Repairs to ‘scruffy’ Exmouth seafront Premier Hotel are set to continue until the end of the year and a ‘tin hat’ structure added to the roof.
Owner Whitbread PLC has revealed more widespread repairs are now needed than first thought, including external rendering and upgrades to roof equipment.
The owner of the UK’s biggest hotel brand has accepted the frustration felt across Exmouth over the building’s appearance, admitting ‘the hotel has not been looking its best in recent years’.
The hotel group said issues within the seafront building were ‘more extensive’ than originally believed’, prompting the need for wider repairs for a long-term result.
The hotel, seen here with the scaffolding and protective wrapping, as repairs continue. Photo: Darrell Trigs.
But the extended repairs, now expected to last until the end of 2026, means the seafront hotel will remain clad in scaffolding and protecting wrapping, and a temporary ‘tin hat’ structure will be added while repairs to the building, roof and plant are completed.
The hotel owners said repairs were sparked by water entering the seafront building, which caused some damage to the timber frame. And the building’s exterior is discoloured.
But the hotel remains structurally sound and safe to operate, Whitbread said.
Water has caused damaged to some of the timber frame, resulting in more repair work. Photo: Darrell Trigs.
The hotel owners have now written to Exmouth MP David Reed, who a year ago raised concerns over the building’s ‘scruffy and uninviting appearance’, that ‘sends the wrong message’ to visitors.
The letter sets out the new timeframe and an explanation for the hotel’s extended repairs.
Hidden from view, the Premier Inn hotel on exmouth seafront. Photo: Darrell Trigs.
Whitbread admitted the ongoing scaffolding outside was ‘disappointing’, but said the works were ‘necessary’, adding the company was ‘determined’ to restore the building’s appearance to reflect the significance of its seafront location.
Alex Flach, development director for Whitbread in the UK & Ireland, said: “We appreciate our hotel is one of the most prominent buildings on Exmouth seafront and understand that its appearance during the repair works has been frustrating for local residents, businesses and visitors.
The hotel is hidden away from view because of scaffolding and protective coverings. Photo: Darrell Trigs.
“As our investigations have continued, we have found that some of the issues with the hotel building are more extensive than we originally understood. Rather than opt for a short-term solution, we have decided to expand the scope of the repairs to ensure they are addressed properly.
“Unfortunately, this means the scaffolding will need to remain in place longer than we had hoped. However, once complete, the hotel will benefit from a full programme of repairs that will ensure it will continue to be a positive feature of Exmouth’s seafront for many years to come.”
He added: “We are very grateful for the continued patience and understanding of the local community while this remediation work is carried out.”
Exmouth Premier Inn owners Whitbread’s letter to the town’s MP, David Reed, sets out the timeframe and explanation for the hotel’s extended repairs. Image: with permission.
Throughout 2026 work has been taking place to repair water ingress and visible deterioration to the rendered façade of the 60-bedroom hotel on The Esplanade.
The Premier Inn owner said investigations identified more extensive work was required to parts of the building’s exterior.
As repairs progressed, specialist contractors found extra work was needed on the sea-facing side of the hotel in a bid to fix underlying issues and secure long-term protection for the building.
Hotel owners Whitbread acknowledged the condition of such a prominent building on Exmouth seafront was a ‘source of frustration locally’. Photo: Darrell Trigs.
Whitbread said the repair programme to the exterior and roof of the building will continue until the end of 2026, revealing it had expanded remedial works at the hotel after investigations found ‘ issues’ affecting the external fabric to be ‘more extensive than initially understood’.
The hotel owners acknowledged the condition of such a prominent building on Exmouth seafront was a ‘source of frustration locally’.
“As the long-term owner, Whitbread is committed to putting the issues right properly rather than pursuing a short-term fix.” a spokesman for the hotel chain said.
The Exmouth Premier Inn hotel opened more than a decade ago, in 2015. Photo: Whitbread.
A ‘tin hat’ structure will be in place over the hotel while contractors fix the roof.
“Scaffolding and protective wrapping will remain in place while the work is completed. A temporary scaffolded roof structure will also be installed in the coming weeks to enable repairs to the roof of the art-deco styled building,” the spokesman for the hotel chain said: “The hotel remains structurally sound and continues to welcome guests as normal.”
The hotel owners are keen to stress it is business as usual and the building is safe.
Photo: Darrell Trigs.
The seafront hotel opened in 2015 after East Devon District Council agreed to sell The Elizabeth Hall site against a community campaign to save it for the town.
