Bournemouth’s first Holiday Inn has been officially launched.

Cllr David Flagg, Chairman of BCP Council, performed the traditional ribbon-cutting at a ceremony on November 7.

Staff at the new Holiday Inn Bournemouth.

“We warmly welcome you to Bournemouth and wish you every success in the future,” he said.

London-based Jayhems Ltd acquired the former Ramada Encore in Bath Road last year. The hotel was built in 2006.

More than £1 million has been spent on a complete makeover including a refurbishment of all 113 bedrooms, new luxury beds, TVs and charging points, a mini-gym, superfast wi-fi, a new open lobby and a Starbucks.

The work took three months to complete with the hotel now fully rebranded as Holiday Inn Bournemouth.

Hemang Popat, Owner and Director, Jayhems Ltd, said: “I visited Bournemouth as a child and I’ve always loved it as a location.

Hemang Popat and Sam Barrell.

“We saw the opportunity and went for it and I’m very pleased with the final result. It looks superb.”

Peter Baerwinkel, General Manager, described the changes as “transformational.”

“I’d like to pay a special tribute to the staff. They are a fantastic team of people,” he said.

The hotel is owned by Jayhems Ltd and operated by Interstate United Kingdom Management Ltd under licence from IHG Hotels Ltd.

A franchise agreement covering the next 20 years has been agreed between Jayhems Ltd and IHG Hotels.

Sam Barrell, IHG’s UK and Ireland Development Manager, said the company had been waiting a long time to have a hotel in Bournemouth.

He added: “We couldn’t find the right partner and we couldn’t find the right property.

“Now our stars have aligned and I’m absolutely delighted.”

Peter Ryan, and fellow Dorset Devils, receive a cheque from Peter Baerwinkel.

Guests at the opening ceremony included Peter Ryan, Founder of Dorset Devils, the litter-picking voluntary group made up of more than 470 volunteers.

Holiday Inn Bournemouth is to back the group, both financially – a £500 cheque was presented to Mr Ryan – but also team members volunteering as litter pickers.

Mr Baerwinkel said: “Dorset Devils is an excellent cause and we’re very happy to support it.”