The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow is under new ownership, having been acquired by Crest Hotels for an undisclosed sum. Crest Hotels is a privately owned and managed hotel group and the 17th century, 40-bedroom hotel is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio.
Jason Hiley, Group Operations Director at Crest Hotels said: “This is an exciting time for the group and we are delighted to add such a unique and characterful property to our portfolio. The Feathers Hotel is packed with history and heritage which we are keen to preserve in the re-opening of the hotel and we look forward to the next few months where we can sensitively refurbish the hotel before the planned re launch in spring.
“The hotel will continue to operate as an independent hotel with the support and wealth of experience from the Crest Hotels Management team. Pivotal to the purchase is our desire to work with the local community to not only create 30 new jobs, with appointments benefiting from our bespoke training and development programme, but to also invest time in supporting the area as a tourist led destination and further boost the local economy.
“We have a lot to do but we are confident that we will be ready to open our doors in the spring, ahead of what we hope will be a busy period of summer trading for the hotel and for Ludlow. We look forward to showing local residents what we have created and we hope the hotel becomes a central hub for bringing the community together for events and functions, as well as welcoming guests from further afield to show off the facilities and the picturesque market town we are lucky to be based in.”
Jason Hiley, Group Operations Director at Crest HotelsThe purchase of the historic Feathers Hotel comprises 40 bedrooms, reception area, four function rooms, restaurant and bar; all of which will benefit from a soft refurbishment and modernisation that ensures all customer touch points retain the charm and character the hotel is famous for, having once been described as the most handsome hotel in the world.
Crest is investing over £500,000 in the property, which includes an aesthetic makeover to public areas, rooms and the function suite, as well as complete new plumbing throughout. The customer journey will also benefit from a new food concept being introduced, the addition of a new tea room and restaurant which aims to achieve accreditation with two AA Rosette’s within six months of opening.