THE first of two new Hilton-branded hotels has officially opened to guests in Bournemouth.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the Hampton by Hilton hotel at Terrace Road, which offers 120 bedrooms and will see the creation of around 21 jobs.

Many of the rooms offer stunning sea or town centre views and, for the next few months, a birds-eye view of the Hilton Hotel being built next door.

This hotel, which has ambitions to achieve five star status, will have a fine dining restaurant and be topped by a Sky Bar.

The Hampton by Hilton is not a full service hotel but a "one stop shop," in which everything is included in the price - wifi, breakfast, a gym and a work zone.

Manager Jason Davies, who only started at the hotel four weeks ago, said: "I'm very happy to come and work in Bournemouth, it's a wonderful town.

"The lead up to the opening was quite manic but once we opened our doors and started welcoming guests, it all calmed down a bit. We are very happy to be open for business and showing people what we have got to offer."

Former Bournemouth and Poole College students Isabella Pogliaghi, 19, and Hollie Leyshon-Caines, 20, are both celebrating after securing full-time jobs at the hotel.

Isabella said: "I wanted more experience in customer service and Hilton is a renowned company to work for. I love the hotel, it's so modern and well designed.

And Hollie said: "I studied hospitality at college and as soon as I heard these Hilton hotels were being built, I wanted to get in straight away."

Mark Smith, Bournemouth's director of tourism, said: "Having a new hotel open in Bournemouth makes us the envy of most destinations but to have a branded corporate hotel like Hampton by Hilton is just great, it means we can attract new customers.

"It's a great addition to the hotel stock and will help the conference business all-year round."