Just four weeks after opening its doors for business, the boss of Bristol's newest hotel says it has already hit the 100 per cent occupancy rate.

The hotel and catering business has been one of the hardest hit sectors in the retail trade in the recession and many Bristol hotels have suffered over the last six months.

But according to the owner of the new Future Inns Hotel, which is based opposite the £500-million Cabot Circus shopping centre in the heart of the Bristol city centre, business is booming.

According to the hotel, visitors from across the UK and abroad have checked in, with 90 per cent having pre-booked their stay and the remaining 10 per cent coming from casual trade.

Managing director Del Brett said: "Reaching 100 per cent level of occupancy so soon after opening is fantastic and a real indication that there is still an opportunity for the hotel market to grow in the current economic climate.

"Future Inns has built its brand on offering good value for money without compromising service levels and I am sure that is a contributor to the success we have already seen at the hotel.

"With more people looking to get real value for money for both leisure and corporate trips, we are anticipating a great first year for our Bristol hotel."

Mr Brett believes that the hotel sector in Bristol has seen the worse of the downturn and things are beginning to pick up once again. The opening of the Cabot Circus development last September has also helped to bring more visitors into the city centre at a time when other cities are struggling.

Canadian-born Del Brett, who is now based in Bristol, has already opened hotels in Plymouth and Cardiff and is looking to expand his hotel operation in the region.

The hotel, which cost £20 million to build and fit out has a bar, a unique steak and chophouse restaurant and free parking for 100 cars.

The fourth and fifth floors of the hotel with additional bedrooms will be opening in the next couple of months. In July the hotel's business and conference facilities will open on the top floor.

The facilities will seat 350 theatre-style and 200 banquet-style, giving panoramic views of the city. The basement floor will host a jazz club, set to open in August, which will showcase national and local talent.