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Plans for 'Trump Towers' revealed
Developers behind Hull's first four-star hotel gave planners a sneak preview yesterday. Alexandra Wood reports.
A REVOLUTION in the hotel industry could be coming to Hull. Forget grubby bedrooms with out-of-date fittings, teamakers and trouser presses.
"Owner Hotel Hull" is all about luxury and gimmicks in every room – from the jacuzzi baths with headrests and TVs set in the marble-tiled walls, to a gizmo that can refresh a businessman's jaded suit.
Developer Andy Woodcock is planning a 2m transformation of the 19th century Institute, in Albion Street, into an "owner hotel", a concept based on a chain owned by US tycoon Donald Trump.
The owner gets to use the room for up to 52 days a year, the rest of the time letting it as a hotel room, with a 50 per cent split between the investor and the hotel operator.
And with just a fortnight to go before planners on Hull Council make their decision, Mr Woodcock yesterday put one of the hotel suites – price 100,000 – on show.
Every detail has been thought of: from the feel of the sheets as you slip into bed at night, to the Tassimo drink maker and laptop-size digital wall safe. There's even a choice of mattress: from extra firm to a soft type which moulds to fit your form.
Downstairs in the public areas there'll be a DVD and CD library and games consoles for hire, a bar and restaurant and a waiting concierge to park your car.
Mr Woodcock and his wife Angie have visited the Ritz and the world's only seven-star hotel, the Burj al Arab, to take notes. Verdict: the Ritz's staff were snooty. The Burj al Arab's staff couldn't have done more to make them feel welcome.)
Mr Woodcock has also taken a close look at the hotel market in Hull, which has an 84 per cent occupancy rate, with hardly a room to be had on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Add this to burgeoning regeneration around St Stephen's and Quay West, increasing numbers of tourists, and the relative cheapness of his hotel rooms compared to other owner hotels – a single room is going for 60,000 – and he believes Owner Hotel Hull can only succeed.
Of the 27 rooms, 20 have already been taken from Championship footballers to investors diversifying from a market saturated with buy-to-let properties.
Mr Woodcock, managing director of property firm Weth Estates, which has converted a series of city centre solicitors' offices into up-market accommodation, plans to keep one or two for himself to ensure he has a say in the ongoing running of the hotel.
"We've been amazed by the inquiries we've had from all over the world, from Texas, to Spain and the Canary Islands and all over the UK. It is great for dipping your toe as an investment. We can't quote return figures, but suffice to say they are five times what you would get in banks in certain places."
With a 2m budget, he plans to retain original features in the 150-year-old property, which was built in 1846 for the renowned physician Dr J Alderson, including the entrance pillars and the sweeping staircase.
Last year Mr Woodcock attacked the city's regeneration plans as a "joke" after councillors rejected his 14m plans to create a luxury waterfront development.
But he doesn't believe he will encounter problems this time with his application for change of use and listed building consent: "The council is desperate to attract a high-quality hotel to the city centre. We are probably the only city in the top 20/30 that doesn't have a four-star hotel.
"I'd be gobsmacked if we didn't get it. We consulted before we bought the building and everyone has been very, very keen."
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