Derby set for 400 new hotel rooms

Prospective grooms planning a stag weekend in Derby could find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to sorting out accommodation.

According to the Derby Evening Telegraph, the city will see the development of at least 400 new hotel rooms by the end of May next year, providing ample choice for visitors.

Derby is already home to almost 1,900 rooms and attracted more than 300,000 visitors during 2008, but many hotels remain fully booked by business visitors during the week.

It is hoped the provision of more rooms will help attract a greater number of weekend visitors, with events such as the F1 Grand Prix at Donington and the women's FA Cup final at Pride Park likely to lure tourists to the area.

Derby Tourism's visitor services and development manager Stella Birks said: "More people are coming to Derby.

"It has been underdeveloped but they can see we have got our act together and are forging ahead with inward investment."

Earlier this month, tourism officials in Derby launched a glossy guide to the region's best hotels and attractions in a bid to boost its reputation as a "recognised place" for a city break.