One of Colchester’s most iconic and long standing hotels is under new ownership: Surya Hotels Ltd have been locked in negotiations since October 2014 to take over The George Hotel in Colchester, previously owned by Grangeside Limited and managed by Bespoke Hotels.
The successful takeover has safeguarded the hotel’s future, even though many were unaware there was a threat. It is believed if Surya Hotel’s bid had not been successful the hotel would have been vulnerable to being broken down and sold off as assets.
The successful acquisition sees Surya Hotel’s portfolio increase to eight hotels across the UK. The George, which has been open for business as usual, joins the likes of Hallingbury Manor, near Stansted, The Kingscliff Hotel, Essex, The Duke’s Head in Norfolk and Legacy Mill Hotel in Suffolk. Legacy Hotels, which manages Surya Hotel’s portfolio, will now assume management of The George, although this will not result in any staff changes on the ground. The hotel’s 50 staff will be transferred to Surya Hotels Ltd under a TUPE arrangement.
Big plans to return the hotel to its former glory
Suki Dulai, Managing Director of Surya Hotels Ltd said: “The George is a very emotive place for the people of Colchester. It is one of the most stunning buildings on the historic High Street which has an amazing sense of heritage, not to mention a fantastic place to meet, eat and stay.
“It would have been a travesty for the town if this hotel had fallen into the hands of an asset management company – especially given the fact it is such a highly successful business.
“As a local business we are excited to have successfully acquired such an iconic hotel, which we know and love, and we have big plans to return it to its former glory with significant investment.”
The George Hotel Manager, Denise Earl, said: “We have had five changes of management in the last 10 years so I think the staff are really looking forward to working alongside a steady and ambitious new owner who has expressed the intention to invest in the venue and take it to the next level.”
500 year old coaching inn
Set in the heart of England’s oldest town on Colchester High Street, The George is ideal for exploring Colchester and the surrounding countryside and coast, as well as for business meetings and events. It features 47 spacious, individually decorated bedrooms equipped to a high standard.
History resonates throughout the 500 year old coaching inn which runs a stylish brasserie with excellent English a la carte dishes and daily specials. The extensive medieval cellars, preserved behind glass, have remnants of Roman roads and even the ashes left by the fires of Queen Boudicca’s rampage in AD60 when she burned Colchester to the ground.
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