Merlin Holland, the only grandson of Oscar Wilde, was the guest of honour at the launch of a new hotel carrying the Irish playwright's name.

Operated by Staycity Group, the 106-bedroom Wilde Aparthotels London, The Strand is located close to the tourist hot spot of Covent Garden and London's theatre-land.

The hotel offers guests a choice of studios and double rooms over eight floors, including three sky level studios.

Staycity CEO and founder Tom Walsh said: "We're honoured to have Merlin with us to mark the opening of our first Wilde and to share some insight into his famous grandfather.

"It"s fitting that our first Wilde is close to where Oscar lived in London. It is also opposite the Vaudeville Theatre, currently hosting an Oscar Wilde season, and is a short walk from the Oscar Wilde memorial, near Charing Cross.'"

Staycity intends to roll out the Wilde brand across gateway city centre locations throughout Europe.

The Strand will be followed by properties in Edinburgh, Manchester and Berlin.