Member Article

Hythe Imperial becomes a Classic British Hotel following £1m investment

After investing more than £1 million over the last 18 months, The Hythe Imperial hotel has become a part of the Classic British Hotels group.

Following the refurbishment of the public areas, Imperial Ballroom and completing phase one of a four phase bedrooms upgrade, the decision was taken by owners GSE Group to switch to Classic British Hotels.

Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, said: “There is a resurgence in demand from UK and overseas visitors for quality independent British hotels, in particular those offering great locations, history, a feel of grandeur and high levels of service.

“Feedback from our visitors and group organisers has meant that now is the right time to move to Classic British Hotels as we take the hotel to the next level through our ongoing investment programme.”

The move will see the 100 bedroom four-star Kent hotel, with its spa and adjacent golf course, move from being managed and marketed by Accor Hotels, under the Mercure brand, to Classic British Hotels.

Denise Vas, General Manager at The Hythe Imperial, said: “This change will appeal to those visitors who want a quintessential English period hotel experience against the backdrop of the English Channel and historic town of Hythe, and nearby Romney Marsh.

“We will be working closely with Classic British Hotels, and our strategic partners at Visit Kent, to attract more people to the county, and in particular to Shepway.

“It will also bring the landmark Hythe Imperial back home and reconnect with the local community, once again making it the place where they can celebrate important events in their lives.”

In addition to undertaking the next phase of the bedroom upgrade programme in September, with its new standard and executive rooms, and luxury suites, in September, work will shortly get underway on a new Champagne Bar in January.

Len Louis, Chief Executive of Classic British Hotels, said: “We are proud to call the Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa & Golf a Classic British Hotel and look forward to a profitable, long-term relationship; working in partnership to deliver all the clout of a global hotel brand whilst retaining what is unique about this stunning seafront Victorian mansion.

“The Hythe Imperial will find itself in good company; it joins a collection that prides itself on its quality and individuality.”

To mark the move to Classic British Hotels, the Hythe Imperial’s management, and staff in their distinctive new uniforms, were joined by a number at classic British sportscars, and representatives from Hythe and Shepway.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .