The Palace Hotel, Southend, is looking stunning both inside and out.

It’s an absolute delight that this once rundown building has been restored to its original use as a first class hotel.

No expense has been spared on the refurbishment and Southend can boast it has a genuine, large, top-quality hotel which will send a shiver down the spine of those older hotels which have had it all their own way.

The only disappointment is the addition of some penthouses which appear to have been plonked on the top with disregard to the design of the original structure.

I gather they have nothing to do with the hotel, so perhaps the sale of these will help pay towards the renovation of the rest of the building. Pity the attention to tasteful detail on the rest of the restoration was overlooked on these top storeys.

I believe those wishing to stay at the hotel and travelling in by car have a parking issue because in 1902, when the building was constructed, they didn’t cater for mass car ownership.

Today I gather it’s a parking consession at the Royals, but that comes with serious time issues.

Let’s just hope this new venture is a success and can attract clients in these highly competitive times.

I’m sure the new hoteliers will have done their market reseach carefully.

Chris Jones
Hollytree Gardens
Rayleigh