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PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

24 March 2011

(Name from)

Dover Marina Hotel

Open 2017+

Marine Parade

Dover

01304 203633

Best Western Dover Marine Hotel and Spa

The "Best Western Dover marina Hotel and Spa"

 

Formerly the "Churchill Hotel." Due to open on March 24, 2011.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday 7 October, 2010.

Exclusive by Rhys Griffiths

COFFEE SHOP IS PART OF NEW HOTEL'S PLAN

Revamped venue set to provide numerous jobs

A PROMINENT high-street coffee shop chain is in negotiations to open up at the reopened "Dover Marina Hotel."

The waterfront hotel, which was the "Churchill" before it closed its doors earlier this year, is set to open in late November after a substantial refit.

Three teams of contractors are busily working to overhaul the venue and it is expected there will be numerous jobs created, at least as many as were lost when it was shut down by the previous owners.

The Express was given a behind the scenes tour of the hotel - which is now in the hands of the team behind the "Ramada" at Whitfield - by general manager David Otteson and marketing manager Trevor Bond.

An American-style coffee shop will be just one of the attractions on the site. There are also plans for a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a restaurant and facilities to host conferences and weddings.

Mr Otteson, who has previously worked at numerous top hotels in London, explained he is keen to make the "Dover Marina Hotel" a place for all the community to enjoy.

He said: -"It is a community hotel and it has to be a venue all the community feels comfortable being part of.

"Effort is being made to raise Dover's profile and there's no reason for Dover not to be seen as a major destination.

"People pass through Dover in their thousands every day and we would like to give them a reason to stop."

The owners of the hotel, which will become part of the Best Western group once again, hope to reach four-star rating - but have not ruled out the possibility of aiming higher.

They are keen to retain a link with the venue's history, and the bar overlooking the harbour will be named Churchill's.

 

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.

Restaurant artists impression

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 Express, Thursday, 13 January, 2011. 60p

ICONIC HOTEL IS REOPENING

Will be ready for guests by March

Report by Rhys Griffrths

Dover Marina Hotel 2011

AN ICONlC Dover hotel once favoured by royalty and celebrities is preparing for its imminent reopening.

"Dover Marina Hotel," formerly known as the "White Cliffs" and the "Churchill," has undergone extensive refurbishment since its takeover last year by the owners of the "Ramada" at Whitfield, and is set to open in early March.

The reopening of the seafront venue, whose past guests have included Prince Edward, writer Bill Bryson and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, has been welcomed by the Dover District Chamber of Commerce.

Chief executive David Foley said: "The opening of the "Dover Marina Hotel" represents a wonderful vote of confidence in the future of Dover.

"Blessed with magnificent views across the English Channel, the hotel Is expected to be a prime attraction for domestic and overseas tourists."

Shortly after taking on the hotel, the new management team gave the Express a guided tour of the work to transform its interior - and they promised to make it an attraction for tourists as well as local Dovorians.

General manager David Otteson said: "It is a community hotel and it has to be a venue all the community feels comfortable being part of.

"Effort is being made to raise Dover's profile and there's no reason for Dover not to be seen as a major destination. People pass through Dover in their thousands every day and we would like to give them a reason to stop."

Tourism chiefs hope Dover will be well placed to benefit from the major sporting events of the next few years, such as the Open Golf championship coming to Sandwich this summer and the 2012 London Olympics.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 3 February, 2011. 60p

NEW HOTEL REVAMP IS JOBS BOOST

BOSSES at a newly refurbished Dover hotel are to recruit up to 30 new staff for the seafront venture.

A jobs fair will be held at the "Dover Marina Hotel," formerly the "Churchill," next week and it is expected further positions will be created come the summer season.

The news of the new jobs has been welcomed as a boost to the local economy by business leaders.

Event at seafront hotel aims to recruit 30 new employees.

 

"Dover Marina Hotel," formerly the "Churchill," will reopen next month, and its management is looking to recruit staff to work in the bar and restaurant, kitchen and reception.

A jobs fair is being held at the hotel on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm and, as well as permanent positions starting next month, there will also be the chance to show interest in work during the busy summer season.

David Otteson, the venue's new general manager, said: "We are actively looking to recruit young people into our company.

"We believe our prestigious new hotel will benefit from employing talented, hard-working young people, who will be the future workforce for the hospitality industry.

"We have created a range of apprenticeships, from catering to housekeeping, which come with full industry training and recognised qualifications.

Dynamic

"We will be looking for local staff with strong customer service skills and a dynamic personality to work at Dover's newest and finest hotel."

The news of the jobs, which come on top of management roles at the hotel which have already been filled, will be a welcome boost for the economy of the town and wider district.

David Foley; chief executive of the Dover District Chamber of Commerce, said: "We welcome any initiative that stimulates employment in Dover.

"This is an excellent sign of the role that our tourist industry in Dover can play - 8.2 per cent of our national economy is based on tourism, and Dover is in the best position to lake advantage of this."

For more information about the jobs fair call the hotel on 01304 203633 or e-mail reservations@dovermarinahotel.co.uk

 

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 Express, Thursday, 10 March, 2011. 60p

SPA HOTEL TO OPEN AFTER RENOVATION

DOVER'S newest hotel Is to open its doors to the public for the first time on March 24.

"Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" on the seafront fills the space left vacant when the "Churchill Hotel" closed down last year.

The team behind the new venue, which also operates the "Ramada Hotel" at Whitfield, have invested several million pounds in the renovation of the iconic hotel and hope to create a destination not just for tourists but the people of the town.

Facilities at the hotel will include 81 bedrooms, a fitness and spa centre, and a seafront coffee shop and ice cream parlour.

General manager David Otteson said: "Thanks to its fusion of 21st century comfort and 19th century styling, the hotel is full of character and charm.

John Penrose and David Otteson

Above show David Otteson and John Penrose.

"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."

He also praised the quality of the refurbishment work 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," he said.

"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."

Bringing the hotel, which in decades past played best to celebrities and royals back to life has also given a welcome boost to the local economy with the creation of around 60 jobs.

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit Kent, 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" offers just that."

 

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.

Dame Kelly Holmes

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 Express, Thursday, 31 March, 2011. 60p

MINISTER'S PRAISE FOR HOTEL REVAMP

Town should take pride in Churchill's rebirth

Report by Rhys Griffiths and Terry Sutton

TOURISM minister John Penrose has praised the entrepreneurs behind the refurbishment of a Dover hotel.

Mr Penrose was speaking at the official opening of the Dover Marina Hotel on Thursday and told brothers Rajamenon, Rajakanthan and Rajaseelan they had created a venue the town and Kent can be proud of.

The brothers, two of whom are also behind the "Ramada" at Whitfield, have invested millions in renovating the former "Churchill hotel" after it closed down last year.

Proud

Mr Penrose said: "This is a listed building which has been sensitively and carefully renovated and it is clear that you have honoured the heritage and history of this fine old building.

''At the same time you have managed to create what is clearly going to be one of the premier hotels in the area.

"This is a facility that the town of Dover will be proud of and the county of Kent will be proud of.

"I wish we had more people of vision in our tourism industry.

"We need more people like Leaf Hotels, we need more people who are prepared to do precisely what you have achieved here and create something which is a draw and a magnet not just for the people of Kent but for the country as a whole and for international visitors as well.

The team behind the new venture have taken on a 35-year lease for the former "White Cliffs Hotel" to create the 81-bedroom hotel and spa.

Rajaseelan said: "We have such confidence in the Dover area that we would have liked a 50-year lease on the hotel property. But the owners, Dover Harbour Board, restricted it to 35 years. We also have ideas for spending more money on our new hotel.

The reopening of the seafront venue, past guests at which included prince Edward, writer Bill Bryson and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, has been welcomed by the Dover District Chamber of Commerce.

Chief executive David Foley, who attended the celebrations last week, said: "The opening of the "Dover Marina Hotel" represents a wonderful vote of confidence for the future of Dover."

 

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 Express, Thursday, 29 March, 2012. 65p.

HOTELIERS MARK YEAR IN BUSINESS

DOVER: Sri Lankan-born brothers Menon and Seelan Kanagaratnam held a dinner party on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of their family-owned "Dover Marina Hotel."

More than 50 guests heard of the progress of the former "White Cliffs Hotel" (Churchill Hotel), where they have invested several millions of pounds. They are expected to spend more as facilities expand at the now four-star hotel.

Their investments at the "Dover Marina," and elsewhere in the Dover area, was welcomed by chief guest Councillor Sue Nicholas, chairman of Dover District Council.

The family business, operating under the name Leaf Hotels, also owns the upgraded "Ramada" at Whitfield and the "Holiday Inn Express" at Canterbury.

 

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

Dover Marine 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

Nimrod stagecoach outside Dover Marina Hotel

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.

Spa opening

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 Express, 8 October 2015.

Hotel plan.

DOVER: The owners of Dover Marina Hotel on Dover sea front want to take over an empty flat above the hotel, to turn the harbour board-owned property into an office.

Mr Rajaseelan’s change of use planning application for the grade 2 listed property reveals that the hotel employs 66 people of whom 28 are full time.

 

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.

 

 

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