Historic hotel in Bath city centre has new owners

A historic hotel in Bath city centre is now under new ownership. Kaleidoscope Hotels has acquired Dukes Hotel, based on Great Pulteney Street, which sold off the market with a guide price of £4 million.

The 17-bedroom hotel occupies two magnificent townhouses, with a legacy dating back to the 18th century. Originally known as St Monica's, the property underwent various transformations before assuming its current identity as Dukes in 1985, paying homage to the Duke of Clevedon.

The number one rated hotel in Bath on TripAdvisor is a cultural landmark in Bath and overlooks the famous Rugby Recreation Ground as well as being a stone’s throw from other key tourist destinations in Bath. Its new owners plan to carry out a "meticulous refurbishment plan" which includes refurbishing all bedrooms, revitalising public areas, and introducing a boutique wellness facility.

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Kaleidoscope Hotels owns a number of hotels in the South West, including Bishopstrow in Wiltshire, Homewood in Somerset and The Bird in Bath. The hotel is acquired by owners Ian and Christa Taylor, expert hoteliers with over 25 years of experience transforming hotels into unique and distinct spaces, bringing a sense of playfulness and personality to each hotel in the collection.

Ian Taylor, co-owner of Kaleidoscope Hotels, said: “As Dukes integrates into the Kaleidoscope portfolio, the focus will be on continuing to bring our playful spirit into the hospitality world, whilst fostering a sense of community among the brilliant team, and bringing them into the family with a smooth transition.

“Looking ahead, exciting synergies across the portfolio will be explored, especially with The Bird, which is a neighbour of Dukes. As a hotel collection we delight in being different, and we are looking forward to bringing this unique approach to Dukes as it becomes part of the Kaleidoscope Hotels.”

The sale of the Dukes Hotel was conducted on an off-market basis by Savills Hotel Capital Markets. James Greenslade, Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Savills, comments: “This exceptional property is the perfect addition to the buyer’s portfolio of stunning hotels.

“The hotel has been tastefully decorated with antiques and fine art, and there are several opportunities to increase its offering subject to planning permissions. Dukes will remain open offering excellent service to their customers.”

Law firm Mogers Drewett advised on the purchase of the Dukes Hotel in Bath and associated financing arrangements. Tom Webb, head of the corporate and commercial team at Mogers Drewett, said: "We have worked with Ian, Christa and the Kaleidoscope Collection group for over 10 years and this is the eighth hotel transaction that we have assisted them with.

"We are delighted to support this local success story as they expand their collection of luxury boutique hotels in the region."