Hythe’s four-star Imperial Hotel is stepping up a gear after a £1 million investment over the last 18 months.

The landmark Victorian seafront building, currently marketed under the Mercure brand, is to join the Classic British Hotels collection.

Darrell Healey, chairman of Imperial’s owners, the GSE Group, said: “There is a resurgence in demand from UK and overseas visitors for quality independent British hotels, in particular those offering great locations, history, a feel of grandeur and high levels of service.

“Feedback from our visitors and group organisers has meant that now is the right time to move to Classic British Hotels as we take the hotel to the next level through our ongoing investment programme.”

The switch follows a programme of improvements, which have included refurbishment of the Imperial’s public areas and ballroom and the first phase of a four-phase bedrooms upgrade.

In addition to undertaking the next phase of the bedroom upgrade programme in September, with its new standard and executive rooms, and luxury suites, in September, work will soon start on a new champagne bar in January.

Denise Vas, general manager at the four-star 100-bedroom Imperial, said:”This change will appeal to those visitors who want a quintessential English period hotel experience against the backdrop of the English Channel and historic town of Hythe, and nearby Romney Marsh.

We will be working closely with Classic British Hotels, and our strategic partners at Visit Kent, to attract more people to the county, and in particular to Shepway. “

To mark the move to Classic British Hotels, the Hythe Imperial’s management, and staff in their distinctive new uniforms, were joined by a number of classic British sportscars, and representatives from Hythe and Shepway.