Hundreds of thousands of pounds has been further invested in hotels as Dorset gears up for what looks set to be one of the busiest summer seasons on record.

One hotelier has described bookings as “going through the roof” adding: “And we’re not alone in finding that.”

On top of the improvements already reported on Dorset Biz News to the tune of millions of pounds, the latest work includes:

• Redecoration of 20 of the luxury ensuite rooms at the Norfolk Royale Hotel in Bournemouth, pictured, as well as the creation of a new deck area in the garden and the repainting of the front of the hotel in its trademark pink.
• The complete refurbishment and rebranding of Bournemouth’s The Chocolate Boutique Hotel which is now known as No. 5 Durley Road. The upscaled accommodation will be available on a room only basis.
• Installing air conditioning in all bedrooms at the Best Western Plus The Connaught Hotel & Spa and also superior rooms at the Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel.

The investments have been welcomed by BH Area Hospitality Association.

Tim Seward, Chair, said: “It is so positive to see even more hotels across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole having invested in readiness for pent-up demand for coastal resorts this year and into the future.”

The newly rebranded No. 5 Durley Road was acquired by master chocolatier Gerry Wilton in 2006.

The 19th century Grade II listed hotel opened as the world’s first chocolate-themed hotel the following year after major restoration work.

Gerry who, with his wife, Roo, also owns The Chocolate Box Hotel – run by his daughter Leoni – and the Piccadilly Hotel, said The Chocolate Boutique Hotel was due to be sold last June but the deal had fallen through.

Two years ago Booking.com had revealed that 66 per cent of the hotel searches for Bournemouth were for rooms only.

In light of this, and having decided to keep the hotel, Gerry said up to £170,000 had been spent on converting the bar area and breakfast room into bedrooms and upgrading all 19 rooms.

“I think the trend is just for accommodation so we’ve moved away from the Chocolate concept, preferring to provide very upscale accommodation on a room only basis.

“The refurbishment has taken five months and we are both delighted, and excited, about the months to come.

“Our bookings are going through the roof and we’re not alone in finding that,” said Gerry, 68, pictured right.

The four star Norfolk Royale Hotel on Richmond Hill was closed for a total of 238 days in 2020/21.

Having opened for food and drink in the garden, it is opening to residential guests from May 17 along with hotels across Dorset and beyond.

The Inspiration Agency designed and printed its largest ever banner, measuring 14 metres wide, to promote the hotel’s garden while scaffolding was up for the painting of the front of the hotel.

The Norfolk Royal plans to invest in a new wedding pergola for garden ceremonies and also a new lift later this year.

Tim Seward, of BH Area Hospitality Association, pictured left, said: “From complete refurbishments and rebrands to bedroom modernisations, hotel exterior repaints and new air conditioning, it is fabulous to see so many hoteliers investing to welcome back guests in less than a week.”

He pointed out that many hotels were looking to recruit, adding: “With many hotel staff from across Europe returning home due to the pandemic, or not being able to work in the UK due to the new EU regulations, many hotels across the area are looking to fill a number of staff vacancies.”

• To see which hotels are recruiting click here.