‘Retro rocket’ guesthouse to be relaunched after acquisition by upmarket hotel chain

Luxury hospitality group Harbour Hotels has expanded its presence in the South West by snapping up a guesthouse known for its distinctive rooftop ‘retro rocket’ caravans.

Brooks Guesthouse in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market is a stone’s throw from the group’s 42-bedroom Harbour Hotel, which it opened 10 years ago.

The guesthouse will continue operating under the Brooks name while undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme, scheduled for completion next February.

This will add three more bedrooms – taking the total to 30 – alongside a complete redesign of all guest accommodation and its courtyard.

The four silver, 1950s-style caravans, which have become the property’s most recognisable feature, will remain in place overlooking Bristol’s Old City from their rooftop vantage point.

Christchurch-headquartered Harbour Hotels said the guesthouse, launched by the micro boutique Brooks Guesthouse group in 2011, will be fully integrated into its Bristol hotel, reflecting its commitment to Bristol and continued focus on distinctive city and coastal destinations.

Mike Warren, CEO of Harbour Hotels, said: “It’s never straightforward to extend your footprint in city centre locations and we closely followed this opportunity to bolt on 30 keys to our existing city asset.

“In terms of Harbour Hotel Bristol’s future performance, it’s a gamechanger.”

Harbour Hotels’ 14 properties are located in some of England’s most desirable destinations, from South West waterfront locations in Fowey, Sidmouth and Salcombe, to Richmond, near London.

Brooks Guesthouse’s put its 22-bedroom Bath property on the market in July with a £2.85m price tag. The group also has a guesthouse in Edinburgh.