AN indepdently-owned Suffolk hotel, golf and leisure complex has switched its affiliation to a new marketing consortium as part of a strategy to upgrade its facilities to four-star status.

The family-owned and -run Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, which was previously a memer of Best Western, has undergone �5.5million of expansion and refurbishment over the past three years, including more bedrooms, improved golf and gym facilities and remodelled restaurant, lounge and reception areas.

Now, ahead of a plans to secure a four-star rating, the hotel has joined Classic British Hotels (CBH), a marketing consortium of independently-owned, and predominantly four star, hotels across the UK.

Susanna Rendall, managing director and one of the family owners of the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, said: “We are very excited about working with Classic British Hotels who will help to raise our profile in the international market, whilst allowing us to maximise our independent, unique personality.”

Len Louis, chief executive of CBH, added: “We are delighted to welcome Stoke by Nayland to our membership. It is rated among the very best hotels in East Anglia for its top quality leisure, spa, golf and extensive conference facilities.”