THE largest hotel in a Kent town has been sold and plans are in hand for a £5million investment to refurbish all 177 bedrooms and the public areas.

QHotels have announced the purchase of the Ashford International Hotel for an undisclosed sum.

The hotel is the ninth to join the expanding group with a reputation of acquiring prestige hotels and investing heavily in them.

Set in eight acres on the edge of town they are planning air conditioning for all bedrooms, restaurants and offices and landscaping to the outdoor areas.

It joins the group that includes The Midland in Manchester and others in Lincolnshire, Leeds, Glasgow, Cheshire. Winchester, Gloucester and Warwickshire.

Managing director Michael Purtill said: "Ashford International is a fantastic property which perfectly suits our vision when looking for hotels to invest in.

"We believe in investing in both property and people and are much committed to helping the hotel achieve its full potential."