Hotel sold to boutique operator

The Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel, located in the historic town of Dorchester, has been sold to Sleeping Bear Hotels.

The Georgian Grade II listed property comprises 29 ensuite guest bedrooms, a dining room and lounge bar which seat up to 64 guests, and a function room which has capacity for 70.

It has been extensively renovated in recent years and undergone a full refurbishment.

The owner has independently owned and run the hotel since 2002, deciding to sell to focus on other business ventures. The hotel has been sold to Tudor and Lucy Hopkins of Sleeping Bear Hotels, who also own a collection of boutique properties located across Wiltshire and Somerset including The Moonraker Hotel near Bath.

Tudor commented: “The Wessex will be the first location under our new concept brand, ‘Sleeping Bear Hotels’. We’ll offer room-only accommodations, while encouraging our guests to explore and enjoy local restaurants. We believe this approach will be successful not only here in Dorchester, but across the UK. The hotel will be rebranded later this month.”

Stephen Champion, director – Hotels South West at Christie & Co who acted for the vendor, said: “On behalf of our private clients, we are delighted to announce the sale of the Wessex Royale Hotel to Sleeping Bear Hotels. The excellent condition of the property and prime location in the centre of Dorset’s county town helped drive strong interest in this hotel, with multiple buyers emerging with interest in acquiring this hotel. We wish the new owners every success with their new business venture.”

The Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel was sold for an undisclosed price.