Press release

Compass Hospitality and Seacare Hospitality have partnered once more for the acquisition of The Dilkhusa Hotel in Ilfracombe, UK.

Large white multi-story hotel building with a stone driveway and green trees under a cloudy sky.

20 November 2023Download PDF

20th November 2023 – This acquisition marks another step in their expansion into the UK hospitality market, which has been rebounding in recent years. The Dilkhusa Hotel, with its 99 bedrooms and coastal location, is now part of the Compass Hospitality managed portfolio, making it the 21st hotel that the group operates in the United Kingdom. This move reflects their commitment to growth and investment in the UK's hospitality sector.

The history of The Dilkhusa Hotel in Ilfracombe is indeed fascinating. Originally a private house, its name, "Dilkhusa," meaning "House of the Happy Heart" in Hindi, carries a beautiful story. The name was given by a Maharaja who purchased the building as a gift for his wife, adding a touch of romance and exoticism to its heritage.

Two twin beds with purple accents sit in a hotel room alongside a wooden desk, bedside lamp, and television.

The hotel's location on the Victorian seafront, close to the harbour and overlooking one of North Devon's popular seaside resorts, adds to its charm and historical significance. It offers guests a picturesque view of the Runnymede Gardens, home to the Landmark Theatre and Ilfracombe Museum, making it an ideal spot for tourists and visitors looking to explore the area's cultural and natural attractions.

A white hotel exterior featuring bay windows, an entrance canopy, palm trees, and a garden lawn.

The rich history and unique name of The Dilkhusa Hotel add an extra layer of charm to its already enviable location on the Victorian seafront in Ilfracombe. The Dilkhusa Hotel in Ilfracombe maintains its prominent position on the Victorian seafront, making it a prime location for visitors. Its proximity to the harbour and its view of one of North Devon's popular seaside resorts enhance its appeal. The hotel boasts spacious public areas, an on-site restaurant serving both residents and non-hotel guests, a bar area, and a well-equipped ballroom, providing a range of amenities for guests.

Tables set with wine glasses and cutlery are arranged near large window blinds in a hotel dining room.

Historically, the hotel has primarily focused on the Group Tour Market, managed by Coast and Country. However, it is now looking to diversify its business by catering to a more varied mix of guests, including corporate visitors and hosting meetings and events. This shift in strategy reflects the positive performance trends in the UK market and the hotel's commitment to adapting to changing demands Seacare Hospitality Chief Executive Officer Lim Chye Teen expressed their excitement about partnering once again with Compass Hospitality, highlighting the positive trends in the UK market.

Coastal town buildings and a church spire sit at the foot of grassy hills above a rocky beach.

Harmil Singh, President and CEO of Compass Hospitality, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the alignment in vision and the ongoing partnership with Seacare. This acquisition of The Dilkhusa Hotel reaffirms its dedication to expanding its presence in the UK market and maintaining key partnerships to enhance the performance of its hotel portfolio.

Boats sit in a harbor surrounded by waterfront town buildings and a church spire.

About Compass Hospitality Compass Hospitality is a rapidly growing hospitality management company based in Southeast Asia. They have a diverse portfolio that includes the management and operation of 50 hospitality properties across various market segments. In 2015, the group expanded its operations into the United Kingdom and has since built a portfolio of 21 hotels in different UK locations, ranging from major cities like London and Manchester to coastal towns like Ilfracombe. Compass Hospitality operates under several distinctive brands, including Compass, Citrus, Citin, Ananda, and their Compass Collection, which encompasses individually branded hotels and resorts. Their range of properties includes hotels, resorts, executive serviced apartments, and spas in various countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the UK. This expansion and diverse brand portfolio demonstrate Compass Hospitality's commitment to providing a wide range of hospitality experiences to meet the needs of different travelers and markets.

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