The hotel chain behind the Grand Burstin in Folkestone, which has been ranked the UK’s worst for the past decade, has reported record profits.

Britannia Hotels, recorded a pre-tax profit of £33.4m at the end of March 2022 after a pre-tax loss of £9.5m in 2021 and a 68% reduction in sales in the same year.

The report also shows the business achieved a turnover of £117.8m, up from £38.3m.

Last year, KentOnline reporter James Pallant booked a stay at the Folkestone establishment which has a two and a half star rating on Tripadvisor.

He had low expectations for his stay after “doom-scrolling” through the online reviews, but he ended up recommending visitors give the hotel a go, if they’re looking for a budget option, and don’t plan on spending too much time inside.

In November, a coach driver and a holidaymaker on a turkey and tinsel break were hurt after a section of wall at the seafront hotel came crashing down on the street in high winds.

In the same month, Britannia Hotels was rated the worst in the UK for the 10th year in a row.

Their venues were rated just two stars out of five for categories such as cleanliness, bed comfort and value for money in the annual survey by consumer group Which? and got an overall customer satisfaction score of 56%.

A statement signed off by the board, about the 2022 figures, said directors are confident the company is in a good position.

The statement read: "The result represents a return to performance levels comparable to pre-Covid-19 achieved during a period of difficult trading conditions which continues to limit opportunities for growth.

"Our priorities continue to be maintaining occupancy levels and to manage operating costs whilst ensuring that the business is well placed to exploit the opportunities of the future.

“Directors remain confident the company is in a good position to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

The statement also said the hotels have managed to maintain their competitive edge through the economic downturn and continue to take steps to attract new business.

The statement added that directors are “confident the business is well placed to meet the challenges including the current geopolitical uncertainty, cost of living crisis and the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic."