Newport's biggest luxury hotel has finally opened its doors two years after it was originally due to open. The 135-room hotel opened today, Friday May 13, at the top of the historic Chartist Tower after being delayed several times due to the coronavirus pandemic.
First announced in July 2018 as part of a £12m redevelopment of Chartist Tower, the 15-storey hotel includes rooms starting from £79 per night, an open plan restaurant and outdoor rooftop terrace at Bar & Kitchen @NP20, a fitness centre and five meeting and event spaces.
Originally due to open in April 2020, the hotel has been hit with a series of delays since the start of the pandemic. In January 2021 developers Garrison Barclay Estate announced that the hotel's progress had been put on hold "for the next four to six months." Most recently Accor, who operate the Mercure brand, held a series of recruitment days in December and confirmed the hotel would open in the first quarter of this year. Read more: Newport's changing identity: The city that always seems to take one step forward and two steps back
General Manager Ceri Trela said: "I’m thrilled to be opening our doors to welcome guests from near and far to enjoy the most exciting hotel opening we’ve seen in Newport for a long time. This new 4* hotel is a major investment for both Newport and Wales as a whole, bringing tourism, business and jobs to the area, whilst providing a solution to the significant gap in the market for much needed rooms.”
She continued: “We know Newport residents will love the new facilities and locally inspired spaces, we also hope to attract big business bookings within the sport and leisure sectors, and in doing so strengthen the region as a destination and booking choice for the future.”
Jennie Howells, Development Director of Garrison Barclay Estates, which owns Chartist Tower, said: “It has been an outstanding effort to get the hotel open ready for the summer after the awful delays due to Wales Covid lockdowns. A big congratulations to Interstate management and contractors involved. It’s an extremely exciting time for Newport and we are looking forward to the other new projects we are bringing forward to the City this year.”
