Riviera Hotel, Weymouth

Riviera Hotel is a 20th-century hotel, located at Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth, Dorset, England. Opened in 1937, the hotel has been Grade II listed since January 1997. In their survey of the building, English Heritage commented that it "epitomises the austere approach of the modernists in the immediate pre-war era, and suggests the designer's acquaintance with contemporary work in Rome and elsewhere".[1]

Riviera Hotel
Bowleaze Cove, with the Riviera Hotel behind.
LocationBowleaze Cove, Weymouth, Dorset, England
Coordinates50.6363°N 2.4182°W / 50.6363; -2.4182
Built1936–1937
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameRiviera Hotel, Bowleaze Coveway
Designated28 January 1997
Reference no.1135188
Location of Riviera Hotel in Dorset
Riviera Hotel, Weymouth (the United Kingdom)

History

The Riviera Hotel was built in 1936–1937 for a cost of around £40,000. It was designed in a modernist, Spanish-style by L. Stewart Smith and constructed by Truscon Ltd.[1] Overlooking Weymouth Bay, the hotel was sited at Bowleaze Cove, which until that time had seen little development. As car ownership increased during the 20th century, the cove was transformed into a holiday destination. In addition to the hotel, the Waterside Caravan Camp was established nearby in the 1950s, followed by other sites offering similar accommodation in the vicinity.[2][3]

In 1958, the hotel was taken over by Fred Pontin and remained under his holiday camp chain Pontins until 2000.[3] Later in 2009, the hotel was sold for £3.5 million to Saudi Arabian investors.[4] It then underwent a £4 million refit in 2011 and reopened in 2012.[5] A new refurbishment project commenced in 2017.[6]

In 2020, the hotel is on sale for £5.5 million.[7]

References
  1. "RIVIERA HOTEL, Weymouth and Portland – 1135188". Historic England. Retrieved 2018-09-16.
  2. https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/weymouths-seaside-heritage/weymouths-seaside-heritage.pdf/
  3. Rose, Debby (2008-12-15). Weymouth Through Time – Debby Rose – Google Books. ISBN 9781445632162. Retrieved 2018-09-16.
  4. Laura Kitching (11 November 2009). "Riviera touched – landmark hotel is sold to Saudis". Dorset Echo. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  5. Joanna Davis (13 January 2012). "Ninety jobs set to boost Weymouth". Dorset Echo. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  6. "Major refurbishment works to leisure facilities at The Riviera start". Dorset Echo. 2018-02-03. Retrieved 2018-09-16.
  7. "Iconic Weymouth hotel for sale for £5.5 million". Dorset Echo. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
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