Hastings hotel closes down

The Chatsworth Hotel, in Carlisle Parade, has been boarded up on the front of the building.

It closed for business on Friday, February 9.

This newspaper contacted the hotel by email and received an automated email saying: “Please be advised that The Chatsworth Hotel is now closed for business as of 09/02/2024.”

The Observer also contacted the Aristel Hotels Group in London, of which the Chatsworth Hotel in Hastings is part of.

The company confirmed that the hotel on the seafront had closed for business permanently.

The hotel is also unavailable for bookings via hotels.com and booking.com. The hotel’s website has also disappeared.

It is believed that the hotel was originally going to be fully renovated.

The Jali Indian restaurant was based within the hotel. On the restaurant’s Instagram page on September 3 last year, it said: “That's us officially closed in Hastings. The building is now under full renovation. Thanking you to all our customers over the years for immense support and love but it is time for a change. We may be back by adding some new and exciting dishes too. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Stay tuned.”

Observer readers reacted with dismay on the newspaper’s Facebook page after hearing the news.

Anita Melling said: “That’s really sad. I spent the last quality time with my mum there back in 2014 before she died, and in her memory we had a bench placed opposite.”

Hayley Dean said: “Oh this is so sad, this is where my husband and I spent our wedding night.”

Pauline Hyland said: “I have very fond memories of the dance hall below the Chatsworth.”

Margriet Ward said: “The Chatsworth Hotel has been there ever since I was little. I hope they don’t change it too much. It would be a shame, but it can’t be left empty. A school friend’s mother used to play the piano in the lounge. How time has changed.”

John Bownas, manager of Love Hastings, said: “It's never good to see boarded up businesses in the town, and with so few hotels for tourists we really do want to see The Chatsworth back on its feet.

“Right now it's unclear exactly why the owners have shut their doors and what plans there may be for the building, but we hope that the future of the hotel can be secured and that someone will invest in returning it to being a great place to stay for anyone visiting Hastings.”