LIVERPOOL John Lennon Airport has announced an economy-style Hilton hotel will open this summer as part of a £37m development programme.

Airport owners Peel Holdings last night revealed it has signed the hotel giant’s economy brand, Hampton by Hilton.

This latest airport arrival will bolster its position as a major regional airport despite the current economic gloom, according to the airport’s management.

Due to open this summer, the 160-bedroom hotel is part of a £37m development that also includes a multi-storey car park and will allow guests to walk directly to the terminal building across a new bridge linking the terminal and the new development.

A spokesman for Hilton said: "Based on the concept of a value-wise hotel product delivering unexpected style and service, Hampton by Hilton offers guests a level of design, service and comfort that is unparalleled and includes a 100% Hampton Satisfaction Guarantee."

It will be Peel’s second airport hotel, following on from the successful opening of Ramada Encore at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield in autumn last year, and further hotels are planned throughout the group’s portfolio.

Robin Tudor, spokesman for Liverpool JLA, said: "It’s all part of being a growing regional airport.

"We’ve just added the multi- storey car park and we’ve expanded air traffic control and upgraded the runway.

"The next step for an airport dominated by the low cost market is for an affordable but up-to-date hotel and this is the right mix.

"Despite a tough economic climate, this will offer our customers good value for money."