(William Dax via SWNS)
By Filipa Gaspar
A famous seafront hotel has become an empty “eyesore” as a member of Parliament says its “Saudi Arabia-based owners have let it fall into woeful disrepair.”
The iconic Riviera Hotel in Weymouth, Dorset, was opened in 1939 but has been unused since no buyers were found when it last went on the market for £5 million ($6.65 million) in 2021.
The Grade II-listed Art Deco site has been fully closed since suffering storm damage in 2022.
Locals say it is becoming a blot and South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton has called on the government to step in.
Addressing ministers, Hatton said: “The Riviera Hotel is an iconic building overlooking Weymouth, but its current Saudi Arabia-based owners have let it fall into woeful disrepair.
“What was once a thriving hotel is now turning into an absolute eyesore. While Dorset Council is doing its utmost to convene a reasonable sale, we can and must do more.
“Will the Minister meet with us to explore every option, including compulsory purchase as a backstop, to bring this hotel back into local hands?”
(William Dax via SWNS)
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook agreed to a meeting and confirmed that local authorities have a number of powers available for the preservation of a designated heritage asset.
It opened in 1939 and became a major feature of Weymouth’s tourism scene and then a Pontins.
The hotel was added to the Twentieth Century Society’s Buildings at Risk Register in 2023 because of concerns over its condition.
The hotel is owned by Bowleaze Ltd. — linked to Saudi Arabian hospitality group Diyafa Group.
Historic England says it “epitomizes the austere approach of the modernists in the immediate pre-war era, and suggests the designer’s acquaintance with contemporary work in Rome and elsewhere.”
The Riviera Hotel was built in 1936–37 for a cost of around £40,000. It was subsequently sold and first opened for the summer holiday season in 1939.
(William Dax via SWNS)
In 1999, the hotel was sold to Hollybush Associates, who carried out a £1 million refurbishment by 2002.
In 2009, the hotel was sold for £3.5 million to the Saudi Arabian hospitality chain Diyafa Group.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel provided temporary accommodation for the homeless in 2020–21.
In 2020, the hotel was placed on the market for £5.5 million, but failed to attract a buyer and was removed from the market the following year.
In 2023, the hotel was listed on the Twentieth Century Society’s ‘Buildings at risk’ register due to “decline and neglect.”
One local said: “Such a shame, you can see the lovely art deco style even though it has fallen into this state. It would be amazing if it could be restored.”
Another said: “Its a victim of listed building status — makes it too expensive and restrictive to do anything.”
Its owners have been approached for a comment.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.