From the Dover Mercury, 30 December, 2010.

REFURBISHED HOTEL TO OPEN IN TWO MONTHS

WORK is progressing on the transformation of the former "Churchill Hotel" on Dover seafront into the "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa".

Although it is described as still being very much a building site at the moment, the extensive refurbishment is continuing and it is planned that the hotel will open in mid-February.

It will be run by Kanagaratnam Rajamenon and Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan, owners of the "Ramada Hotel" at Whitfield, who say they are trying to get the work done as quickly as possible but the scale of the renovations is extensive and they have had to seek planning permission and building approvals for some of the projects.

The restaurant, reception, foyer, lounge, bar, toilets and conference suites will be on the ground floor and there will also be a new coffee shop and place to eat.

Office space will be created in the basement where there will also be a fitness studio, work-out room, beauty treatment and hairdressing salon.

NEW LOOK: An artist's impression of how the restaurant will look at the "Dover Marina Hotel" and Spa when it opens in the New Year.

From the Dover Mercury, 13 January, 2011.

NEW HOTEL ' A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN TOWN'

BUSINESS boss David Foley believes the "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa," due to open on the seafront next month, is well-placed to welcome Channel swimmers and other sports people.

Mr Foley, chief executive of Dover District Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber welcomed the hotel's imminent opening which represented "a wonderful vote of confidence in the future of Dover."

He added: "Blessed with magnificent views across the English Channel, the hotel is expected to be a prime attraction for domestic and overseas tourists as well as for locals interested in the new fitness centre, sauna and refurbished tea rooms.

"Tourism provides more than eight per cent of the revenue into the UK economy.

"With the Open Championship returning to Sandwich in July and the Olympic Games in London next year, the chamber is expecting Dover to appeal to an increasing number of sports enthusiasts and holiday makers.

A recent economic impact study by the chamber showed that Channel swimming contributes more than £3 million to the local economy. The new hotel could not be better placed to welcome swimmers and their entourage."

The hotel, formerly the "Churchill Hotel," closed a year ago and the lease was then bought by Kanagaratnam Rajarnencn and Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan, owners of the "Ramada Hotel" at Whitfield.

From the Dover Mercury, 10 March, 2011.

RESTORED HOTEL IS THE JEWEL IN DOVER'S CROWN

By Graham Tutthill

SIXTY jobs are being created with the opening of a hotel on Dover seafront this month following a multi-million pound refurbishment and investment.

The 81-bedroom "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" is due to open on March 24.

The hotel, once favoured by royalty and celebrities, was originally the "White Cliffs Hotel" before becoming The "Churchill." It closed in January 2010.

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.

It is being run by Leaf Hotels, creating around 60 jobs which have gone to local people. The hotel's facilities include 81 refurbished and individually styled en-suite bedrooms, many with spectacular beach and sea views, three conference, function and meetings rooms, restaurant and bar and free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel.

The fitness and spa centre and seafront coffee shop and ice cream parlour will be 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."

Mr 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 modem 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 said: "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 and Spa" offer just that.

• For more information about the hotel, details of special offers or to book, call 01304 203633, email reservations@dovermarinahotel.co.uk

or visit their website at:- www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk

From the Dover Mercury, 24 March, 2011.

FERRY LAUNCH AND OPENING OF NEW HOTEL

Its a busy day in Dover today (Thursday) with the official openIng of a hotel and the naming of a new cross-Channel ferry.

Tourism and heritage minister John Penrose will peal a large ship's bell to open the "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" on Dover seafront.

It follows the mass refurbishment of the 81-bedroom former "Churchill Hotel," which closed suddenly in January last year.

MP Charlie Elphicke and Visit Kent Chief Executive Sandra Matthews-Marsh will be among the guests at the opening ceremony which is due to take place at 12.30pm.

Meanwhile, at 1pm, double Olympic champion and business woman Dame Kelly HoImes will be naming P&O Ferries' latest ship Spirit of Britain.

The ferry is 213 metres long, weighs 49,000 tonnes, and can carry 180 articulated lorries plus 200 cars on three vehicle decks and up to 2,000 passengers.

It is one of the two new ferries being brought into service by P&O Ferries on the Dover Calais route in a multi-million pound investment. The second ship, Spirit of France, was floated out of the STX Europe shipyard in Rauma, Finland a couple of weeks ago and is due to arrive in Dover in September.

From the Dover Mercury, 22 September, 2011. 70p

ECO-AWARD FOR SEAFRONT HOTEL

A NEW hotel has achieved a top green award at its first inspection. The "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa," on the seafront, has been awarded a silver grading under the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

To achieve a grading from scheme an organisation must have a strong environmental policy together with procedures and a plan in place to minimise energy consumption wherever possible.

The hotel joins the other two Leaf Hotels, the "Ramada" at Whitfield and the "Holiday Inn Express," Canterbury, in achieving silver grading.

From the Dover Mercury, 23 February, 2012. 80p

FOUR STAR GRADING FOR SPA HOTEL

A TOP tourism grading has been awarded to the Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa overlooking the seafront.

It has been awarded a four star hotel grading by Quality in Tourism.

"Dover Marina Hotel," opened less than a year ago following a multi-million pound refurbishment and investment.

Formerly The "Churchill Hotel," in its key position overlooking the harbour, the 81-bedroom facility was once favoured by celebrities and royalty and originally known as the "White Cliffs Hotel."

Since opening at the end of March 2010, it has also gained a Silver Award from the Green Business Tourism Scheme, reflecting the hotel policy of protecting the environment.

The hotel has been restored to its 1830s Regency splendour by owners, the Leaf Hotel Group, whose stable also includes the four star "Ramada" Dover.

Leaf Hotel general manager Anoob Saban said: “A four star grading is an excellent achievement within the first year of the hotel's operation. Great credit must go to our staff in delivering a four star service to visitors to Dover as well as to the local people, who are using the hotel for functions, weddings and meetings.”

Special features are The Waterfront Restaurant which offers an a la carte menu and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thursday is Bombay night with an array of Indian food and there is a carvery on Sunday.

The Waterfront Cafe offers Starbucks coffee and the Waterfront Bar is also open daily.

Sixty jobs were created for local people when the hotel opened.

From the Dover Mercury, 29 March, 2012. 80p

WINE AND CANAPE NIGHT

A DOVER woman who has been cured of a brain tumour is holding a charity evening next week to help others.

Emma Shirley will be raising vital funds for Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, the UK's leading brain tumour charity, at a wine and canape evening at the "Dover Marina Hotel" on the seafront from 5.30 to 7.30pm next Thursday, April 5.

Emma, who is still undergoing treatment, has appealed to local businesses and individuals to donate prizes for a raffle and possibly an auction that may be held on the night.

Emma can be contacted on 01304 822144.

From the Dover Mercury, 24 May, 2012. 80p

TOP GRADING IS A PLUS FOR TOWN'S HOTEL

A DOVER hotel has gained special status just a few weeks after its first anniversary.

The "Dover Marina Hotel" and Spa has been awarded Best Western Plus status by the Best Western hotel group, becoming one of only 22 hotels with the grading in the UK, and the only one in Kent.

“To be upgraded by Best Western to Best Western Plus status means that Dover now has a recognised premium hotel, which will no doubt be a great boost for tourism to the region,” said Anoob Saban, group general manager.

“A hotel must demonstrate exemplary service and offer facilities accustomed to any four-plus star hotel in order to receive this prestigious status.

“It also follows having been recognised with a four-star accreditation from the AA only last week.”

The Marina high tea and Starbucks coffee have proved firm favourites and this summer the hotel hopes to be offering Movenpick ice cream.

From the Dover Mercury, 5 July, 2012. 80p

STYLISH STAGECOACH JOURNEY

Above, the stagecoach at "Dover Marina Hotel." FM2121486.

PEOPLE had a chance to see what transport was like in the 19th century on Sunday when a stagecoach, pulled by four horses, arrived in Dover at the end of a two-day journey from London.

The trip was organised to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens and the coach and its passengers stopped off at various locations in Kent connected with the author.

Dickens' great-great-grandson Mark Dickens was on board for part of the journey.

The coach, called Nimrod, was drawn by five teams of horses and the final change took place at The "Bell Inn" at Lydden, where the last set of horses were waiting to be hitched up to the coach to complete the 88-mile journey into Dover.

With the post horn being sounded along the way, it all made an impressive sight. A number of people were outside the "Dover Marina Hotel" on the seafront to welcome the coach's arrival, and to see the “post” - some commemorative packages - being delivered to those involved. Reflecting Dickens' great concern for the plight of disadvantaged children, the passengers had made donations to Bamardo's in exchange for their places on the coach, and collections were also made from spectators, and at various pubs, along the way.

From the Dover Mercury, 14 February, 2013. 80p.

BODY IN HOTEL

POLICE were called to a hotel in Dover on Friday after a man was found dead in one of the rooms.

The alarm was raised at the "Dover Marina Hotel" at 1.25pm following the discovery of a man's body in a room.

Police said the death of the man, believed to be in his 30s, was not being treated as suspicious.

From the Dover Mercury, 7 March, 2013. 80p.

RELAX, IT'S THE OPENING OF SEAFRONT HOTEL SPA

A NEW spa area has been opened at a Dover seafront hotel.

Facilities include a treatment room and relaxation area at the Best Western Plus "Dover Marina Hotel" and Spa.

The opening was carried out by district council chairman Cllr Sue Nicholas, assisted by Dover Mayor Cllr Anne Smith.

District council chairman Cllr Sue Nicholas and Dover Mayor Cllr Anne Smith at the opening of the new spa.

Waterfront Spa is managed by Leanne Godderidge, who has international experience having worked in South Africa, on cruise ships and in the UK.

It provides an opportunity for people to receive a range of beauty and body treatments from a professional with international experience, said group general manager Anoob Saban.

Open seven days a week, hotel guests and the people of Dover will be able to book a range of beauty and spa treatments including express manicures from £25, massages from £30, and Shellac treatments from £15.

During March there will be a special offer of an express facial and back, neck and shoulder massage for £39, and there is also a Mother's Day special offer.

The treatment room is the second stage of the opening of the spa, following the opening of the gym to hotel guests last year.

Bookings can be made on 01304 203633 or email spa@dovermarinahotel.co.uk

From the Dover Mercury, 5 November, 2015.

Join hotel staff.

Two Dover hotels are looking for permanent and temporary staff to join their teams.

Dover "Marina Hotel," in Waterloo Crescent, is having a recruitment day on Sunday from 10am.

They are looking for people to cover kitchen and maintenance duties, along with receptionists and restaurant staff.

Successful applicants will be deployed at "Dover Marina," the "Ramada Hotel" in Singledge Lane, Whitfield, or the "Holiday Inn Express" in Canterbury.

People should come with a CV and be prepared for a brief interview.

From the East Kent Mercury, 10 January 2024. By Sam Lennon.

‘This plan will keep people in town’

A four-star hotel’s ambitious project to become a top tourist destination continues, with hopes to expand its own wedding venue.

Bosses at Dover Marina Hotel and Spa want to hold receptions and conferences at a newly acquired, neighbouring property, which would have space for up to 140 seated wedding guests, rather than up to 100.

For events like cocktail parties or public meetings, the new venue could take up to 200 visitors.

It comes as the Western Crescent spot is set to expand by almost 50% thanks to its soaring popularity, with the numbed of rooms increasing from 85 to 122.

An expanded wedding venue would fill a hole in the market, planning papers lodged with Dover District Council say.

The documents go on: “Dover does not have a four-star high-quality venue that can cater for weddings, meetings and functions, for between 80 and 200 people.

“This means people will go to Folkestone, Canterbury and surrounding areas if they want a wedding function or conference if they need this capacity.

“The development of this additional facility for Dover town would add to its tourism portfolio.”

The new conference and function room would be based at Protea House, on the hotel’s eastern side, which is already earmarked for 13 rooms.

The current function rooms aren’t big enough to accommodate such an expansion, and it’s hoped the move will mean minimum interference with the running of the hotel, which is part of the Best Western Plus group.

Walls and two chimney breasts are set to be removed from the vacant ground floor of Protea House, as part of the plans.

Planning permission was already given for the enlarged venue but a changed submission was lodged last month, after a wider part of the house was selected.

This new application is under the name of hotel managing director Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan.

A statement in support of the proposals read: “The proposed hotel development will be the only facility within the Dover town centre location with spa, gym, accommodation and conference facilities all under one roof and will allow both public and commercial users one location instead of multiple locations and travelling to different venues for different facilities.

“This is a sustainable solution with less generation of traffic movement in the town.”

'People will currently go to Folkestone, Canterbury and surrounding areas if they want a wedding or conference.

Protea House used to be the "Shalimar Hotel," before it was converted into a college annex in 1978. It was used for offices from 1993, in particular for the NHS, until the early 2010s.

Some 13 rooms opened in September in former flats bought by the hotel, above the nearby Wheelers Fish and Chips shop. It is hoped the rest of the rooms will be completed by the summer.

In September, the venue’s commercial director, Trevor Bond, said Dover is considered a key investment spot for the Best Western Plus group.

Explaining the reasoning behind increasing the number of rooms, he said: “We are trying to create a top tourist destination in this part of the world. We want this to be a place for everyone to go.”

From the East Kent Mercury, 22 August 2024.

Smooth sounds at Marina Hotel's autumn jazz nights.

COOL jazz for autumn evenings is on offer at the Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, starting next month.

Following a summer of free weekend music events, the recently refurbished hotel is launching a series of jazz events on Tuesday evenings from September through to the end of November.

The hotel is working with respected saxophonist Graeme Airth to develop a programme of great live music featuring a variety of talented local musicians playing a diverse range of jazz styles.

The last Tuesday of each month will be an open jam session, with visitors encouraged to join in, show off their talents or just spend time playing with like-minded musicians.

The evenings will be free, and the hotel's bar and restaurants will be open to visitors who want to combine an evening of music with a great dining experience - or even an overnight stay. With the hotel's impressive transformation continuing, the plan is to grow the Tuesday evening sessions and in time to move them into the new larger bar area being created as part of the hotel's ongoing expansion.

The free live gigs kick off on Tuesday, September 3 with a line-up featuring Sarah-Jane Hassell on vocals, Paul Eldridge on piano, Rod Brown on drums and Jerome Davies on double bass.

For more information visit dovermarinahotel.co.uk or call 01304 203633.