An historic hotel that played host to Winston Churchill during his time representing Dundee, has gone on the market for £2.75 million.
The Best Western Queen’s Hotel at Nethergate has been welcoming customers for almost 140 years and was regularly used as a base by the UK’s wartime leader during the 14 years he spent as MP for Dundee between 1908 and 1922.
A plaque in the hotel permanently commemorates Churchill’s link to the Queen’s.
Crooner Frank Sinatra also stayed at the hotel when he performed at the Caird Hall in July, 1953.
The 53-bedroom hotel has been put up for sale by owner Gordon Sneddon, who took over the site in 1997.
The 57-year-old said the hotel was part of the fabric of the city and he was only selling up as he moved into semi-retirement.
He said he had spent up to £3 million upgrading the hotel during his tenure, saying it was a “cowp” when he first arrived.
The rejuvenated hotel now plays hosts to more than 200 weddings and other functions each year and, in addition to its six floors of accommodation, boasts two bars and a restaurant.
Mr Sneddon said the Queen’s had a loyal following.
“It has been a great pleasure to be here as Dundee folk are very fond of the Queen’s and that is a winner for us.
“We have people who have had there wedding here who then come back for the christening of their children and their silver and golden wedding anniversaries.
“People are very loyal and very supportive to the Queen’s.”
The freehold for the hotel is being marketed by property adviser Christie & Co, but the business will continue to operate as normal in the coming months as the sales process continues.
Mr Sneddon stressed there was no threat to any function booked at the Queen’s and said the hotel’s 60-strong workforce were also safe.
The hotel had 45-bedrooms when Mr Sneddon took over and he has added six new bedrooms and two suites in his time at the helm.
Planning permission was approved some years ago for a major extension into the car park area to the rear of the building that would have taken the room complement to 90, but the recessionary downturn meant the project was put on ice.
Mr Sneddon said he had spent 40 years in hospitality and the time was right for a change.
“It has been an absolute joy to be part of the history of the Queen’s and provide a service to Dundonians for the past 20 years,” he said.
“It is being sold as a going concern – the Queen’s has always been a hotel and it is always likely to be a hotel as far as I am concerned.”
The Courier understands there has been intermittent interest from third parties in purchasing the Queen’s.
Alongside the hotel, three associated retail units may be available via separate negotiation.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a new owner to build upon a successfully established business in an excellent location,” Stuart Drysdale, associate director at Christie & Co said.
“The hotel is being placed on the market for a new operator to continue to provide the hospitality and service that the hotel is renowned for by both locals and those from further afield.”
