News Archives - Dover Marina Hotel & Spa https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/category/news/ Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:14:01 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Birthday celebrations mark ongoing transformation https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/birthday-celebrations-mark-ongoing-transformation/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/birthday-celebrations-mark-ongoing-transformation/#respond Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:08:50 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=12962 Happy birthday to us! Staff and guests marked the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa’s 14th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony in our bright new reception area, the latest part of the hotel to benefit from a remarkable, multi-million pound transformation. The past 14 years have seen huge changes at the […]

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Happy birthday to us! Staff and guests marked the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa’s 14th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony in our bright new reception area, the latest part of the hotel to benefit from a remarkable, multi-million pound transformation.

The past 14 years have seen huge changes at the iconic seafront hotel, a Regency jewel that sits below Dover’s famous White Cliffs and offers superb views of the castle that dominates this part of the coast.

The four-star hotel now boasts 122 rooms, all of them recently renovated and including a number of luxury suites with balconies overlooking the beach and the English Channel. The refurbished Churchill Bar and Lounge was unveiled at the turn of this year.

Owner Mr K Rajaseelan (universally known as Seelan), is keen to ensure the hotel contributes to the local economy and works with organisations including Dover District Council, local chambers of commerce and Dover Harbour Board to promote the town and support its growth.

“Over the past 14 years my team has worked hard to restore the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa to its former glory, establish it at the heart of the community and support the area’s growth,” he said. “The hotel is a historic building in a beautiful setting. It has been a privilege to play a part in bringing it back to life, blending its rich architectural legacy with modern luxury.”

The hotel has two Marco Pierre White restaurants, Mr White’s English Chophouse and Wheeler’s Fish and Chips, and now also serves afternoon tea in partnership with The Tea Makers of London. The Waterfront Spa & Health Club features seven treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a spa pool and a gym. 

“We are delighted to have celebrated 14 incredible years with our team, loyal guests, and the community that continues to support us,” said General Manager Pradeep Wijesinghe. “Our commitment to excellence is stronger than ever and we are determined to offer timeless hospitality rooted in heritage, enhanced by modern comforts and driven by a deep connection to the Dover community.”

birthday celebrations

 

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New bar opens in time for Christmas https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/new-bar-opens-in-time-for-christmas/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/new-bar-opens-in-time-for-christmas/#comments Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:34:29 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=10882 Dover’s newest, smartest venue opened this week, with guests enjoying the ambience of the new Churchill Bar & Lounge at the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. The latest stage in the remarkable transformation of the much-loved seafront hotel, the bar and lounge provides a stylish welcome and has an exciting […]

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Dover’s newest, smartest venue opened this week, with guests enjoying the ambience of the new Churchill Bar & Lounge at the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa.

The latest stage in the remarkable transformation of the much-loved seafront hotel, the bar and lounge provides a stylish welcome and has an exciting food offer as well as the usual wide range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails.

Owner Seelan praised the hard work and dedication of the team that has completed the work in time for Christmas and given Dover a fabulous new venue as the bar opened for business with an evening for invited guests. He said the team had done “a spectacular job”.

The new bar, which has been created in what was the function room at the hotel, is the most recent change at the Dover Marina, but is not the last. New treatment rooms and a hair dressing salon are due to be opened shortly in the hotel’s Spa area, while a sparkling new reception is set to be unveiled within the next few weeks.

A new function suite has already been unveiled as part of the hotel’s recent expansion into what was Protea House.

 

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Supporting Dover’s tourism potential https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/supporting-dovers-tourism-potential/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/supporting-dovers-tourism-potential/#comments Sun, 15 Sep 2024 16:51:18 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=10679 The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is committed to supporting the economic wellbeing of the town, and works closely with commercial bodies and tourism groups to help raise Dover’s profile. The hotel has long been a member of Visit Kent, the county-wide marketing group that works hard to bring visitors […]

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The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is committed to supporting the economic wellbeing of the town, and works closely with commercial bodies and tourism groups to help raise Dover’s profile.

The hotel has long been a member of Visit Kent, the county-wide marketing group that works hard to bring visitors to Kent, and general manager Pradeep Wijesinghe and owner K Rajaseelan recently attended a networking meeting held at nearby Dover Castle.

During the meeting, at which Visit Kent representatives outlined their plans to continue promoting the county as a tourism destination both at home and abroad, those present were invited to tour the new ‘Spur Tunnel’ attraction at the castle. The picture shows the group during the tour.

“The hotel is keen to support efforts to bring visitors to Dover for the benefit of all the businesses that operate in the area,” said Pradeep. “We believe we have a duty to play our part in the economic growth and wellbeing of the town and we will continue to do what we can to boost the economy of the area.”

 

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Networking event welcomed by local businesses https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/networking-event-welcomed-by-local-businesses/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/networking-event-welcomed-by-local-businesses/#comments Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:18:22 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=10468 Businesses from across the district met at the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa on Tuesday (3 Sept) for the first of a series of monthly networking events. The events, aimed at giving business owners an opportunity to make new contacts, discuss challenges and look for new opportunities, will alternate between […]

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Businesses from across the district met at the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa on Tuesday (3 Sept) for the first of a series of monthly networking events.

The events, aimed at giving business owners an opportunity to make new contacts, discuss challenges and look for new opportunities, will alternate between morning and evening sessions, with the event on Tuesday 1 October starting at 6pm.

Those who attended the breakfast session on Tuesday praised the initiative, which also allowed visitors to see for themselves the ongoing transformation of the seafront hotel.

Cashain David, founder of rum brand Kromanti, said he had enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat to other business owners “to share ideas, contacts and challenges”, while Garry Kemp, of Tower Design & Print Ltd, was confident that the initiative would continue to grow and create new opportunities for businesses.

Alongside business owners, the event attracted organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses and Dover District Council, whose economic development and town centre manager Kelly Green commented: “Anything that brings businesses together is a great thing for Dover.”

The hotel’s events manager Lisa Lauder, who was joined by general manager Pradeep Wijesinghe in welcoming those attending, said she was proud of the way business owners had taken the opportunity to come together and was looking forward to the next event on Tuesday 1 October.

 

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Swing into September https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/swing-into-september/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/swing-into-september/#comments Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:35:17 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=10466 Don’t miss the first of our free jazz evenings as we swing into September with a live band this Tuesday evening (Sept 3). Sarah-Jane Hassell on vocals, Paul Eldridge on piano, Rod Brown on drums and Jerome Davies on double bass will get our new series of free Tuesday jazz […]

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Don’t miss the first of our free jazz evenings as we swing into September with a live band this Tuesday evening (Sept 3).

Sarah-Jane Hassell on vocals, Paul Eldridge on piano, Rod Brown on drums and Jerome Davies on double bass will get our new series of free Tuesday jazz nights underway.

The series will continue every Tuesday evening through to the end of November, with respected saxophonist Graeme Airth working with the hotel to line up some great musicians playing a diverse range of jazz styles.

The last Tuesday of each month will take the form of an open jam session, with visitors encouraged to join in, show off their talents or just spend time playing with like-minded musicians. Our bar and restaurants will be open to allow music-lovers to combine an evening of music with a great dining experience – or even an overnight stay.

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Share ideas, meet new customers! https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/share-ideas-meet-new-customers/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/share-ideas-meet-new-customers/#comments Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:26:42 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=10327 Our new networking events are designed to help Dover’s small businesses get bigger! We’re planning a series of monthly networking sessions, alternating between morning and evening get-togethers, on the first Tuesday of every month, beginning this September. It’s a great way to meet fellow business owners, make new contacts, pick […]

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Our new networking events are designed to help Dover’s small businesses get bigger!

We’re planning a series of monthly networking sessions, alternating between morning and evening get-togethers, on the first Tuesday of every month, beginning this September. It’s a great way to meet fellow business owners, make new contacts, pick up some great ideas and perhaps even make a deal or two.

Being in business can be tough, particularly if you work on your own. Networking is a great way to share some of the challenges you face, make new connections and explore new opportunities. Who knows what could come out of a chat over a coffee with a fellow entrepreneur?

Our free networking sessions are aimed at anyone who is in business in the Dover area. You don’t have to join anything or be a member of an existing group. Just turn up!

To make it easier for as many people as possible to attend, we will be alternating between morning and evening sessions, with our 3 September event beginning at 7am and the October meeting kicking off at 6pm.

We will have refreshments and a guest speaker at each event, along with professionals from Dover District Council’s business support team and Walmer & Deal Chamber of Trade, plus other independent business advisors. There will also be the chance to see the new facilities at the recently modernised and expanded Dover Marina Hotel & Spa.

For more information and booking link, click here.

Please note that while the 3 September session is free, a small charge may be made for future networking events.

 

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Free jazz nights coming soon! https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/free-jazz-nights-coming-soon/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/free-jazz-nights-coming-soon/#comments Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:46:18 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=10316 We’re launching as series of superb free jazz evenings as we continue our support for live music at your favourite venue. Our autumn series of free events begins on Tuesday 3 September and will continue every Tuesday evening through to the end of November. We are working with respected saxophonist […]

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We’re launching as series of superb free jazz evenings as we continue our support for live music at your favourite venue.

Our autumn series of free events begins on Tuesday 3 September and will continue every Tuesday evening through to the end of November.

We are working with respected saxophonist Graeme Airth to develop a programme of great live music featuring a variety of talented local musicians playing a diverse range of jazz styles.

The last Tuesday of each month will take the form of an open jam session, with visitors encouraged to join in, show off their talents or just spend time playing with like-minded musicians.

The evenings will be free, while the hotel’s bar and restaurants will be open to visitors who want to combine an evening of music with a great dining experience – or even an overnight stay.

With our impressive transformation continuing, the plan is to grow the Tuesday evening sessions and move them in time into the new, larger bar area being created as part of hotel’s ongoing expansion.

The first gig on Tuesday 3 September will feature Sarah-Jane Hassell on vocals, Paul Eldridge on piano, Rod Brown on drums and Jerome Davies on double bass.

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Our summer of music continues https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/our-summer-of-music-continues/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/our-summer-of-music-continues/#comments Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:37:54 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=9678 Our great summer of live music continues throughout August, with a great line up of acts offering free entertainment to local music fans as well as visitors. This Friday, 2 August, will see our talented competition winner Abi Orfila entertaining the audience from the terrace outside the bar entrance at […]

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Our great summer of live music continues throughout August, with a great line up of acts offering free entertainment to local music fans as well as visitors.

This Friday, 2 August, will see our talented competition winner Abi Orfila entertaining the audience from the terrace outside the bar entrance at the front of the hotel from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The weekend continues with the ever-popular Squangey Bobbins performing on Saturday 3 August from 5pm until 8pm, while our Sunday 5 August lunchtime audience will be treated to a performance by Ratzkins from noon until 3pm.

Next Friday, 9 August will see another competition winner, Crimson Medic take to the stage, followed by Ratzkins on Saturday afternoon and Richie Triangle on Sunday lunchtime (times for each day are the same as for this coming weekend).

And on the following weekend (times again the same), the line-up will be Luke Dorman & Friends on Friday evening (16 August), Sam Brothers on Saturday afternoon and Ratzkins on Sunday lunchtime.

Don’t forget it’s all free, so join us to have fun, enjoy a drink and support local musicians. The performers will move into the bar area if the weather is too unkind.

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Hotel expansion praised as a “game changer” https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/hotel-expansion-praised-as-a-game-changer/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/hotel-expansion-praised-as-a-game-changer/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2024 08:53:55 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=9452 A top tourism boss has praised the transformation of Dover Marina Hotel & Spa as a “game changer” for Dover’s tourism potential. Deirdre Wells, chief executive at GoToPlaces, which includes the influential Visit Kent organisation, was shown around the newly refurbished hotel by general manager Pradeep Wijesinghe and described what […]

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A top tourism boss has praised the transformation of Dover Marina Hotel & Spa as a “game changer” for Dover’s tourism potential.

Deirdre Wells, chief executive at GoToPlaces, which includes the influential Visit Kent organisation, was shown around the newly refurbished hotel by general manager Pradeep Wijesinghe and described what she saw as an “amazing refurbishment programme”.

She added on social media: “Now boasting 120 bedrooms, this property is a game changer for Visit Kent ‘s ability to attract international groups. A stone’s throw from Dover’s bustling cruise terminal and with panoramic views of the White Cliffs from many of their new suites, the hotel also includes a luxurious spa and Marco Pierre White restaurant.

“This regency gem really brings a slice of heritage glamour to the Kent coast.”

Deirdre added that she was “looking forward to seeing the next phase, including a swanky new bar and reception area” – and we are, too!

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Marking D-Day in Dover https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/marking-d-day-in-dover/ https://dovermarinahotel.co.uk/marking-d-day-in-dover/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:24:05 +0000 https://www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/?p=9437 One of the most significant events of the second world war will be marked in Dover when the town joins nationwide celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day this Thursday (6 June). The town played a vital role in the events leading up to the re-taking of mainland Europe […]

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One of the most significant events of the second world war will be marked in Dover when the town joins nationwide celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day this Thursday (6 June).

The town played a vital role in the events leading up to the re-taking of mainland Europe in 1944, with Operation Fortitude South staged here to fool the Nazis into thinking that Allied troops would be making the short journey across The Channel to invade the Pas de Calais.

In fact, the dummy tanks, replica landing craft and fake airfields, along with misleading radio traffic, was all designed to mislead the enemy while the real armada massed on the South Coast and headed for Normandy, where the invasion marked the start of the end of Nazi occupation.

The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa will be the ideal spot from which to join the celebrations, which will feature an evening of live musical entertainment organised by Dover Town Council on the Marina Curve from 6pm.

At 6.30pm the hotel will join other venues across the country by lighting a lantern and ringing its bell to mark the contribution made to the war effort by hundreds of animals including dogs, horses and homing pigeons.

The Dover Beacon lighting will take place at 9.15pm and will be livestreamed to the Marina Curve, while the hotel will be serving a special ‘Hellfire Corner’ cocktail through the evening.

The hotel’s bell will be rung at 6.30pm

 

 

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