Hilco Real Estate Finance (HREF) has finalised a £6 million loan agreement with GSE Property Group, backed by the prominent Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa in Kent.
The property, a 92-room coastal hotel, is well-established in the region and offers a wide range of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar, elegant ballroom, conference rooms, spa, and various leisure facilities.
The valuation was managed by real estate specialists Savills, while the legal due diligence was overseen by Clarion’s Leeds office. The introduction to HREF was facilitated by Chris Dailly, CEO of London Bridging Finance.
Jamie Jolly, managing director at HREF, expressed confidence in the borrower’s credibility and the strength of the asset.
“The property is owned by a very experienced property group and a strong repeat borrower whom we have now supported through several loans. This loan allows the group to refinance the current lender and further enhance what is already the stand-out hotel and leisure facility in the region,” said Jolly.
GSE Property Group has an ongoing relationship with HREF, which continues to grow stronger with each transaction.
A spokesperson for GSE Property Group commented: “We have transacted with the team at HREF on several occasions and see them as a much-valued lending partner.”
This loan marks another significant investment in the UK’s regional hospitality industry, reflecting a trend of increasing confidence in well-performing assets post-pandemic. With domestic travel still high on the agenda, destination hotels like Hythe Imperial are benefitting from strategic financial backing.
Positioned on the Kent coastline, the Hythe Imperial is a key player in the local tourism and events market. Its refurbishment plans and operational enhancements, supported by the refinancing, are expected to further elevate its standing in the region.
This deal highlights HREF’s ongoing support for dynamic hospitality projects and its confidence in seasoned property operators with a solid track record.
