There are few buildings more unmistakably Cheltenham than The Queens Hotel.
Standing proudly opposite Imperial Gardens, its gleaming white façade and Corinthian columns have presided over Montpellier for almost 190 years – witnessing the town evolve from fashionable spa resort to the cultural and foodie destination it is today.
Now, a new chapter is beginning behind those famous doors, too.
The Queens is under new ownership as part of the KE Hotels portfolio, with fresh investment planned and an ambition to restore one of Cheltenham's grandest hotels to its former glory.
Or, in the words of the hotel's general manager Pash Naidoo: 'We want the Queens to reign again.'
Almost 190 years of Cheltenham history
Opening on 21 July 1838 – the year of Queen Victoria's coronation – The Queens was built on the site of the original Sherborne Spa and was one of Europe's first purpose-built hotels.
Its neoclassical architecture was inspired by the Temple of Jupiter in Rome, with more than 50 Corinthian columns creating its distinctive façade.
Inside, original features include wallpaper designed by Augustus Pugin, celebrated for his work on the Palace of Westminster, while former guests include composer Edward Elgar and Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
It's a history its new owners are keen to preserve, rather than reinvent.
A new era for a Cheltenham landmark
The hotel is now part of KE Hotels, with a portfolio of eight hotels across UK destination cities and airport locations.
With improvements on the horizon, the focus is on enhancing the hotel's historic character and bringing a new level of luxury to the guest experience.
Pash said: 'This is a beautiful hotel with an incredible history and a very special place in Cheltenham. Our ambition is to build on that heritage – investing thoughtfully and bringing the Queens back to its former glory.'
Rather than a dramatic makeover, the plans are for a considered evolution – allowing the architecture, history and classic glamour of the hotel to take centre stage.
A place for Cheltenham to celebrate
Celebrations are at the heart of the new vision for The Queens, with ambitions for the hotel to become one of Cheltenham's go-to destinations for special occasions.
From weddings and anniversaries to milestone birthdays and family gatherings, its historic interiors and Montpellier setting provide an elegant backdrop – with celebrations able to extend into an overnight stay in one of its 84 individually styled bedrooms and suites.
But Pash and her team are keen that creating memories at The Queens doesn't always have to mean waiting for a major date in the diary.
She said: 'We want people to think of the Queens not only for the biggest celebrations, but for those smaller moments that matter too – afternoon tea with family, a date night, drinks on the terrace or simply an excuse to spend time together.'
Bringing a sense of occasion to small moments
The ambition is for Gloucestershire residents to make more of the landmark on their doorstep, whether that's dinner overlooking Imperial Gardens, afternoon tea with friends, cocktails after work or taking the family pooch for a dog-friendly mini break!
Victoria's offers an elegant setting for seasonal dining and traditional Sunday lunches, while afternoon tea brings a little ceremony to an afternoon with friends or family.
The Gold Cup Bar serves cocktails, Champagne and local ales, while the hotel's secluded garden terrace comes into its own during the warmer months, with al fresco food, drinks and live music.
It's all part of making The Queens somewhere locals return to throughout the year – whether for the biggest celebrations or simply because an ordinary day deserves something special.
As Pash said: 'Ultimately, it's about creating memories and making the Queens a place people want to return to again and again.'
With investment ahead, The Queens is looking to the future without losing sight of what has made it a Cheltenham landmark for almost two centuries – its history, glamour and unmistakable sense of occasion.
For more information, and to make a table or room booking, visit queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk.
