The renowned Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West has announced it will close its doors permanently on August 31. This decision does not come as a result of lockdown and was decided in 2019, the hotel said.
‘In October 2019 NH Hotels conducted a detailed feasibility study of the leased NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, after careful consideration it was decided not to extend the lease at the conclusion of the agreed period being 31 August 2020,’ the group said in a statement.
The hotel was a prominent establishment in the area for decades.
‘In accordance with the terms and conditions of the lease agreement, notice of such was given to the property owners on 01 March 2020. The property will be handed back to the owner on conclusion of the current lease, on 31 August 2020.
‘NH hotels is not in a position to comment on the future of the property thereafter, this will be decided by the property owners. The property owners stated they do not require the property to be returned as a going concern and to cease operations.
‘As a consequence the team members, many of whom have been with the hotel for many years will unfortunately be retrenched. NH Hotels are fully committed to ensuring all team member dues and entitlements as result of this decision will be fully provided for prior to the conclusion of lease,’ the statement concludes.
The hotel has been a landmark for 32 years and many former guests and members of the community took to social media to express their shock and sadness.
‘After 32 years, NH The Lord Charles Hotel will be closing its doors at the end of the month. Spare a thought and prayers for the 150 families that will be effected by this closure, and the knock-on effect in the supply chain,’ said Stephan Pieterse from non-profit organisation Distance4Difference.
‘Distance for Difference has just decided to make the families with children, effected by this closure, one of the beneficiaries of The Real GRATITUDE Run taking place on 24 October 2020. Of the funds raised, we will dedicate 20% to this cause, should there be such a need at that time. Many other children’s charities are in dire need during this time,’ Pieterse added.
For more information about the event, click here.
Image credit: Facebook
