A BUDGET hotel chain is set to open Liverpool’s first “five-star hostel”, in the heart of the city’s Cavern Quarter.
Starboard Hotels Ltd hopes to secure permission for the 240-bed development which will occupy the Kansas Building, on Mathew Street.
If successful, the project will see the currently empty units which used to be the flagship Wade-Smith clothing store brought back into use.
Starboard Hotels includes the Holiday Inn and Days Inn brands, but the “Evolution” hostel would be only the second in the country.
The first was opened in Edinburgh.
Operations director Philip Houghton said the “five-star hostel” theme was serious, and the Stanley Street venture would be properly accredited.
He added: “It’s around the fact that all the dormitories are en suite and it’s a high quality fit-out with a high level of guest amenity.
“They are self-catering for those who want to cook for themselves, but there’s also a vending area and internet access.
“We’re trying to create an environment where the guest really is number one.”
