A SEAFRONT hotel will become a Jurys Inn with £5.6 million investment.

The Waterfront Hotel Brighton, formerly The Thistle, has been taken over by hotel investment and hospitality group Amaris Hospitality.

The 210 room 4 star hotel will be enhanced and rebranded as Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront.

Amaris Hospitality will also invest £1.9 million into its existing Jurys Inn Brighton hotel.

The moves form part of a £100 million capital investment programme the group is currently undertaking to transform its 89 strong portfolio of hotel properties.

John Brennan, chief executive of Amaris Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to be adding such a high performing hotel to the Jurys Inn brand.

"This initiative will see the hotel leverage its prime location, next to Brighton’s famous pier, with a significant investment programme to further enhance its exceptional customer service and business performance."

Mr Brennan added: “I have all confidence that our guests will enjoy a smooth and seamless transition as we reposition the Waterfront hotel to the Jurys Inn brand.

"With an exceptional leadership team and dedicated employees we hope to complete the transformation of both properties in Brighton by Q4 2016.”

The refurbishment programmes will be led by Simon Quarrell, general manager of The Waterfront Hotel, and Damien Doyle, general manager of Jurys Inn Brighton.