A CITY centre hotel has seen its official rating increase from three stars to four following a £3 million refurbishment and extension.

The Best Western Monkbar Hotel has seen 2016 start with its AA three star rating increase to four following the completion of a project to construct a new extension, housing 27 bedrooms and a ground-floor function suite.

In addition, all the public areas, including reception, residents’ lounge and meeting rooms have been upgraded, as have all the guest bedrooms.

Monkbar Hotel general manager Graham Usher said: "This is the first time in our 25-year history that we have been rated as four stars, which is just great news. It’s a superb start to 2016.

"The hotel has undergone a total transformation and we are very proud of the finished look. The response we are receiving from new and returning customers’ has been fantastic.

"While we have more than satisfied the AA inspector, the next people we are aiming to impress is Best Western itself.

"What we are aiming for is a Best Western ranking of 4 Star Plus. This is something we are setting our sights on and will know later this year.

"In the meantime, we will not be resting on our laurels. Far from it, we will be pulling out all the stops to impress the Best Western assessors.”

The new look hotel was created by interior designer Janine Powel, of Hampton Design whose client portfolio includes hotel giants Marriott, Intercontinental, Hilton and Ramada.