The number of hotel rooms in Colchester is being added to thanks to the Rose and Crown Hotel.

Work has started at the hotel, at the bottom of East Hill, on groundwork for nine new executive rooms.

Councillor Kevin Bentley visited the Rose and Crown to see the work and view the plans for the new bedrooms.

The rooms mark the beginning of an extensive improvement plan for the hotel over the next 12 months, with nearly £500,000 of improvements, including the new rooms.

Mr Bentley, portfolio holder for business, tourism and leisure in Colchester, said: " I am delighted the Rose and Crown has recognised the need for more quality hotel rooms in the centre of Colchester.

"It is crucial in attracting more tourism and business to the area and these new facilities will be part of the future of expansion in Colchester."

Hotel general manager Karim Chaouch said: "The nine new rooms will give us close to 30 per cent more occupancy in 2005."

Published Thursday December 23, 2004

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