Take a look inside new seafront Premier Inn after official launch in Bognor Regis

The development has been hailed as a major boost for tourism and the town’s economy.

Owned by Whitbread, the hotel overlooks the beach from The Esplanade and Clarence Road and includes both standard and premium ‘Premier Plus’ rooms, many with sea views.

It also features an all-day dining venue called ‘The Social’, complete with a covered terrace overlooking the seafront.

Sarah Holland, hotel manager for the Bognor Regis Seafront Premier Inn, said: “We are so excited to have finally opened the doors to our stunning new seafront hotel.

"The hotel is in an amazing location, and we have a fantastic all-day restaurant, bar and terrace space where we hope to welcome lots of guests and members of the community to enjoy a relaxing drink and something to eat.

“My own story shows what’s possible working in hospitality, having been in the industry for more than 20-years.

"As I continue my career with Whitbread, I’m honoured to be representing the business in Bognor Regis alongside a fantastic team, and I know we will add considerable long- term value here. We can’t wait to welcome our guests and be part of the business community.”

Premier Inn already has a hotel on Shripney Road but this will be the first in central Bognor.

Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, said: “It is fantastic to see this major investment in Bognor Regis and our seafront. This new Premier Inn will bring new jobs, support local businesses, attract more visitors to the town, and help showcase everything our area has to offer.

“The hotel is in a brilliant location overlooking the seafront, and I know it will become a real asset for both visitors and residents alike. I was delighted to attend the opening and wish Sarah and the whole team every success as they become part of the Bognor Regis community.”

The new Premier Inn hotel was officially declared open for business on Friday, May 15.

A community launch event was attended by more than 50 local stakeholders, elected representatives and members of the community.

To celebrate the opening, the team behind the new hotel were joined by MP Alison Griffiths; Arun District Council chairman Freddie Tandy; new town mayor Paul Ralph and town crier Jane Smith.

A spokesperson for Whitbread said: “A team of 30 team members have been employed to welcome guests and diners, with the hotel chain working with the local job centre to fill most of the new roles. All Whitbread employees are automatically enrolled to the company’s apprenticeship programme and encouraged to progress their career in the industry.”

Whitbread acquired the site of the new Bognor Regis Premier Inn in 2022, securing planning permission from Arun District Council to build the four-story in November 2023. Principal contractor Carter Lauren Construction led the multi-million build overseen by Whitbread’s in- house development team.

Mr Tandy said: “The arrival of such a well-known and respected brand like Premier Inn onto the heart of Bognor Regis seafront is such a boost for a town and area that still rely heavily on tourism and the visitor economy.

"Not only will this help to really make a family visit to Bognor Regis affordable and achievable for so many families, but from our local perspective it presents an excellent opportunity for employment and career growth through the jobs being created, and the resulting increase in visitor numbers and footfall will also benefit the fantastic array of businesses that already call Bognor home.”

Whitbread said the opening forms part of wider expansion plans across the south coast.

The website for the new seafront hotel reads: “Family-friendly accommodation in Bognor Regis? Escape to the Premier Inn Bognor Regis (Seafront) hotel – where cosy breaks and sandy adventures come together!

"Please note that there is no on-site parking available at the hotel. However, the Regis Centre Car Park is conveniently located just next to the site – approximately a 2-minute walk from the hotel entrance.”

The car park operates on a pay-and-display basis, with payment available by cash or app. There are 175 parking spaces in total, including 12 designated disabled bays. Blue Badge holders can park free of charge.