History

2025 – Major Renovations and exciting relaunch

For information on Press Releases and Site Visits please email Kaye Wilson at groupdirectorofsales@cresthotelsgroup.com

March 2025 (completed) – completion of half of bedroom stock will be complete

May 2025 (completed) – Essence; new dining and bar is now open

June 2025 (20th June) – all new bedroom stock will be completed and available.

Spring 2026 (date tbc) – New spa complex will be open

Today…

Plans are underway to include a meticulous restoration of Imperial Hotel’s historic features alongside the introduction of the latest amenities to ensure an unparalleled guest experience.

“We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during the development phases.” Tracy Webb | Hotel Manager

The hotel is open but note, during renovation, there maybe disruptions. Please feel free to contact us or pop in to ask questions.

Coming soon – Blissful nights

Guests can look forward to the perfect blend of old-world elegance and contemporary luxury with amenities such as balcony/terrace views (in selected rooms), high-speed wireless internet access, Power Showers, Air Conditioning and Luxurious Sleep Easy beds.

Coming soon – Epicurean delights

With a new kitchen and brasserie to open up the ground floor area, locally sourced produce will be a staple bedrock giving customers a memorable dining experience.

Coming soon – Wellness sights

Luxurious spa facility, where guests can immerse themselves in a world of tranquillity and wellness while overlooking the sea. From jacuzzi, steam room and sauna along with a High-Tech Gym Facilities the spa will provide the perfect escape for guests seeking rest and relaxation.

Source (press release)

2025 (c.Feb) – Springing ahead

The first of the new renovated bedrooms become available.

2024 (c.May) – A new journey

The hotel is now operated by the Crest Hotel Group, which emphasizes maintaining the historical charm of the property while providing modern hospitality services.

Historical Timeline

1923 – Al fresco

A stunning addition to the please of patrons and visitors alike, a lounge over the clifftop was added.¹

1920s – Crumbs!

The Imperial Hotel is purchased by Garfield Weston, a wealthy Canadian, known as the “biscuit millionaire”, with founding legacies such as Associated British Foods plc today.

1912 – Heavens above

Another fire broke out and unfortunately destroyed the roof.¹

1907 – A few tweaks

The company, Maples, was commissioned to add a few extra alterations, including a smoking-room in the style of Henri II of France.¹

1905 – Imperialism

Along with Belmont Towers, no 2 and 3, were all sold together after being completely renovated by Maples of London. The proprietor at that time would announce the hotel under its new name, “Imperial Hotel”.¹

1904 – Painting by numbers

The Southern part of the building, no 1, was known as Belmont Towers. This was then offered to rent. Along with its 13 bedrooms, it even had a drawing room. We wonder if there are there drawings and paintings of the majestic views still in existence today.¹

1869 – Disaster strikes

Part of the building experienced a fire.¹

1870(c) – Bent over backwards

At one point, the building was known as Belmont Terrace, being owned by the Earl of Limerick. Having the need for easy access to the property for horse and carriage, an arch was constructed through the town wall which is here to this day as access to many people from the Southern most side of the town wall into the Paragon area, next to Imperial Hotel.¹

1832

The Imperial Hotel originated as a terrace of houses known as Belmont Houses, built by Andrew Reed. This structure later transformed into the hotel we know today, prominently located along Tenby’s seafront.¹

Architectural Evolution

The hotel features a painted stucco façade with slate roofs, which includes a historical tower built on the medieval town walls of Tenby. The building has undergone several modifications over the years, replacing old sash windows with contemporary ones while maintaining its distinctive aesthetic, such as the modillion cornices and parapet detailing.

Architectural Features

The hotel features a painted stucco façade with slate roofs, which includes a historical tower built on the medieval town walls of Tenby. The building has undergone several modifications over the years, replacing old sash windows with contemporary ones while maintaining its distinctive aesthetic, such as the modillion cornices and parapet detailing.

Historical Significance

The hotel is a Grade II listed building, recognized for its significant location and historical elements, including the integration of parts of Tenby’s medieval walls in its structure.

Historical sources <1>