Story by: business editor Trevor Sturgess

A prominent Ramsgate hotel is being given a £2 million facelift after a change of ownership.

Budget chain Travelodge has leased the Kent International Hotel from the trustees of Morden College which bought the hotel from previous owner Rosslane Investments after it went into receivership earlier this year.

The 57-bed hotel overlooks the Royal Harbour and Marina, and features a restaurant, two bars, a banqueting suite and three meeting rooms.

The hotel is now closed until next summer for work that will add 11 new bedrooms and a bar/cafe.

Tony O'Brien, Travelodge UK development director, said: "We have long coveted a site in Ramsgate and when we were informed that the Kent International had gone into receivership we acted immediately."

"Located on Harbour Parade the hotel is in a prime location and, following the £2 million refurbishment we are undertaking, I am sure it will quickly become one of the most popular hotels in Ramsgate."

Thanet council leader Bob Bayford welcomed the news. He said: "We're delighted to see a national brand like Travelodge coming to Ramsgate and we look forward to seeing the results of their refurbishment at the Kent International Hotel."

Travelodge launched its budget brand in 1985 and now operates 452 hotels with a total of 30,500 bedrooms. The chain plans to grow to 70,000 rooms and 1,000 hotels by 2020.