A Cornish hotel that housed refugees and asylum seekers has been sold to an Egyptian businessman. The Beresford Hotel in Newquay was the scene of protests in 2023 after the Home Office decided to use it to house 200 refugees. Tensions running high in the seaside town boiled over when anti-refugee protests and counter-protests by an anti-fascist group were organised outside the hotel on several occasions.
Violence broke out between anti-fascist protesters and police during a second protest outside the hotel in March two years ago. In May 2023, the Beresford Hotel was eventually put up for sale as the 200 refugees inside were relocated to the South East of England ahead of the tourist season.
It can be revealed that the 103-bedroom seafront hotel has since been acquired along with two others by HS Hotels Ltd. The Beresford Hotel was sold by Christie & Co agent along with the Valley Of Rocks Hotel in Lynton, North Devon and the Carlton Hotel in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, to the same group.
HS Hotels Ltd is one of many companies, with an address in Bradford, West Yorkshire, that lists Egyptian-born businessman Hassan Arif as its director. According to Companies House Mr Arif is an active director of 12 companies and the managing director and founder of the H&H Hotels group which acquired the Fowey Valley hotel in Lostwithiel last year.
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The hotel, a member of the Best Western organisation, came to attention last week when it announced on its website that, as per the decision of H&H Hotels Ltd, it would no longer sell alcohol and pork because of the cultural preferences of its owners.
At the time, Jane Mead, the deputy general manager, said: “Message from our owners (H&H Hotels). We would like to inform you that, in our ongoing commitment to promote a healthy and more inclusive environment, we have made the decision to no longer sell alcohol or pork products in our hotels.
“This change reflects our values to create and respect our dietary preferences and cultural practices. Whether you are looking for somewhere to stay for business or pleasure, your first visit or a return visit, we want to make your stay in Cornwall an enjoyable, memorable and safe experience.”
The hotel has since removed the message from its website.
With regards to the sale of the Beresford Hotel in June last year, Stephen Champion, director of hotels south west with Christie & Co, said: “The sale of these three coastal hotels to the expanding HS Hotels group demonstrates the continued demand we are witnessing for hotels across the UK and in particular, the continued buyer appetite and confidence in the South West tourism industry.”
His colleague Simon Jackaman, director – hotels East Anglia added: “Whilst the market is still feeling the effects of high interest rates, utility and staff costs, there remains good levels of demand for coastal, city and town locations across the South. Buyers continue to seek opportunities to invest cash or take on manageable debt, making it a good time for owners to explore their options for selling.”
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