After months of delays, the highly anticipated grand reopening date for an east Suffolk hotel has been announced.
The Bell Hotel in Saxmundham is set to hold a soft launch Monday, December 12 after the completion of the first phase of renovations.
The new owners, the Beales Group have invested well over £1million in renovations and refurbishment of the Grade II listed hotel.
Visitors have been told to expect a four-star boutique hotel experience, offering culinary expertise behind the restaurant menu.
The owners hope that the new relaxed and welcoming bar area will be a new social destination for Saxmundham.
Afternoon tea will also be available at the hotel.
Beales Group managing director Andrew Beale said: "The Bell has been a true labour of love for myself and my team.
"I’ve long dreamed of adding a Suffolk hotel to our portfolio, and I couldn’t ask for a better spot than Saxmundham.
"People here are so friendly and welcoming, and the town is truly the gateway to everything that’s great about Suffolk.
“We might have faced delays to our summer opening plans, but it’s also been an opportunity to raise our game even further.
"We’ve used the time to add a secluded private dining area and upgrade our accessibility.
"When our doors open this Christmas, you can expect a great big festive welcome from my amazing team.
“Suffolk is a prime holiday retreat for those in the know, and Saxmundham offers easy access to the likes of Framlingham Castle, Snape Maltings, and many of the best nature spots in the area.
"Aside from being a draw for destination travellers, the Bell is perfect for business travellers visiting the coastal industry, and a great eating and socialising spot for everyone, whether local, staying with us, or passing through.
"It’s an honour to be starting a new chapter for this storied and historic local landmark.”
Beales Hotels will begin phase two of the refurbishment in 2023, which will see eight more bedrooms, a private dining area, and a terrace area added to the hotel.
The Beales Group took over The Bell Hotel in April 2022 for a complete refurbishment and was originally due to reopen in spring 2022 but was pushed back after structural issues.
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