A Tenby seafront hotel that was put on the market for over £2million, has been sold.

The Imperial Hotel, which is more than a hundred years old, has been sold by specialist hotel property adviser, Christie & Co, to Crest Hotels.

Imperial Hotel Tenby front
The Imperial Hotel which overlooks South Beach and enjoys views out to Caldey Island, had an asking price of £2.5million (pic: Observer) (Observer pic)

The listed building, originally a terrace of homes known as Belmont Houses, which were built in the 1830s, had an asking price of £2.5million; with the new owners acquiring the freehold of the property.

Crest Hotels directors, Gurjinder and Parminder Singh, said: “We are extremely proud to bring this iconic hotel into our existing portfolio and look forward to working with the team in situ to further build on its reputation and stature."

imperial hotel
The hotel looks directly onto the sea. (Christie & Co)

Ed Belfield, regional director in Christie & Co’s hotel team, who acted for the seller, commented: “We congratulate the new owners on their purchase of an iconic south Wales coastal resort hotel.

“The hotel is one of the 33-assets put to market as part of the Coast & Country Portfolio.”

An application for bedroom alterations and refurbishments to the bar and lounge area part of the hotel which is situated along The Paragon, overlooking South Beach and enjoying views out to Caldey Island, were backed by members of Tenby Town Council town councillors at their recent meeting.

Members recommended approval to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, stating: “While members welcome the renovations, any historic features within the rooms (e.g. coving) should be preserved.”

Imperial Hotel Tenby
The listed building, was originally a terrace of homes known as Belmont Houses (Observer pic)

Members of Tenby Civic Society also gave their views on the planning application (Ref: NP/24/0246/LBA) for the internal alterations, but noted no external alterations.

“We were concerned that it is not clear whether there are decorative period features to rooms (cornices etc) and that the fixing of new lower ceilings will not affect them,” stated Harry Gardiner on behalf of members in their submission to the National Park Authority.

“The intimate connection of the building with the Town Walls and the importance of the section of original walkway (one of only two) on the Walls from the hotel to the tower overlooking the sea should feature in the heritage report.”