A popular Brent Knoll hotel has closed down, becoming the second in the area to close in recent weeks.
Woodlands Country House Hotel, pictured, has shut with its owners blaming the rising costs of running the business.
Owner Sarah McClean told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “After successfully running Woodlands Country House Hotel for five years we decided to close the business.”
“This was due to a combination of many factors including increasing costs, increasing internet commissions on bookings, increased staff costs, increased business rates, downward pressure on room rates from large hotel chains, and a desire to pursue other business ventures.”
The closure comes just weeks after we reported here that Battleborough Grange Hotel – which is also located in Brent Knoll – had closed while a new owner is sought to take it on.
Brent Knoll councillor Bob Filmer told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is a great shame to see these two hotels closing.”
“I think part of the problem is that country hotels struggle to compete against the likes of Premier Inn and Travelodge – it is a difficult market to be in. I hope the Battleborough Grange will re-open soon and bounce back.”
Ian Jefferies, manager at Burnham’s tourist information centre, added: “It is very disappointing to see these independent accommodation providers closing. We do often struggle to find available rooms for visitors to the area at peak times, so there is a need for them, and we always try to point trade their way.”
