THIS is the first look behind the scenes of a new multi-million-pound hotel in Southampton.

The Harbour Hotel will throw open its doors next month following two years of construction.

Those behind the £25m hotel boast it will introduce five-star luxury to the marina and city, transforming the setting with a striking super-yacht inspired design with 85 bedrooms costing from £185 per night.

A jetty-concept restaurant on the ground floor will provide quality food led by chef Alex Aitken.

It will drift out onto an extensive outdoor decked terrace while an open-plan lounge will provide an “ideal setting” for informal meetings.

A cinema on the ground floor will also showcase daily screenings of the latest films and cult classics.

The first floor will feature an events space for weddings, functions and events featuring glass walls to make the most of the marina views.

The top floor will see a luxury rooftop bar, kitchen and club which will be open until late with a weekly calendar of live music and DJs.

An outdoor terrace will also include a fire pit and a wood-fired oven with a retractable heated canopy to maximise use in the winter.

The hotel will create 120 jobs.

Mike Warren, managing director, said: “We are thrilled to be in the final stages of our spectacular Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa development at Ocean Village, introducing five-star luxury to the marina, attracting tourism and providing a number of fantastic dining experiences, an indulgent spa and Southampton’s first destination rooftop bar for locals to enjoy.

“We are very excited to be opening next month.”

Nicolas Roach, executive chairman of the Nicolas James Group, the parent company of Harbour Hotels, added: “We believe our hotel, which will open as a five-star, will provide a boost for the city’s economy.

“People want quality and they are willing to pay for that.”

Simon Maguire, general manager of the new Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa, said: “With the team now in place for our new milestone Southampton opening, we are extremely excited to welcome both locals and new visitors to the area.”

The hotel will also boast a range of luxury facilities including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and relaxation areas, with Southampton residents being given full access to the hotel’s facilities.