HUGE investment has resulted in the total refurbishment and re-opening of one of Canterbury's best-known hotels. It has taken two years and more than £2 million, but the owners of the imposing Gothic-style Abbot's Barton Hotel in New Dover Road believe they have created a four star venue.

Built in 1830 and once the home of the controversial former Mayor of Canterbury and city MP, Francis Bennett Goldney, the building became an hotel in 1927.

It is now owned by the San Guiseppe family, who already run the successful Burlington Hotel in Folkestone and are members of the Best Western group of independent hoteliers.

City council tourism and marketing officer Amanda Monk-Peak welcomed the re-opening of the business. She said: "We are delighted that the Abbot's Barton has been given a new lease of life. There is big demand for top quality accommodation in Canterbury and the investment is very welcome."

General manager Michael Turner said: "Quite simply, we have started with a clean slate. Nothing has been left untouched and the hotel has been transformed.

"When we acquired the Abbot's Barton it did not have a good reputation but we knew it had great potential. However, it needed a lot of investment which the owners have put it. "Now we have to restore customer confidence which is why customer service is just as important as the facilities we provide."

At present, the hotel offers 40 new, en-suite bedrooms including a honeymoon suite. All have the latest facilities including Internet and Sky equipped televisions.

The number of rooms is soon to grow to 55 and ultimately 85 when the work is complete. There are also conference and meeting rooms, a top quality restaurant and the hotel is licensed for weddings with 31 bookings already taken for next year.