The FINANCIAL -- Chapter Hotels has
launched its second property, with the opening of the 59-bedroom
Magdalen Chapter in Exeter.
Situated close the city's cathedral in a grand 19th century building which formerly housed the West England Eye Hospital, the property has been refurbished to retain original Edwardian features as well as extended to create contemporary public spaces.
According to Caterer and Hotelkeeper, the property previously operated as the Hotel Barcelona under the ownership of the Alias Hotel Group, which was acquired along with hotels in Cheltenham and Brighton by Hong Kong-based Swire Properties Hotel Holdings in 2006.
Swire has since set about creating a group of UK provincial hotels focused on quality and value, opening the 61-bedroom Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham last year. A third Chapter hotel will open following the conversion of the Avon Gorge hotel in Bristol.
Key features of the Magdalen Chapter include a lounge in an extension with floor-to-ceiling glass with furniture reflecting Devon's rural landscape, a library with literature-inspired modern art and bedrooms with iPad 2s and complimentary minibars.
The restaurant features menus from head chef Ben Bulger, who previously worked at Riverford Field Kitchen in Buckfastleigh, with input from consultant chef Simpon Hopkinson.
General manager is Fiona Moores, who formerly ran the hotel when it was the Hotel Barcelona.
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