One of Bournemouth’s best-known hoteliers says her heart is “somewhat broken” after announcing the closure of her hotel for accommodation and banqueting from September 28 to February 28 2021.

Rosie Radwell, Managing Director of the Marsham Court Hotel, pictured left, said she recognised the decision came at a huge sacrifice and would mean redundancies for 45 members of staff who she described as her extended family.

But in a personal and heartfelt message on LinkedIn, Rosie, who is Vice Chair of BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), said the closure was necessary to safeguard the business for the future.

She hoped to re-employ as many staff as possible when the hotel reopened in March 2021.

Rosie said: “Over the last few weeks, the knock-on effect of Covid-19 has meant my family and I have had to make the biggest decisions of our entire careers.

“I am the MD, so I am the one making the decisions and we all know that the future of the business is the top priority otherwise none of us would have a future.

“I can’t explain the emotion I feel right now; however, I am glad that my Mother is not here to see the effects that this virus has had on the hotel.

“She would have struggled with these decisions more than she battled five years with cancer. To say my heart is somewhat broken would be a start.

“Our family have been hoteliers in Bournemouth for over 70 years, it’s not just a business it’s in our blood.

“I am positive about our future and all being well, we will reopen in March 2021 and hope to put our extended family back together at this time.

“Our family is stronger together.”

Commenting on the announcement, Tim Seward, BAHA Chair, said: “It is sad that the Marsham Court will be closing from September 28 to February 28, 2021, but I have no doubt that it will bounce back in March 2021.”