The hotel at Wroxall Abbey has reopened to guests for the first time in nearly two years.

The Victorian mansion house last held an event in October 2019, but will see a phased reopening of its facilities in the coming months.

The Abbey was taken over by the Trinity Hotel group in October 2020 after the previous owners went into administration.

The new owners have spent the last few months completely redecorating the interior of the manor house, revamping all 48 bedrooms, both bars, conference rooms and the restaurant.

Whilst guests have arrived to stay on the 27.5-acre estate from last Thursday (June 17), work is still ongoing in the hotel's spa, 24 courtyard rooms, and the marquee.

The new owners hope to have the final touches completed in by the end of summer 2021.

What have the owners said?

Managing direct Paresh Thakkar said: "There is a lot of excitement now, and a lot of relief getting to the end of the process.

"It has taken us months to get to where we are now, and we have revamped everything, it certainly has been challenging."

Bookings have only been available online for for 10 days now, but Paresh has said that he is already very encouraged by the demand.

"From today onwards we have room bookings every day, right through until December. We even have restaurant bookings right until December.

"So it is really, really encouraging."

The hotel bar has seen a slight reopening outside since May, encouraging local people to return.

"We have had some really good comments from the local community," says Paresh. "People are pleased that this place has opened up again."

Not just a wedding venue

When Trinity first took over at Wroxall they spent the first month gutting the interior of the hotel. They then began working with Walsall-based furniture suppliers Lugo to begin the redesign.

Changes have not just been cosmetic however. The new owners have committed to keep pricing in the restaurant, lounge bar, and sports bar in line with nearby pubs and restaurants, encouraging local people as well as hotel guests to dine affordably in the surroundings of the Abbey.

Weddings will also no longer be held in the mansion house, ensuring that other guests are not pushed aside by a large party in the main building.

Paresh said: "Having the weddings in the main building would alienate the local community, and people will just feel like a third wheel. Our approach is much different."

Weddings will now take place in the courtyard and marquee only.

Pares added: "We want the hotel to be a place for people to relax, for people to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. So we have made this decision very consciously for the benefit of our guests."

The new owners have also gone to great lengths to reopen the Grade-I listed church on site. It is expected to open later this year with a new minister for Sunday services.

The estate, which dates back to the 12th century, also still contains the ruins of the original priory which was destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries.

The original manor house was purchased by Sir Christopher Wren in 1713, and the new owners have looked to preserve the history of the site by naming the new downstairs bar 'Wren's Sports Bar'.

Reflecting on the past few months, Paresh said: "The landlords have been very supportive of us, they have shared our vision.

"Now I just hope that they are pleased with the level and the quality of the work that we have done."

To book a room or to find out more about Wroxall Abbey, follow this link.