The Imperial Hotel in Tenby Reopens After Major Refurbishment, Reviving a Welsh Seaside Icon
The Imperial Hotel in Tenby, one of Wales’ best-known coastal landmarks, has reopened its doors following a spectacular refurbishment by Crest Hotels Group.
Boasting exquisitely redesigned rooms, many with breathtaking views of South Beach, and a new dining experience and lounge with sweeping views of the bay, this Grade II-listed hotel is now a standout destination for visitors to Wales seeking the perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
Since acquiring the hotel in 2024, Crest Hotels has undertaken an ambitious yet sensitive restoration. The transformation honours the hotel’s 19th-century heritage, built within the ancient town walls, while introducing contemporary comforts and sophisticated design to deliver an unforgettable seaside experience.
With the main elements of the refurbishment complete, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds – a timeless historic atmosphere seamlessly paired with the finest modern amenities, redefining luxury on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Tracy Webb, the hotel’s general manager, said: “Crest Hotels has given the hotel what it deserves with this beautiful refurbishment, and the hotel will have a very positive impact on
Tenby. With the spa and gym opening next year, it will bring something a bit different to the town.”
The renovation spans the entire property, from guest bedrooms, now decorated in soothing sea-inspired tones of blue and green, to substantial upgrades to the bar, restaurant, and the hotel’s iconic façade. All rooms feature luxurious Sleepeezee beds, Hansgrohe power showers, high-speed internet, and air conditioning – every detail has been carefully crafted to keep guests perfectly comfortable from check-in to check-out.
Essence, their new dining experience, offers a comprehensive menu with Welsh produce and features everything from small plates to full three-course meals, along with local ales, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails, welcoming both guests and non-guests. The Imperial Hotel is also dog-friendly, providing canine guests with a pack of dog biscuits while owners enjoy complimentary Welsh cakes.
Tracy added: “The aim is for the Imperial to be as busy in the winter as it will be in the summer, and the new spa, when it opens, will play a key role in that. Tenby is special because it means holidays, happiness, and sunshine. It has a vibe and beautiful scenery. South Beach has always been my favourite since childhood so coming to work here and having that view on my doorstep is amazing.”
Jason Hiley, Managing Director of Crest Hotels summed up the ambition for the hotel’s future: “We want to reclaim the Imperial Hotel as the place to go in Tenby that everyone knows and is proud to have here. The hotel has needed some tender loving care, and we’ve put the style and elegance back into it and made it the place it was always meant to be.”Tenby is celebrated as one of Wales’s most beautiful seaside towns, renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque harbours, and dramatic cliffs. The Imperial Hotel is the perfect base for visitors eager to explore Pembrokeshire’s coastline and nearby attractions such as St David’s Cathedral, Carew Castle, Caldey Island, and the National Botanical Gardens of Wales.
For more information and to book a stay, visit: https://www.imperialhoteltenby.co.uk/
Images by Beverley Thomas
