Kent’s newest upmarket hotel is set to open in a stunning beach-front location overlooking Dover Harbour. The 81-bedroom Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa opens on 24 March.Several million pounds is being invested in the iconic Kent hotel once favoured by royalty and celebrities. The elegant property is a centrepiece of the regeneration of the Dover waterfront, and has been fitted out by one of the UK’s top interior designers.
The hotel, which occupies a large mid-section of the five-storey grade II-listed Regency crescent terrace, is being run by Leaf Hotels, the company which owns two other successful hotels operating in East Kent. Around 60 jobs have been created, which have gone to local people.
The hotel’s facilities will include:
• 81 refurbished and individually styled en-suite bedrooms, many with spectacular beach and sea views
• Three conference, function and meetings rooms
• Stylish restaurant and bar
• Free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel
• Well-equipped fitness and spa centre (opening soon)
• Seafront coffee shop and ice cream parlour (opening soon).
Leaf Hotels has spent the past six months restoring the hotel to its original 1830s Regency splendour. “The hotel is the jewel in Dover’s crown, with breathtaking views across the beach and the harbour to the English Channel and beyond to France,” said general manager David Otteson.
“Thanks to its fusion of 21st century comfort and 19th century styling, the hotel is full of character and charm. With excellent access to ferry and cruise terminals, it’s ideal for business and leisure. This is a wonderful place to stay, an ideal base to enjoy the delights of Kent, or a day trip to France and Belgium.”
David Otteson said he was confident that the hotel would become a focal point for the local community, as well as a popular choice among tourists and business guests.
He also praised the quality of the refurbishment work undertaken by award-winning interior design practice Nicholas Hollinshead Interiors. “The brief was to blend the original 1830s features with modern day facilities and the result is stunning. Wallpapers, carpets and furniture have been sourced from all over the world to make this one of the most stylish hotels in Kent. We are all thrilled with the outcome,” he said.
The hotel will be a tremendous boost to the county’s tourism industry, according to Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit Kent, who complimented the owners for doing a ‘fantastic job’ in renovating the old Churchill Hotel.
She added: “They are to be congratulated for having the vision, dedication and commitment to deliver such an exciting project. The hotel is a welcome addition to the hospitality sector in Kent. The county needs additional high-quality bed stock and the Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa offer just that.”
The Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is in Waterloo Crescent, a couple of minutes from the port and cruise terminals. It caters for weddings, meetings and conferences, plus theme nights and fine dining parties, private dining and other functions.
