Bespoke adds Duke of Cornwall hotel to portfolio

Bespoke Hotels, the UK’s Largest Independent Hotel Group, has secured a long-term lease to operate the historic Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth.

Succeeding Best Western Hotels, Bespoke will look to further cement the reputation and standing of the historic South Coast property.

The hotel’s history can be traced back as far as 1863, when it was built as the city’s inaugural luxury hotel. Viewed today as an homage to Victorian-era grandeur, it boasts a grand entrance leading to 72 uniquely appointed guestrooms, including a selection of four-posters suites, as well as a Two AA Rosette-awarded restaurant.

A leading wedding and events venue, The Duke of Cornwall was a finalist in the 2018 and 2019 South West Wedding Awards, and is firmly at the heart of Plymouth’s tourism industry with capacity for up to 300 guests.

One of the finest examples of Victorian-era architecture in the region, it stands out on Plymouth’s skyline from its position on the fringes of the city centre.

The Duke of Cornwall

Walter Combstock, outgoing managing director of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, said: “We have noted the success of Bespoke Hotels across the South West of England and look forward to the hotel’s high standards of service and guest satisfaction continuing under their banner.

“We are confident Bespoke will take the property to the next level and make a real success of it.”

Graham Marskell, managing director of Operations for Bespoke Hotels, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Duke of Cornwall.

“The property has long been on our radar as an architectural icon across Plymouth and Devon, so we are excited to continue upholding the high standards established by the hotel team and will be working to ensure there is no disruption to existing customers.”

Inside the historic hotel