by Graham Tutthill

The former Churchill Hotel on Dover seafront has been taken over by the owners of the Ramada Hotel at Whitfield.

Brothers Mr Rajamenon and Mr Rajaseelan have signed the lease with Dover Harbour Board, who own the hotel building, and say it will be renamed Dover Marina Hotel.

Tim Waggott, Director of Finance and Commercial, said: “The team at the Port of Dover have worked incredibly hard to find the right partners to take one of Dover’s premier sites forward.

"We are very encouraged that the new owners will be local businessmen who understand what works for the town and we are excited by the new ideas they have for Dover Marina Hotel. We wish them well in their new venture and await with pleasure the re-opening of the hotel.

The new owners plan to continue the good relationship they enjoyed with Best Western, marketing Dover Marina Hotel as an "affordable choice with green credentials" appealing to tourists and business travellers alike.

Mr Rajamenon said: “We are looking forward to making Dover Marina Hotel a focal point for the local community and visitors to Dover alike. We’ll offer great guest service and facilities including a health club and free WiFi internet access plus rooms for weddings and meetings – in fact everything you could want from a local hotel.”