A LEADING hotel manager is hailing the purchase of a Hampshire hotel as a sign of recovery in the country’s hotel sector.

Legacy Hotels and Resorts has acquired the Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel & Spa in Chilworth, Southampton, and has already started working on upgrading its infrastructure.

The 95-bedroom hotel, which has a health club and spa, is now under the guidance of Legacy Hotels & Resorts’ regional general manager John Billane.

The Chilworth Manor Hotel and Spa is surrounded by 12 acres of landscaped gardens with a conservation area next door.

Andy Townsend, chief executive officer of Legacy Hotels & Resorts, said over £200,000 has already been spent to roll out new IT to upgrade its Wi-Fi.

He said: “Two sample guestrooms have been completed to show to clients, as we embark on a refurbishment programme that will lead to all 95 bedrooms being upgraded and refurbished before the end of this year.

“We are particularly pleased with the scheme we have developed for our Manor House rooms, which embrace the heritage of the property while delivering guests with the facilities and services expected today of a modern hotel offer.”

Legacy Hotels & Resorts has also acquired a hotel in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Simon Stevens, director at Christie & Co, acted for the sellers in both acquisitions.

Mr Townsend said: “This has been a busy period of growth for Legacy Hotels & Resorts because earlier this year, through Branded Hotel Management, we opened the new build – a 30-bedroom BEST WESTERN PLUS Magnolia Park Hotel as part of the Magnolia Golf & Country Club in Boarstall, Buckinghamshire.

“It has been a very strong start to 2015 with a number of new build projects on site or in the pipeline, as well as us being at advanced stages of acquiring more assets.”