Premier Inn has opened a new hotel in London’s renowned Leicester Square. Leicester Square is famous as the home of film and theatre and now features a new branch of the UK hotel chain at 1 Leicester Place.

Premier Inn’s brand new 83 bedroom Leicester Square hotel was officially opened on 13 May 2012 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. Fifty per cent of those hired have been 18-24 year olds who were previously unemployed for long periods of time.

Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel chain and is currently the largest provider of budget hotels within the M25 area, with aims to increase its number of rooms by 50% and double its size with new hotels in London by 2016.

Patrick Dempsey, Managing Director of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, commented: “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, commented: “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 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.

Premier Inn offers all guests a no quibble ‘Good Night Guarantee’, which means if customers are not 100% satisfied with their stay, they will get their money back.

Rooms are available to book at www.premierinn.com. Each bedroom caters for up to two adults and two children (aged 15 and under) and includes an en-suite bathroom; a king size bed; remote control TV with Freeview; tea/coffee making facilities, and a spacious desk area with 30 minutes free Wi-Fi Internet access. The hotel also offers the All You Can Eat ‘Premier Breakfast’.