The Malmaison boutique hotel group will open their eighth hotel site on Belfast’s Victoria Street on 3 December.

Situated within an 1850s listed building, Malmaison Belfast will feature 62 rooms, two suites – one with a billiard table – a bar, Malmaison Gymtonic fitness suite and brasserie. It is the group’s first move into the Irish hospitality sector.

The new Malmaison was created from the four-star McCausland Hotel in Belfast, which the group acquired from Landmark Hotels in July.

Managing director, Robert B.Cook, said Belfast is the perfect market for the group: “Belfast’s economic rejuvenation has given birth to a hugely creative and energetic city, qualities synonymous with Malmaison.”

Malmaison intends to double its property portfolio size within the next four years, expanding from seven hotels to a total of 15 by 2008. Details: www.malmaison-belfast.com