Stephen Meldrum appointed general manager of Belfast's new Grand Central Hotel

Hastings Hotels has announced the appointment of Stephen Meldrum as general manager of the new Grand Central Hotel in Belfast.

Meldrum will lead the 300-room hotel when it opens in June, incorporating three restaurants and bars as well as a reception lounge with space for up to 100 people.

He joined the company in 2002 as restaurant manager at Ballygally Castle before working his way up to general manager of the hotel. He has since held general manager positions at the Everglades Hotel, Culloden Estate & Spa and the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. He is also the incoming president of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.

Howard Hastings, managing director of Hastings Hotels, said: "In order to find the best person to take the helm of the new Grand Central Hotel, the role was advertised heavily throughout Ireland and the UK and we are delighted to have appointed Stephen Meldrum as the general manager.

"As one of the leading figures in Northern Ireland's hospitality industry along with a wealth of experience and proven track record of excelling in luxury hotel management, Stephen is without doubt the right person to take on one of the top hotel jobs in Ireland and we wish him the very best in his new role."

Meldrum said: "I am honoured to have been appointed general manager of the Grand Central Hotel. The building programme is on schedule and I am looking forward to the challenge of working towards the opening in June of what will be Northern Ireland's biggest hotel. At 23 storeys high, the views alone will be unbeatable, and I will bring my 20 years of experience to ensure the hotel leads the way and that guests will enjoy a memorable stay every time."

Hastings Hotels' portfolio includes six four- and five-star properties across Northern Ireland, including the Stormont and Europa hotels in Belfast, and the Culloden Estate.

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