A hotel has completed a major refurbishment after a multi-million pound investment.

The DoubleTree by Hilton, Dartford Bridge, has expanded to have a capacity of 185 rooms.

Investment and management company Klarent Hospitality recently invested millions of pounds in the refurbishment of several DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, including those in Southampton, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Works on the Dartford Bridge branch began early this year.

Each newly-designed room has been completely refurbished with new bathrooms and furnishings and the hotel's Cask and Thames Bar and Kitchen have also been enhanced, along with renovation to the lobby.

Mayor of Dartford Cllr Paul Cutler cut the ribbon at a launch event on November 30.

The hotel's general manager, Karthick Srinivasan, said: "We are delighted to unveil our completed new look after 11 months of hard work by our employees and business partners.

"Our newly enhanced, Cask and Thames, bar and restaurant has been an exciting project to be a part of, encompassing the finest local produce and beverages Kent has to offer, particularly following the impact of the past several years.

"It is a great opportunity to support and spread the word on great local produce and beverages.

"In particular, we're proud of the newly launched 'Keeping it Kent' programme, partnering with local food and beverage providers to share with guests and customers the best of what local producers have to offer from well-known suppliers.

"The addition of new stylish bedrooms will allow us to host even more guests throughout the year and offer a reliable and relaxing environment for Kent's visitors to retreat to after a long day of exploring everything Kent has to offer.

"This major investment in both our capacity and offering will significantly enhance the guest offering and customer experience."

Food offered as part of the new Kent-based 'Keeping it Kent' programme include award-winning scotch eggs from Dartford-based butchers Gray & Sons, Dartford brew battered English mushrooms, and Tonbridge-based Taywell Ice Cream.

Drinks include a selection of exclusive craft IPA from Tonbridge Brewery, and wines from Meopham Vineyards.

The restaurant has also worked with its suppliers to give back to the community, for example with Paddy & Scott's, whose proceeds from coffee sales have helped build a school and provide fresh running water, washing and sanitation facilities in Meru, Kenya.

Cllr Cutler said: “It was great to look around the newly refurbished DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. There are a wide range of reasons why people may want to visit Dartford.

"We have great spots of natural beauty, hugely popular attractions like Bluewater, a vibrant town centre, rich history and close transport links to both London and further into Kent.

"Having hotels where people can relax and enjoy themselves only helps to boost Dartford’s profile.

“Thank you to everyone who invited me to visit the newly refurbished hotel, all of the staff were extremely courteous and it was a pleasure to see the great new features of this impressive hotel.”