A WIGAN hotel owner has taken inspiration from Donald Trump in a bid to boost investment in his business.

Ron Jones, co-owner of the Holland Hall Hotel, is offering 16 rooms for sale at the 30-bedroom hotel and restaurant complex in Upholland.

Hotel room ownership is a relatively new concept in the UK, but is seen as an attractive alternative to traditional property or share investment in the current economic climate.

Ron said: "The idea came from the US, where Donald Trump sold off floors of Trump Towers when he couldn't secure funding.

"We want to develop the hotel and build another 19 bedroom suites, so rather than go to the bank we decided to sell off some of our bedrooms on long leases.

"We've had interest from more than 500 potential purchasers so far, but as it's quite a new concept for the UK - people are understandably sceptical."

The rooms cost £105,000 for a 999-year lease, with a guaranteed return of 8.25 per cent gross on the investment for three years.

After that, room owners will receive 50 per cent of any revenue earned by the 16 rooms as a pool, with each room currently earning about £17,000 a year.

Owners will also benefit from 14 nights' usage, spa membership, golf packages, valuation and legal fees.

Ron bought the hotel with business partner Neil Manley seven years ago, when it was a £300,000 turnover business.

After a £2m refurbishment, Ron said the hotel now turns over £2m a year.