PICTURES: Bournemouth's £60million Hilton Hotel opens

The building in Terrace Mount, dominated by a 14-storey tower with views over the bay, hosted a ribbon cutting with town mayor John Adams and other dignitaries in attendance.

PICTURES: See all our images from the hotel here

Under construction for two years, it is the largest hotel development in the town for 100 years, and boasts 172 bedrooms as well as a 'Sky Bar' and spa and other facilities which will be open to the public.

The opening was welcomed by the mayor.

Councillor Adams said: "This is a massive investment in Bournemouth and we are so pleased to see this confidence in the town. I think they have made the right choice.

"We will be doing all we can to promote the investment they have made. I am holding the Mayor's Ball here next April.

"The hotel is near the Bournemouth International Centre and will be a great benefit for people visiting for conferences and exhibitions.

"I was a hotel manager here for most of my life and I know how important tourism is to the town, not just people staying for a week but those visiting for one day."

Cedric Horgnies, the hotel’s general manager, said he was "absolutely over the moon" the project was finally complete. He said he was very proud of the links made with workers in the local area.

"In terms of recruitment, we have employed 150 people to join our team, which is a great addition to the local economy," he said.

"Our head chef is also from Bournemouth. As well as working with local colleges and for the food festival, he also works a lot with local suppliers."

The four-star hotel sits aside the smaller three-star Hamptons by Hilton which opened earlier this year, together providing an extra 300 rooms to the area.

Bespoke interiors and furnishings have been designed exclusively for the Bournemouth site by Ray Kelvin - founder of the Ted Baker brand - and cllr Adams said he was particularly impressed with the array of Poole pottery in the hotel lobby.