Competition in Brighton and Hove's accommodation sector will intensify next month when a 234-room hotel opens in the city centre.

Taking shape next to Brighton station is a three-star Jury's Inn which will be hoping to grab the lion's share of custom from just-off-thetrain visitors.

The £21.5 million building boasts numerous environmental features which bosses hope will help differentiate the hotel.

Solar panels on the roof back up the hot water supply and a grey water recycling system will provide flushing water for all ground-floor bedrooms.

Low-energy light bulbs will be fitted throughout, proximity sensors installed in bathrooms and bird boxes have been attached to the outer walls.

Sophisticated insulation techniques have secured the five-storey property an "excellent"

rating from Bream, the environmental assessment consortium.

General manager Damien Doyle said: "Although we are technically three-star, I see our main competition being the four-star hotels.

"The only reason we are not four-star is because we do not offer room service and most people are prepared to walk down to breakfast.

"We have a great opportunity to attract people who have come down from London and haven't booked a room yet and don't want to break the bank.

"Our rates will be very competitive.

"There is certainly room for more hotels in Brighton. It hasn't reached saturation point yet. There's plenty of business out there for all the hotels in this city."

Mr Doyle joined Jury's as part of the Chamberlain Hotels acquisition in 2001.

He moved to The Clifton Ford Hotel in London's West End as food and beverage manager and from there to Jury's Inn Islington as deputy general manager.

He was promoted to general manager of Jury's Inn Croydon where he remained for three years until taking his current post in Brighton.