BOLTON’S Holiday Inn Hotel on Higher Bridge has undergone a £1.5 million facelift.

The landmark building was opened in November, 1991, built on the site of St Mary’s RC Primary School and incorporated the former St Mary’s Church.

This part of the complex was created into the hotel’s iconic Cloisters venue with its stained glass windows and original arches.

Subsequently, Cloisters has been the scene of many weddings and pivotal events for the town and where new luxury carpet now complements the atmospheric space.

The new look hotel interior is also evident in the brighter and more modern open lobby and in the hotel’s refurbished bedrooms.

“Plans were already in place before lockdown to refurbish the building and make it more contemporary,” explained general manager Dieter Koch.

 

Holiday Inn Bolton

Holiday Inn Bolton

 

“When lockdown began it offered us the opportunity to go ahead with the work while we were closed. This was definitely, though, not without its problems at the time like everything else.”

The hotel was closed for nine months and re-opened fully in June, 2021. The refurbishment work, however, continued until more recently.

More work will now also go ahead in the near future refurbishing other bedrooms in the hotel. There are also plans to improve the adjacent car parking area and to make a new, dedicated entrance to Cloisters.

“The response from the public to all the work that’s been done so far has been very positive,” added Mr Koch. “People really seem to appreciate the improvements.

“Wedding bookings are coming in well, although we do still have some dates available, and we’ve got lunches and charity events booked as well.

“We’ve got our business travellers and tours back and 2022 is looking positive. I’m very glad that we’ve had this work done because it helps the hotel and this helps Bolton as a town centre and as a community.”