has not only provided significant investment into the local economy but has also created 32 job opportunities for London residents ranging from reception to managerial roles, 50% of those employed have come from long term unemployed 18-24 year olds.
Patrick Dempsey, Managing Director of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, comments: “We are delighted to be opening a new Premier Inn in the heart of London, a short walk from many of the capitals most well known tourist attractions. Our exciting growth in London means that we can offer even more people a great night’s sleep in the best locations when visiting the capital and we look forward to opening more hotels in London over the coming year.”
John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, comments: “Tourism is vital to the UK’s economy and growth and it will play a big role in our future success. It is great to have been here today to officially open the new hotel in this brilliant location and to hear Premier Inn’s plans for further expansion. The eyes of the world will be on London this summer and I can only commend Premier Inn’s contribution to making England the place to stay for both international and domestic travellers.”
The new hotel is also a leader in innovation with ‘floating’ bedrooms equipped with double soundproofing to ensure guests get a good night’s sleep despite being within walking distance of many popular theatres, shops and London tourist attractions.
