Weddings return at Royal Hotel in Weymouth
Restrictions on guest numbers have eased
The Royal Hotel in Weymouth is welcoming weddings back now restrictions have eased.
Weddings and receptions are no longer capped at 30 guests.
It's marking a turn-around in fortunes for the iconic hotel on Weymouth seafront.
The Royal Hotel was rescued from the risk of permanent closure in 2020 following the collapse of Specialist Leisure Group, the then owner of the Shearings brand.
The hotel was bought by the newly formed Coast and Country Hotel Collection last year, who retained around 90% of staff.
Since reopening last month, the hotel has enjoyed a period of busy trade, as locals, regulars and new guests embrace the venue - with many expressing their genuine pleasure at being able to enjoy its hospitality once more.
In fact, the group's almost seen 100% capacity across the south coast.
Tim Somer is the group's Cluster General Manager for the South.
He said:
"Occupancy across the south coast has been pretty full on.
"There was plenty of work behind the scenes before reopening in trying to get that business through the door, so as soon as we were open we were ready to go."
"For us in Weymouth it's been a nice transition back into the working life.
"It's had it's challenges because there's an increased demand, but ultimately it's been quite smooth."
Last year's collapse of Specialist Leisure Group (former owner of the Shearings brand) meant any weddings booked at the hotel were cancelled. That's put them in a good place to start booking couples in who chose to postpone until restrictions eased.
Tim said:
"There's a sense of real pride and satisfaction when you get to spend that special day with somebody, and to see their smiles and their happiness and being part of that experience."
Denise Watts General Manager of the Royal Hotel said:
"One of the benefits of Royal Hotel having only recently reopened is that despite recent enquiries, our calendar for weddings still has some availability.
"The last few weeks since reopening have been tremendously busy, yet exciting, and we're delighted to be moving into the next phase of the process of bouncing back."