Canterbury hotel to open its doors with 'stunning' roof bar and restaurant
…and we’re one step closer to finding out who might be running that much talked-about rooftop spot
After almost a decade in the planning, a new 129-bed city hotel is finally opening its doors - and we’re one step closer to finding out who might be running that much talked-about rooftop spot.
If you’ve been Googling for somewhere to stay recently in Canterbury you may well have already stumbled across Hampton by Hilton. While the launch date has remained illusive for so long, the team at the hotel has actually been quietly taking bookings ahead of a June opening.
And now that time has arrived. The 129-bed hotel, on the former Slatters site and which has cost in the region of £20 million, is due to launch next week, with rooms booked from July 16.
It will be a momentous day for those behind the new St Margaret’s Street accommodation, including building owners Zaw Htut and Mike Wood, who have poured their hearts and souls into making this happen after taking on the site nine years ago - a decade after Slatters Hotel shut.
Part old (the building includes some listed properties) and part new, the venue offers its own lounge area, open to the public as well as guests, a dining spot, a meeting room and gym, for those staying there.
In the reception area, you will also be able to peer down through glass panels and see the remains of an old Roman theatre.
An archaeological dig at the start of work uncovered thousands of artefacts, some of which will also be on display.
“The hotel is on a historic site and it’s not very often that you get to dig down and discover all that, so we wanted to display as many of the artefacts as possible at the hotel, “ explains sales manager Nicola Smith.
Hampton by Hilton, described as a focused service hotel, is one of 18 brands of hotels run by Hilton.
This one will have two shops on the ground floor, the hotel and - perhaps what is piquing most people’s interest - a destination rooftop bar and restaurant.
Smith is quick to point out that this is a separate entity to the hotel, with its own entrance lobby, and lifts from street level to the top, but that she’ll be working closely with whoever will be running the venue.
So far, whoever that is has been kept under wraps while the “legal bits” are being finalised.
What is known, however, is that Paragon Hospitality, a lifestyle operator behind a number of high-end restaurants, lounges and bars in unique locations across the country, are working on the plans with the new operator.
Smith says it will be an independent rather than a chain, and will hopefully be open in a couple of months.
“It’s going to be a premium, destination restaurant - it’s stunning up there,” she said.
“Although we’re separate entities, it’s completely within our interest and the restaurant’s to have a very strong partnership. I’m already receiving requests from people who want functions there and bedrooms with us so we will be working very closely together.
“For example, they are going to have Christmas parties and people are going to want to stay at the Hampton.
“If someone’s coming for a two night break they get a free Hampton breakfast - or they might want to upgrade and have breakfast on the rooftop.”
Taken from Paragon Hospitality
Smith says the hotel itself has a lot to offer in terms of facilities, with a large open plan lounge area, its own bar and dining area. There is also a cubby room which can be hired out privately or used by the public for teas and coffees during the day.
“The hotel is much-needed in the area,” she added. “We’ve got a great selection of hotels in the city; you’ve got your budget with your Premier Inn and Travelodge which are great and worthwhile, then you’ve got the Abode which is a different level to us, four star, champagne bar etc. We sit in the middle and that’s a nice place to be.”
She added: “We are all about Hamptonality - the moment you walk into the hotel it’s about engagement and the culture here is very much that from the minute a guest arrives to the minute they leave they are looked after.”
For more information see www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rcshxhx-hampton-canterbury/