An abandoned hotel in a popular seaside town in the UK is set to make a comeback.
The Riviera Hotel, one of Dorset’s most recognisable coastal landmarks, fell into disrepair in 2022.
The establishment overlooks Weymouth Bay at Bowleaze Cove in Dorset – and achieved Grade II listed status in 1997.
It was built in 1936 and 1937. But after closing its doors in late 2022 following severe storm damage to its roof, the hotel appeared to fall into disrepair.
By 2023, it was listed on the Twentieth Century Society’s ‘Buildings at Risk’ register, with concerns raised over its ‘decline and neglect.’
But now the hotel is set to undergo a full refurbishment – taking it from ‘abandoned’ to its regal glory.
Dorset News reported that, contrary to widespread rumours, including claims of demolition, squatting, or criminal activity, the hotel is neither abandoned nor forgotten.
Its current owners, the Diyafa Group, a Saudi Arabian hospitality firm, are investing in its full restoration.
The Riviera Hotel, one of Dorset’s most recognisable coastal landmarks
The group bought the hotel in 2009 and previously oversaw a £4 million refurbishment between 2010 and 2012.
Rooms were made bigger and the interiors were updated – there was also repainting.
The ballroom roof has been repaired, though the flooring remains unsafe and off-limits.
On-site security has also been in place to protect both the site and the public while work is underway.
The Diyafa Group is committed to restoring the building into a modern yet heritage-sensitive destination.
It aims to preserve its art deco style – but bring the hotel into the modern era with all the requirements.
However, no set date has been given as of yet – and the Daily Mail has contacted Difaya for more information.
Riviera Hotel Weymouth includes 98 rooms and is about 15 minutes’ drive from Sandsfoot Castle.
The establishment overlooks Weymouth Bay at Bowleaze Cove in Dorset
The three-star hotel is well located, too.It is a 25-minute walk from SEA LIFE Centre Weymouth.
The Riviera also gives access to such sports venues as Weymouth Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, which is 5 minutes away by car.
The accommodation is a 10-minute ride from the scenic Radipole Lake Nature Reserve and quite close to Fantasy Island Fun Park.
The property allows you to enjoy such natural sights as Nothe Gardens a 10-minute ride away.
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The beloved Dorset hotel ‘in disrepair’ set to finally make a comeback
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