Hydro hotel closes for multimillion-pound refurbishment

The Hydro hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere has closed for a multimillion-pound refurbishment, and is expected to reopen in August.

The 78-bedroom Cumbrian property is set for what is described as a “dramatic upgrade” to transform the internal layout and design of the three-story building. This will include the redesign of all guest rooms, the function space; and a new open plan bar, restaurant and front office area.

The majority of permanent employees are being retained; some are relocating to other hotels operated by 7 Hospitality.

Bangkok-based Lake Merritt Hospitality purchased the hotel in April last year out of administration, after a £1.7m renovation project led to cashflow issues for then-owner Squire Hotels.

Gary Hume, head of property at 7 Hospitality Management, which manages the property, said: “This is a substantial investment by the hotel owners who recognise the opportunity that this hotel really has in this buoyant marketplace. 7 Hospitality Management is delighted to work alongside Julian Handy at architects Mason Gillibrand and the team at Baker Mallet to realise this hotel’s potential.”