The first easyHotel – easyGroup’s budget accommodation brand – will open in Lexham Gardens, London, by the end of 2004.

Fleurets, the company chosen by easyGroup to find a suitable property, purchased the Earls Court site that easyGroup now hopes to have up and running by the end of the year.

The hotel will have between 25 to 30 double rooms, each 90sq ft in size, with facilities including a shower unit, a lavatory and a washbasin.

The group aims to offer accommodation starting from £5 a night, with guests having to pay extra for bedding and other luxuries, including toiletries and cleaning.

Once the pilot hotel is up and running, easyGroup hopes to roll out and franchise the brand in other major European cities. Details: www.easyhotel.com