There were celebrations all round when Dover’s premier hotel threw a party to mark its relaunch as part of the iconic Hilton brand following a multi-million pound transformation.
The four-star seafront hotel, which combines Regency elegance with contemporary comfort and fine dining, is now the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa Tapestry Collection by Hilton, heralding a new era for the Grade II-listed building.
The painstakingly refurbished hotel now features 122 rooms, including a number of luxury suites, a new reception area and stunning bar, first class wedding and conference facilities, a rejuvenated spa and Marco Pierre White’s English Chophouse.
Special guests at the sparkling evening event included Former Miss India Simran Ahuja, who paid tribute to the untiring work by owner Mr K Rajaseelan (universally known as Seelan) in transforming the hotel over the past few years.
The evening also saw the launch of RS Rock Holdings, a new venture that will bring Seelan’s many businesses, which range from hospitality and property to wellness and retail, under one unified brand.
The move is designed to enhance creativity, foster innovation and create new opportunities for collaboration across sectors while reflecting Seelan’s values of creating jobs, supporting local people and making a lasting difference to Dover, to Kent and to the wider community.
RS Rock Holdings is committed to working in close partnership with local councils, community organisations and regional development agencies to support economic growth and social wellbeing in Dover and across Kent. Seelan’s business interests include restaurants in Bromley, care homes, and the Whitfield Service Station just outside Dover.
At the launch, attended by civic dignitaries and Hilton’s Paul Blackmore, Vice President, Development UK and Ireland, Seelan thanked all those who had played a part in the transformation of the hotel and had “helped make our vision a reality”. He added: “You have all played your part and you can all take pride in what we have achieved.”
Dover Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive David Foley, who compered the evening, spoke of the huge investment Seelan had made in the hotel and the region and the benefits to the people and businesses of the town.
“Since acquiring this hotel some 15 years ago, Seelan and his team have restored, they have expanded, they have enhanced and they have totally transformed this hotel into a major attraction from which every trader in Dover – I add to that every citizen, every business in Dover – stands to benefit,” he said.
With the event also falling on Seelan’s birthday, a cake and rendition of “Happy Birthday” turned the evening into a triple celebration for family, friends and colleagues.