UK boutique hotel group, Malmaison, has announced that it intends to double in size within the next four years.

The chain will expand from seven hotels to a total of 15 by 2008.

Each new site will average between 70 and 150 bedrooms – dependent upon the location, city and deal.

Target cities for new Malmaison sites will include Bristol, Southampton, Guilford and Cambridge, although there is no confirmation of projects in these cities as yet.

So far, the only cities which have been confirmed as future sites for Malmaison properties are Belfast – first reported on www.leisure opportunities.co.uk on 15 April – and Oxford, where the company is due to open within the Oxford Castle redevelopment in the autumn 2005.

There is also currently a substantial refurbishment programme taking place across the existing hotels in the Malmaison portfolio.

Managing director, Robert B. Cook, said: “Malmaison is entering an exciting period. Expansion is paramount alongside the need to remain absolutely focused on nurturing our existing portfolio.” Details: www. malmaison.com