Inside Britain's asylum seeker hotels housing 51,000 migrants
Tudor-style manor with ‘beautiful’ rural views, four-star lake-side retreat and country house with acres of ‘tranquil’ grounds: Inside asylum seeker hotels housing 51,000 migrants that are costing taxpayers more than £6m-a-day
- Read more: Calder Conferences received £97m from the Home Office in 2022
Tudor-style manors, four-star lakeside retreats and beachside resorts are among the hundreds of hotels being used by the government to house asylum seekers, it has been revealed.
Figures show the Home Office is spending a staggering £6.8million per day to cover the private accommodation costs of some 51,000 refugees, hiring out at least 395 businesses across the UK.
Outsourcer Serco provides around 109 hotels in England, while Gloucester-based Mears Group runs 80 hotels in north-east England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, reports the BBC.
Leeds-based Calder Conferences is also providing hotels to the government, and is benefitting greatly after receiving £97m from the Home Office last year – up from £20.6m in 2021.
It comes after asylum applications hit a near two decade high of 74,751 last year, according to Home Office data, with around 45 per cent of those arriving by small boats across the Channel.
Inside the lobby of the Copthorne Hotel near Cardiff, which has been housing asylum seekers
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But a shortage of official accommodation means hotels are being hired out by the government to pick up the slack. The majority – 363 – are in England, with 20 in Northern Ireland, 10 in Scotland and two in Wales.
There have been numerous complaints from guests of bookings at hotels being cancelled at short notice after the venues were handed government contracts.
Earlier this month, the Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth – which includes a Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant – was closed to the public so it could provide accommodation for 250 asylum seekers.
Locals protested over the plans, claiming they were only told about the venue closing days before the asylum seekers moved in.
Below are 10 hotels that have been part of the government’s asylum scheme:
The Manor Hotel, Datchet, 4*
The four-star Manor Hotel in Datchet is one of almost 400 hotels across the UK that have been housing refugees in recent months, amid record-high numbers of arrivals
Situated in the King’s backyard, this picturesque hotel and brasserie dates back to the 1800s.
It is just a 15 minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle and overlooks the village green, while its guests can enjoy leisurely walks along the banks of the River Thames.
All of its rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and its restaurant boasts of ‘fantastic quality dishes’ that are sourced from ‘local farmers and producers’.
Its own description reads: ‘The Manor is an intimate and charming boutique hotel set in the tranquil village of Datchet, Windsor.
The four-star Manor Hotel in Datchet (pictured) – where the average property price surpasses £620,000 – is one of almost 400 hotels across the UK that have been housing refugees in recent months, amid record-high numbers of arrivals
The Manor Hotel in Datchet is just a 15-minute walk from Windsor Castle (pictured)
Inside one of the rooms at the Manor Hotel in Datchet, near Windsor
‘The hotel overlooks the village green and the banks of the river Thames are nearby.
‘The interiors are contemporary and have a real sense of style, while retaining much of their original, quintessentially English elegance.’
Datchet is an upmarket village – thanks to its proximity to Windsor and easy access to central London – where the average home sells for more than £620,000, according to RightMove.
Great Hallingbury Manor, Bishop’s Stortford, 4*
The Great Hallingbury Inn (pictured) is situated in Bishop’s Stortford
The four-star Great Hallingbury has 43 rooms (interior of one pictured)
This Tudor-style manor is nestled in ‘the beautiful countryside location of Essex and Hertfordshire borders’ and boasts 43 rooms.
According to its website, it is ‘one of the finest hotels in Bishop’s Stortford’.
Its adds: ‘The Hotel stands amidst large landscaped gardens, wooded areas, farm fields and a scenic lake, offering an abundance of outside space for Corporate Away Days.’
Crowne Plaza, Basingstoke, 4*
The Crowne Plaza Basingstoke (exterior pictured) continues to be closed to the public after reportedly agreeing to house asylum seekers on behalf of the government
Inside one of the bedrooms at the Crowne Plaza Basingstoke
The Crowne Plaza Basingstoke continues to be closed to the public after reportedly agreeing to house asylum seekers on behalf of the government.
The four-star hotel comes with a state-of-the-art gym that is open to guests 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
It also features a sauna and steam room – although it is not known what facilities are currently open to refugees staying there.
Its Restaurant, Bar & Grill description reads: ‘A fresh feel to this light and airy restaurant is complemented by a menu full of fresh flavours.
‘The talented Tim Bulpitt has composed a menu with many local ingredients, classic cookery and inspiration from global travel.’
Hilton Garden Inn, near Conwy, Wales, 4*
The four-star Hilton Garden Inn (bedroom pictured) is described as a ‘refreshing retreat’ that is ‘immersed entirely with the rugged, idyllic scenery of North Wales’
This Hilton Garden Inn currently has no bookings until January 2024 as it remains closed to the general public.
The four-star dwelling is described as a ‘refreshing retreat’ that is ‘immersed entirely with the rugged, idyllic scenery of North Wales.’
Enviable guests can overlook the ‘sparkling surf lagoon’ that is ‘nestled between mountains and forest’ in a ‘luxury break like no other’, its website reads.
Each room is equipped with SMEG appliances and free WiFi, while the stunning Snowdonia National Park is just a short drive away – with electric car charging points at hand for those who require them.
And its on-site Zephyrs Bar & Grill is described as ‘the perfect place for both casual cocktails and glamorous gastronomy.’
Copthorne Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff, 4*
The Copthorne Hotel sits on its own private lake just 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre
The Copthorne hotel near Cardiff city centre (bedroom pictured) is just a short drive from the popular beach resort Barry Island
This traditional hotel sits on its own private lake just 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre, offering a gorgeous setting for guests.
Made up of 135 rooms, it is also a short drive from Barry Island, a hugely popular beach resort, while boasting an indoor pool.
According to its website, on-site dining features Raglans Restaurant and Burges Bar, both featuring ‘fresh, locally sourced, seasonal menus.’
Grosvenor Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon
The Grosvenor Hotel (exterior pictured) is situated in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon
The Grosvenor Hotel in Stratford (bedroom pictured) received an ‘extensive’ renovation job in 2019 that saw its interiors ‘revitalised’
The Grosvenor Hotel is situated in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of the literary legend that is Sir William Shakespeare.
The independent hotel received an ‘extensive’ renovation job in 2019 that saw its interiors ‘revitalised’.
According to its website, they now have a ‘modern, luxurious and aesthetically pleasing design that maintains the heritage and character embedded throughout.’
It adds that guests can enjoy free WiFi, a ‘lovely lounge with a well-stocked bar and a delicious afternoon tea menu.’
The Dilkhusa Grand Hotel, Ilfracombe
The Dilkhusa Grand Hotel in Ilfracombe (exterior pictured) is among those housing asylum seekers as part of a deal with the government
Stunning views of the Exeter coast just a stone’s throw away from the Dolkhusa hotel
A hotel worker today said the Dulkhusa hotel (bedroom pictured) remains closed to the public but expects to re-open towards the end of this year
This charming hotel offers picturesque views of the Exeter coast.
It is located of the Ilfracombe Tunnel Beaches and is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
A hotel worker today said it remains closed to the public but expects to re-open towards the end of this year.
Metropole Blackpool
Built in 1776, the Metropole in Blackpool is a historic feature of the city’s famous promenade.
It is one of the few hotels in the north-eastern city that sits on the shoreline, offering ‘stunning, tranquil views across the Irish Sea.’
The hotel has 223 rooms which are all equipped with private bathrooms, with many guests enjoying a view of the iconic Blackpool Beach.
The Metropole Hotel (exterior pictured) on Blackpool’s famous beach promenade continues to house asylum seekers, it confirmed today
Its website adds: ‘The hotel’s Victorian façade and interior have been beautifully updated, and when coupled with the modern facilities on offer, make this the ideal seaside hotel…
‘The Britannia Metropole also offers dining; the Promenade Restaurant serves delicious meals, including a three-course carvery menu in traditional surroundings.
‘Guests can also relax in the Coastal Café throughout the day, which serves bar snacks, light bites and hot and cold beverages.’
It is not clear what dining services are being offered to the asylum seekers currently being housed in the hotel.
A worker today, however, said that bookings will be available to the public from the end of May.
Chimney House, Sandbach
The Tudor-style Chimney House manor in Sandbach, which consists of 51 rooms
An example of the breakfast available to paying guests at Chimney House. It is not known what food is provided to asylum seekers who have stayed at the hotel
Inside one of the bedrooms at Chimney House in Sandbach, which has housed asylum seekers
This Tudor-style country house contains 51 en-suite bedrooms and ‘combines original period character with the best of modern comfort.’
Its website says each of its rooms have been ‘individually designed and decorated with stylish, contemporary furnishings.’
Many of them offer scenic views of the hotel grounds and the surrounding Cheshire countryside.
Its Patio restaurant provides guests with a ‘truly modern brasserie style dining experience.’
Its website adds: ‘Open for lunch and dinner, the extensive menu is complemented by a superb selection of wines from around the world.
‘Relax in our patio restaurant or outside in the gardens and enjoy the secluded greenery.’
North Stafford Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent
The Neo-Jacobean Stafford Hotel (exterior pictured) in Stoke-on-Trent
The North Stafford offers guests ‘spacious en-suite bedrooms include a TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities;
An example of the breakfast available to paying guests at the North Stafford Hotel. It is not known what food or menu items have been available for asylum seekers
The spacious lobby of the North Stafford hotel, which is described as ‘one of the finest examples of Neo-Jacobean architecture and Victorian urban planning in the whole of Stoke’
The North Stafford Hotel is said to be one of the oldest and most ‘historically significant’ hotels in Stoke-on-Trent.
It is a Grade II listed Jacobean building that offers guests ‘spacious en-suite bedrooms include a TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities.’
Built in 1840 by architect John Jay, on behalf of the North Staffordshire Railway Company, it remains incredibly well connected, with the city’s main train station just across the road.
The hotel is ‘one of the finest examples of Neo-Jacobean architecture and Victorian urban planning in the whole of Stoke’, its website reads.
It adds: ‘North Stafford Hotel has a warm and friendly atmosphere, full of charm and character.
‘Breakfast and dinner are served daily in Six Towns Restaurant and the hotel also has two on-site bars, Java Lounge and Clayhanger Bar, providing a place to unwind and relax.’
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