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Marine Parade
Dover
01304 203633
The "Best Western Dover marina Hotel and Spa" |
Formerly the "Churchill Hotel."
Due to open on March 24, 2011.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday 7 October, 2010.
Exclusive by Rhys Griffiths
COFFEE SHOP IS PART OF NEW HOTEL'S PLAN
Revamped venue set to provide numerous jobs
A PROMINENT high-street coffee shop chain is in negotiations to open
up at the reopened "Dover Marina Hotel."
The waterfront hotel, which was the "Churchill" before it closed its
doors earlier this year, is set to open in late November after a
substantial refit.
Three teams of contractors are busily working to overhaul the venue
and it is expected there will be numerous jobs created, at least as many
as were lost when it was shut down by the previous owners.
The Express was given a behind the scenes tour of the hotel - which
is now in the hands of the team behind the "Ramada" at Whitfield - by
general manager David Otteson and marketing manager Trevor Bond.
An American-style coffee shop will be just one of the attractions on
the site. There are also plans for a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a
restaurant and facilities to host conferences and weddings.
Mr Otteson, who has previously worked at numerous top hotels in
London, explained he is keen to make the "Dover Marina Hotel" a place
for all the community to enjoy.
He said: -"It is a community hotel and it has to be a venue all the
community feels comfortable being part of.
"Effort is being made to raise Dover's profile and there's no reason
for Dover not to be seen as a major destination.
"People pass through Dover in their thousands every day and we would
like to give them a reason to stop."
The owners of the hotel, which will become part of the Best Western
group once again, hope to reach four-star rating - but have not ruled
out the possibility of aiming higher.
They are keen to retain a link with the venue's history, and the bar
overlooking the harbour will be named Churchill's.
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From the Dover Mercury, 30 December, 2010.
REFURBISHED HOTEL TO OPEN IN TWO MONTHS
WORK is progressing on the transformation of the former "Churchill
Hotel" on Dover seafront into the "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and
Spa".
Although it is described as still being very much a building site at
the moment, the extensive refurbishment is continuing and it is planned
that the hotel will open in mid-February.
It will be run by Kanagaratnam Rajamenon and Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan,
owners of the "Ramada Hotel" at Whitfield, who say they are trying to get
the work done as
quickly as possible but the scale of the renovations is extensive and
they have had to seek planning permission and building approvals for
some of the projects.
The restaurant, reception, foyer, lounge, bar, toilets and conference
suites will be on the ground floor and there will also be a new coffee
shop and place to eat.
Office space will be created in the basement where there will also be a
fitness studio, work-out room, beauty treatment and hairdressing salon.
NEW LOOK: An artist's impression of how the restaurant will look at the
"Dover Marina Hotel" and Spa when it opens in the New Year.
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From the Dover Mercury, 13 January, 2011.
NEW HOTEL ' A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN TOWN'
BUSINESS boss David Foley believes the "Best Western Dover Marina
Hotel and Spa," due to open on the seafront next month, is well-placed
to welcome Channel swimmers and other sports people.
Mr Foley, chief executive of Dover District Chamber of Commerce, said
the chamber welcomed the hotel's imminent opening which represented "a
wonderful vote of confidence in the future of Dover."
He added: "Blessed with magnificent views across the English Channel,
the hotel is expected to be a prime attraction for domestic and overseas
tourists as well as for locals interested in the new fitness centre,
sauna and refurbished tea rooms.
"Tourism provides more than eight per cent of the revenue into the UK
economy.
"With the Open Championship returning to Sandwich in July and the
Olympic Games in London next year, the chamber is expecting Dover to
appeal to an increasing number of sports enthusiasts and holiday makers.
A recent economic impact study by the chamber showed that Channel
swimming contributes more than £3 million to the local economy. The new
hotel could not be better placed to welcome swimmers and their
entourage."
The hotel, formerly the "Churchill
Hotel," closed a year ago and the lease was then bought by
Kanagaratnam Rajarnencn and Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan, owners of the "Ramada
Hotel" at Whitfield.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 13 January, 2011. 60p
ICONIC HOTEL IS REOPENING
Will be ready for guests by March
Report by Rhys Griffrths
AN ICONlC Dover hotel once favoured by
royalty and celebrities is preparing for its imminent reopening.
"Dover Marina Hotel," formerly known as the "White Cliffs" and the "Churchill,"
has undergone extensive refurbishment since its takeover last year by the
owners of the "Ramada" at Whitfield, and is set to open in early March.
The reopening of the seafront venue, whose past guests have included Prince Edward, writer Bill Bryson and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, has
been welcomed by the Dover District Chamber of Commerce.
Chief executive David Foley said: "The opening of the "Dover Marina Hotel"
represents a wonderful vote of confidence in the future of Dover.
"Blessed with magnificent views across the English Channel, the hotel Is
expected to be a prime attraction for domestic and overseas tourists."
Shortly after taking on the hotel, the new management team
gave the Express a guided tour of the work to transform its interior - and they
promised to make it an attraction for tourists as well as local Dovorians.
General manager David
Otteson said: "It is a community hotel and it has to be a venue all the
community feels comfortable being part of.
"Effort is being made to raise Dover's profile and there's no
reason for Dover not to be seen as a major destination. People pass
through Dover in their thousands every day and we would like to give them
a reason to stop."
Tourism chiefs hope Dover will be well placed to benefit from the major
sporting events of the next few years, such as the Open Golf championship
coming to Sandwich this summer and the 2012 London Olympics.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 3 February, 2011. 60p
NEW HOTEL REVAMP IS JOBS BOOST
BOSSES at a newly refurbished Dover hotel are to recruit
up to 30 new staff for the seafront venture.
A jobs fair will be held at the "Dover Marina Hotel," formerly the
"Churchill," next week and it is expected further positions will be created
come the summer season.
The news of the new jobs has been welcomed as a boost to the local economy by business leaders.
Event at seafront hotel aims to recruit 30 new employees.
"Dover Marina Hotel," formerly the "Churchill," will reopen next month,
and its management is looking to recruit staff to work in the bar and
restaurant, kitchen and reception.
A jobs fair is being held at the hotel on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm
and, as well as permanent positions starting next month, there will also
be the chance to show interest in work during the busy summer season.
David Otteson, the venue's new general manager, said: "We are actively
looking to recruit young people into our company.
"We believe our prestigious new hotel will benefit from employing
talented, hard-working young people, who will be the future workforce for
the hospitality industry.
"We have created a range of apprenticeships, from catering to
housekeeping, which come with full industry training and recognised
qualifications.
Dynamic
"We will be looking for local staff with strong customer service skills
and a dynamic personality to work at Dover's newest and finest hotel."
The news of the jobs, which come on top of management roles at the
hotel which have already been filled, will be a welcome boost for the
economy of the town and wider district.
David Foley; chief executive of the Dover District Chamber of Commerce,
said: "We welcome any initiative that stimulates employment in Dover.
"This is an excellent sign of the role that our tourist industry in
Dover can play - 8.2 per cent of our national economy is based on tourism,
and Dover is in the best position to lake advantage of this."
For more information about the jobs fair call the hotel on 01304 203633
or e-mail reservations@dovermarinahotel.co.uk
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From the Dover Mercury, 10 March, 2011.
RESTORED HOTEL IS THE JEWEL IN DOVER'S CROWN
By Graham Tutthill
SIXTY jobs are being created with the opening of a hotel on Dover
seafront this month following a multi-million pound refurbishment and
investment.
The 81-bedroom "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" is due to
open on March 24.
The hotel, once favoured by royalty and celebrities, was originally
the "White Cliffs Hotel" before
becoming The "Churchill." It closed
in January 2010.
The elegant property is a centrepiece of the regeneration of the
Dover waterfront, and has been fitted out by one of the UK's top
interior designers.
It is being run by Leaf Hotels, creating around 60 jobs which have
gone to local people. The hotel's facilities include 81 refurbished and
individually styled en-suite bedrooms, many with spectacular beach and
sea views, three conference, function and meetings rooms, restaurant and
bar and free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel.
The fitness and spa centre and seafront coffee shop and ice cream
parlour will be opening soon.
Leaf Hotels has spent the past six months restoring the hotel to its
original 1830s Regency splendour.
"The hotel is the jewel in Dover's crown, with breathtaking views
across the beach and the harbour to the English Channel and beyond to
France," said general manager David Otteson.
''Thanks to its fusion of 21st century comfort and 19th century
styling, the hotel is full of character and charm. With excellent access
to ferry and cruise terminals, it's ideal for business and leisure. This
is a wonderful place to stay, an ideal base to enjoy the delights of
Kent, or a day trip to France and Belgium."
Mr Otteson said he was confident that the hotel would become a focal
point for the local community, as well as a popular choice among
tourists and business guests.
He also praised the quality of the refurbishment work undertaken by
award-winning interior design practice Nicholas Hollinshead Interiors.
"The brief was to blend the original 1830s features with modem day
facilities and the result is stunning. Wallpapers, carpets and furniture
have been sourced from all over the world to make this one of the most
stylish hotels in Kent.
We are all thrilled with the outcome," he said.
The hotel will be a tremendous boost to the county's tourism
industry, according to Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit
Kent, who complimented the owners for doing a "fantastic job" in
renovating the old "Churchill Hotel."
She said: "They are to be congratulated for having the vision,
dedication and commitment to deliver such an exciting project. The hotel
is a welcome addition to the hospitality sector in Kent. The county
needs additional high quality bed stock and the "Best Western Dover
Marina Hotel and Spa" offer just that.
• For more information about the hotel, details of special offers or
to book, call 01304 203633, email
reservations@dovermarinahotel.co.uk
or visit their website at:-
www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 10 March, 2011. 60p
SPA HOTEL TO OPEN AFTER RENOVATION
DOVER'S newest hotel Is to open its doors to the public for the first
time on March 24.
"Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" on the seafront fills the
space left vacant when the "Churchill Hotel" closed down last year.
The team behind the new venue, which also operates the "Ramada Hotel"
at Whitfield, have invested several million pounds in the renovation of
the iconic hotel and hope to create a destination not just for tourists
but the people of the town.
Facilities at the hotel will include 81 bedrooms, a fitness and spa
centre, and a seafront coffee shop and ice cream parlour.
General manager David Otteson said: "Thanks to its fusion of 21st
century comfort and 19th century styling, the hotel is full of character
and charm.
Above show David Otteson and John Penrose.
"With excellent access to ferry and cruise terminals, it's ideal for
business and leisure. This is a wonderful place to stay, an ideal base to
enjoy the delights of Kent, or a day trip to France and Belgium."
He also praised the quality of the refurbishment work by award winning
interior design practice Nicholas Hollinshead Interiors.
"The brief was to blend the original 1830s features with modern day
facilities and the result is stunning," he said.
"Wallpapers, carpets and furniture have been sourced from all over the
world to make this one of the most stylish hotels in Kent. We are all
thrilled with the outcome."
Bringing the hotel, which in decades past played best to celebrities
and royals back to life has also given a welcome boost to the local
economy with the creation of around 60 jobs.
Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit Kent, said: "'They are
to be congratulated for having the vision, dedication and commitment to
deliver such an exciting project.
"The hotel is a welcome addition to the hospitality sector in Kent.
"The county needs additional high-quality bed stock and the "Best
Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" offers just that."
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From the Dover Mercury, 24 March, 2011.
FERRY LAUNCH AND OPENING OF NEW HOTEL
Its a busy day in Dover today (Thursday) with the official openIng of
a hotel and the naming of a new cross-Channel ferry.
Tourism and heritage minister John Penrose will peal a large ship's
bell to open the "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa" on Dover
seafront.
It follows the mass refurbishment of the 81-bedroom former "Churchill
Hotel," which closed suddenly in January last year.
MP Charlie Elphicke and Visit Kent Chief Executive Sandra
Matthews-Marsh will be among the guests at the opening ceremony which is
due to take place at 12.30pm.
Meanwhile, at 1pm, double Olympic champion and business woman Dame Kelly HoImes
will be naming P&O Ferries' latest ship Spirit of Britain.
The ferry is 213 metres long, weighs 49,000 tonnes, and can carry 180
articulated lorries plus 200 cars on three vehicle decks and up to 2,000
passengers.
It is one of the two new ferries being brought into service by P&O
Ferries on the Dover Calais route in a multi-million pound investment.
The second ship, Spirit of France, was floated out of the STX Europe
shipyard in Rauma, Finland a couple of weeks ago and is due to arrive in
Dover in September.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 31 March, 2011. 60p
MINISTER'S PRAISE FOR HOTEL REVAMP
Town should take pride in Churchill's rebirth
Report by Rhys Griffiths and Terry Sutton
TOURISM minister John Penrose has praised the entrepreneurs behind the
refurbishment of a Dover hotel.
Mr Penrose was speaking at the official opening of the Dover Marina Hotel
on Thursday and told brothers Rajamenon, Rajakanthan and Rajaseelan they
had created a venue the town and Kent can be proud of.
The brothers, two of whom are also behind the "Ramada" at Whitfield, have
invested millions in renovating the former "Churchill hotel" after it closed
down last year.
Proud
Mr Penrose said: "This is a listed building which has been sensitively and
carefully renovated and it is clear that you have honoured the heritage and
history of this fine old building.
''At the same time you have managed to create what is clearly going to be
one of the premier hotels in the area.
"This is a facility that the town of Dover will be proud of and the
county of Kent will be proud of.
"I wish we had more people of vision in our tourism industry.
"We need more people like Leaf Hotels, we need more people who are
prepared to do precisely what you have achieved here and create something
which is a draw and a magnet not just for the people of Kent but for the
country as a whole and for international visitors as well.
The team behind the new venture have taken on a 35-year lease for the
former "White Cliffs Hotel" to create the 81-bedroom hotel and spa.
Rajaseelan said: "We have such confidence in the Dover area that we
would have liked a 50-year lease on the hotel property. But the owners,
Dover Harbour Board, restricted it to 35 years. We also have ideas for
spending more money on our new hotel.
The reopening of the seafront venue, past guests at which included
prince Edward, writer Bill Bryson and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, has
been welcomed by the Dover District Chamber of Commerce.
Chief executive David Foley, who attended the celebrations last week,
said: "The opening of the "Dover Marina Hotel" represents a wonderful vote
of confidence for the future of Dover."
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From the Dover Mercury, 22 September, 2011.
70p
ECO-AWARD FOR SEAFRONT HOTEL
A NEW hotel has achieved a top green award at its first inspection.
The "Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa," on the seafront, has been
awarded a silver grading under the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
To achieve a grading from scheme an organisation must have a strong
environmental policy together with procedures and a plan in place to
minimise energy consumption wherever possible.
The hotel joins the other two Leaf Hotels, the "Ramada"
at Whitfield and the "Holiday Inn Express," Canterbury, in achieving
silver grading.
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From the Dover Mercury, 23 February,
2012. 80p
FOUR STAR GRADING FOR SPA HOTEL
A TOP tourism grading has been awarded to the Best Western Dover
Marina Hotel and Spa overlooking the seafront.
It has been awarded a four star hotel grading by Quality in Tourism.
"Dover Marina Hotel," opened less than a year ago following a
multi-million pound refurbishment and investment.
Formerly The "Churchill Hotel," in its key position overlooking the
harbour, the 81-bedroom facility was once favoured by celebrities and
royalty and originally known as the "White Cliffs Hotel."
Since opening at the end of March 2010, it has also gained a Silver
Award from the Green Business Tourism Scheme, reflecting the hotel
policy of protecting the environment.
The hotel has been restored to its 1830s Regency splendour by owners,
the Leaf Hotel Group, whose stable also includes the four star "Ramada"
Dover.
Leaf Hotel general manager Anoob Saban said: “A four star grading is an
excellent achievement within the first year of the hotel's operation.
Great credit must go to our staff in delivering a four star service to
visitors to Dover as well as to the local people, who are using the
hotel for functions, weddings and meetings.”
Special features are The Waterfront Restaurant which offers an a la
carte menu and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Thursday is Bombay night with an array of Indian food and there is a
carvery on Sunday.
The Waterfront Cafe offers Starbucks coffee and the Waterfront Bar is
also open daily.
Sixty jobs were created for local people when the hotel opened.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 29 March, 2012. 65p.
HOTELIERS MARK YEAR IN BUSINESS
DOVER: Sri Lankan-born brothers Menon and Seelan Kanagaratnam held a
dinner party on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening
of their family-owned "Dover Marina Hotel."
More than 50 guests heard of the progress of the former "White Cliffs
Hotel" (Churchill Hotel), where they have invested several millions of
pounds. They are expected to spend more as facilities expand at the now
four-star hotel.
Their investments at the "Dover Marina," and elsewhere in the Dover area,
was welcomed by chief guest Councillor Sue Nicholas, chairman of Dover
District Council.
The family business, operating under the name Leaf Hotels, also owns the
upgraded "Ramada" at Whitfield and the
"Holiday Inn Express" at Canterbury.
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From the Dover Mercury, 29 March, 2012. 80p
WINE AND CANAPE NIGHT
A DOVER woman who has been cured of a brain tumour is holding a charity
evening next week to help others.
Emma Shirley will be raising vital funds for Samantha Dickson Brain
Tumour Trust, the UK's leading brain tumour charity, at a wine and
canape evening at the "Dover Marina Hotel" on the seafront from 5.30 to
7.30pm next Thursday, April 5.
Emma, who is still undergoing treatment, has appealed to local
businesses and individuals to donate prizes for a raffle and possibly an
auction that may be held on the night.
Emma can be contacted on 01304 822144.
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From the Dover Mercury, 24 May,
2012. 80p
TOP GRADING IS A PLUS FOR TOWN'S HOTEL
A DOVER hotel has gained special status just a few weeks after its
first anniversary.
The "Dover Marina Hotel" and Spa has been awarded Best Western Plus
status by the Best Western hotel group, becoming one of only 22 hotels
with the grading in the UK, and the only one in Kent.
“To be upgraded by Best Western to Best Western Plus status means
that Dover now has a recognised premium hotel, which will no doubt be a
great boost for tourism to the region,” said Anoob Saban, group general
manager.
“A hotel must demonstrate exemplary service and offer facilities
accustomed to any four-plus star hotel in order to receive this
prestigious status.
“It also follows having been recognised with a four-star
accreditation from the AA only last week.”
The Marina high tea and Starbucks coffee have proved firm favourites
and this summer the hotel hopes to be offering Movenpick ice cream.
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From the Dover Mercury, 5 July, 2012. 80p
STYLISH STAGECOACH JOURNEY
Above, the stagecoach at "Dover Marina Hotel."
FM2121486.
PEOPLE had a chance to see what transport was like in the 19th century
on Sunday when a stagecoach, pulled by four horses, arrived in Dover at
the end of a two-day journey from London.
The trip was organised to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Charles
Dickens and the coach and its passengers stopped off at various
locations in Kent connected with the author.
Dickens' great-great-grandson Mark Dickens was on board for part of the
journey.
The coach, called Nimrod, was drawn by five teams of horses and the
final change took place at The "Bell Inn" at Lydden, where the last set of
horses were waiting to be hitched up to the coach to complete the
88-mile journey into Dover.
With the post horn being sounded along the way, it all
made an impressive sight. A number of people were outside the "Dover
Marina Hotel" on the seafront to welcome the coach's arrival, and to see
the “post” - some commemorative packages - being delivered to those
involved. Reflecting Dickens' great
concern for the plight of disadvantaged children, the passengers had
made donations to Bamardo's in exchange for their places on the coach,
and collections were also made from spectators, and at various pubs,
along the way.
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From the Dover Mercury, 14 February, 2013. 80p.
BODY IN HOTEL
POLICE were called to a hotel in Dover on Friday
after a man was found dead in one of the rooms.
The alarm was raised
at the "Dover Marina Hotel" at 1.25pm following the discovery of a man's
body in a room.
Police said the death of the man, believed to be in
his 30s, was not being treated as suspicious.
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From the Dover Mercury, 7 March, 2013. 80p.
RELAX, IT'S THE OPENING OF SEAFRONT HOTEL SPA
A NEW spa area has been opened at a Dover seafront hotel.
Facilities include a treatment room and relaxation area at the Best
Western Plus "Dover Marina Hotel" and Spa.
The opening was carried out by district council chairman Cllr Sue
Nicholas, assisted by Dover Mayor Cllr Anne Smith.
District council chairman Cllr Sue Nicholas and Dover Mayor Cllr Anne
Smith at the opening of the new spa.
Waterfront Spa is managed by Leanne Godderidge, who has international
experience having worked in South Africa, on cruise ships and in the UK.
It provides an opportunity for people to receive a range of beauty
and body treatments from a professional with international experience,
said group general manager Anoob Saban.
Open seven days a week, hotel guests and the people of Dover will be
able to book a range of beauty and spa treatments including express
manicures from £25, massages from £30, and Shellac treatments from £15.
During March there will be a special offer of an express facial and
back, neck and shoulder massage for £39, and there is also a Mother's
Day special offer.
The treatment room is the second stage of the opening of the spa,
following the opening of the gym to hotel guests last year.
Bookings can be made on 01304 203633 or email spa@dovermarinahotel.co.uk
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From the Dover Express, 8 October 2015.
Hotel plan.
DOVER: The owners of Dover Marina Hotel on Dover sea front want to take
over an empty flat above the hotel, to turn the harbour board-owned
property into an office.
Mr Rajaseelan’s change of use planning application for the grade 2 listed
property reveals that the hotel employs 66 people of whom 28 are full
time.
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From the Dover Mercury, 5 November, 2015.
Join hotel staff.
Two Dover hotels are looking for permanent and temporary staff to join
their teams.
Dover "Marina Hotel," in Waterloo Crescent, is having a recruitment day on
Sunday from 10am.
They are looking for people to cover kitchen and maintenance duties, along
with receptionists and restaurant staff.
Successful applicants will be deployed at "Dover Marina," the "Ramada
Hotel" in Singledge Lane, Whitfield, or the "Holiday Inn Express" in
Canterbury.
People should come with a CV and be prepared for a brief interview.
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