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The Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel in Dorchester has been sold to Sleeping Bear Hotels at an undisclosed price.
The Georgian Grade II listed property features 29 ensuite guest bedrooms, a dining room and lounge bar which seat up to 64 guests, as well as a function room which has capacity for 70.
It has been extensively renovated in recent years and undergone a full refurbishment. The hotel is situated in a prominent position in Dorchester town centre, benefitting from high levels of tourist trade from people visiting the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The previous owner independently owned and ran the hotel since 2002, and has decided to sell to focus on other business ventures.
It has now been sold to Tudor and Lucy Hopkins of Sleeping Bear Hotels, who also own a collection of boutique properties located across Wiltshire and Somerset including The Moonraker Hotel near Bath.
Tudor said: “The Wessex will be the first location under our new concept brand, ‘Sleeping Bear Hotels’. We’ll offer room-only accommodations, while encouraging our guests to explore and enjoy local restaurants.
“We believe this approach will be successful not only here in Dorchester, but across the UK. The hotel will be rebranded later this month, with our new website launching at www.sleepingbearnotels.com.”
Stephen Champion, director – Hotels South West at Christie and Co who acted for the vendor, added: “On behalf of our private clients, we are delighted to announce the sale of the Wessex Royale Hotel to Sleeping Bear Hotels.
“The excellent condition of the property and prime location in the centre of Dorset’s county town helped drive strong interest in this hotel, with multiple buyers emerging with interest in acquiring this hotel. We wish the new owners every success with their new business venture.”
