The Welbeck Hotel’s Michael George has told of his sadness at the decision to close.
The joint proprietor of the Douglas hotel has spoken exclusively to Manx.News following the announcement of its closure in November.
He said the end of an era that has lasted nearly half a century would not feel like a time for celebration.
“For me, it is actually quite a sad time,’ he added.
It was announced earlier today that family run hotel was going to close its doors on November 23. About 20 staff members, full and part-time, will be affected by the closure.
“Unfortunately, we have been unable to sell,” he said. “We have been on the market for about eight years now.
“We have just had no success. My wife, also, is not very well, and we have come to the decision that now is the time to finish, really.”
Family Business
He described the team as a “bit of a little family”, adding: “I feel very guilty towards them but it is just the way it is I am afraid.”
The family run hotel opened as a business in 1978.
Last year, island hoteliers raised concerns over the difficulties by there were facing and the then Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston found himself in hot water after saying the hotels in the island “are full all season”.
He later retracted the comment and said he had “overstated” the position.
Michael said it “certainly wasn’t the case” that hotels were full at the time of the statement or for the whole season.
Asked what the government could do to help the hotel industry, he said: “There is talk of them having their own booking system.
“It is certainly worth exploring.”
Assistance with travel costs would “definitely” help, he added.
Statement
Earlier today, in a statement made to Facebook, the George family, stated that a combination of family health circumstances and the increasingly challenging business environment climate are the reasons behind the decision. The landmark property will cease operations on November 23.
The family confirmed that all existing bookings would be honoured up until the night of November 22, and reassured all guests with reservations beyond that date that they would be contacted individually and have their deposits refunded in full.
The statement also assured suppliers that any outstanding invoices would be settled.
Staff are being consulted.
The property remains on the market, with an asking price of £995,000.
