Guests have started checking in at a new Ashford hotel after it finally opened its doors.

The opening of the 140-room Hampton by Hilton Ashford International in Victoria Road has been long-awaited since the project was first announced in January 2016.

By November that year, the proposal had been approved despite concerns over the design, including its “hideous” yellow cladding.

But changes requested by planning officers as well as the applicant itself - including the addition of 20 more rooms - meant construction work only began in December 2019.

It had initially been expected the hotel would open in December last year, but those plans were put on hold after the pandemic delayed construction.

After the first national lockdown was lifted, residents were concerned by the use of 'shipping containers' to build the hotel's structure.

But the 'prefab method' is being used increasingly often by hotel chains as a more cost-effective and speedy way of building new projects.

Following the opening of the site, which is fully booked this weekend, general manager Arshad Khan said: "Guests will enjoy modern and spacious rooms, have a worry-free stay with comfortable spaces that are designed to feel familiar and inviting.

"Hampton by Hilton guests can confidently expect thoughtfully designed accommodations backed by the brand’s satisfaction guarantee.”

At about 10am on Monday, a white Volkswagen Caddy van blocked part of Beaver Road after overturning outside the hotel.

The fire service was called to the crash, which also involved a car.

For more information on the new hotel, click here

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