Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa Set To Open After Multi-Million Pound Refurbishment.

M2 PRESSWIRE-March 7, 2011-: Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa Set To Open After Multi-Million Pound Refurbishment(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:07032011

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.

For more information, details of special offers or to book, call 01304 203633, email reservations@dovermarinahotel.co.uk or visit www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk

Notes for editors:

* Leaf Hotels consists of the Ramada Dover Hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Canterbury and the Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa (www.leafhotels.co.uk) * The building in Waterloo Crescent dates back to the 1830s. For decades it was home to The White Cliffs Hotel, which later became The Churchill Hotel. Past visitors include Prince Edward, Sir Winston Churchill, actors James Bolam and Tamsin Outhwaite and author Bill Bryson.

* Best Western is the largest group of independently owned and managed hotels in the UK and worldwide. Member hotels maintain their independence, charm and personality, while benefiting from being part of the Best Western brand. Hotels benefit from sales and marketing activity available to them by joining like-minded independent hoteliers.

* Nicholas Hollinshead Interiors has provided interior design and consultancy services to the hotel and hospitality industry for 25 years, working with most of the major hotel groups. The company is a past winner of the European Hotel Design Awards. It has also designed the first Ladbrokes Casino at The Paddington Hilton and the largest casino in the UK, 'Manchester 235', for London Clubs International.

Press Contacts:

For further information, photos and interviews, please contact Jeff Sims and Leah Taylor, Edwards Harvey PR, tel 01622 604600 or email jeff.sims@edwardsharvey.com / leah.taylor@edwardsharvey.com

Jeff Sims Account Director Edwards Harvey PR and Marketing Tel 01622 604600 Fax 01622 604647 Email jeff.sims@edwardsharvey.com Web www.edwardsharvey.com

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).