STAFF at Huddersfield’s newest hotel are counting down to the opening day later this month.

The Premier Inn at Aspley will open its doors to guests on March 24 when the first 34 rooms become available.

The remaining 18 rooms – which are in a separate building – will open on April 1, bringing the total to 52.

The new hotel, which stands alongside The Aspley restaurant at St Andrew’s Road, has created 15 jobs – with scope for another five posts in the near future.

The new jobs include room attendants, receptionists and night porters.

Hotel manager Lorna Allison said: “The first building has now been handed over to us and two weeks of training for the team will begin on Friday.

“We will hold preview evenings for family and friends on March 18. We have already had a fantastic start with Huddersfield University booking 20 rooms.”

Lorna said the new hotel aimed to get involved in town centre events, such as the Food and Drink Festival this summer. It also intended to appeal to families as well as people visiting the town on business or for local events. Lorna added: “It will be really good for the centre of Huddersfield.”

The Aspley will provide breakfast and other meals for hotel guests.

Premier Inn, part of the Whitbread leisure group, bucked the trend during the recession as customers opted for its lower priced offering compared with many other hotel operators. The new Premier Inn will offer a mix of family, double and twin rooms, starting from £29.