Plans in for landmark Oxford hotel extension

Plans to expand a four-star Oxford city centre hotel have been revealed.Courtyard Hotel by Marriott was constructed between 2018 and 2019, and opened in the summer of the latter.It remains owned and operated by the current applicant and landowner, Dominus.The hotel currently has 149 rooms in a five-storey – plus setback on the sixth storey – brick building fronting Paradise Street.It operates at an average of 91 per cent occupancy blended across the year, with occupancy levels as high as 98 per cent in June and July.The occupancy rate is “expected to grow per annum, approaching full occupancy over the summer months”.Lined up is a rooftop extension to continue the top storey over the underused roof terrace, comprising nine bedrooms.”This modest extension will enable the hotel to provide additional rooms and to assist in meeting an acute local need,” said a design and access statement.The document added that the ambition of the development is:• Accommodating demand for hotel rooms in Oxford at the popular and successful Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre• Making the most of the hotel’s city centre location to provide a great experience for business and leisure visitors, including international guests• Providing economic benefits, including increased guest spend and generating onsite and off-site employment in the local communityThe application is with Oxford City Council.