A HOTEL could undergo major refurbishment after it was bought by an Indian chain.

The 55-bed Westcliff Hotel has been bought by Indian-based MGM Muthu Hotels for an undisclosed fee.

The clifftop hotel, which was on the market for £1.8million and has views across the estuary, is the second UK hotel for the Muthu group following on from one it bought in Ipswich.

MGM Muthu Hotels has hotels across Europe, Singapore and the Caribbean.

Ana Robles, the hotel’s general manager, said: “There was a programme of refurbishment before we bought it and we will carry on with that and will see if we want to make improvements.

“We have just arrived, but there are always improvements that can be made.

“At the moment we are assessing the hotel’s potential and trying to get a feel for the market and the place and then we will decide what is needed.”

Leisure property specialists, Fluerets, marketed what is now the Muthu Westcliff Hotel.

The three-star hotel first went on the market in December.

Describing it, Fleurets director Bob Whittle said: “The Westcliff Hotel is a charming, well maintained and long-established hotel business with 55 ensuite letting bedrooms, many with sea views.

“It has a spacious reception lounge, split level bar, 70-cover restaurant, two function suites and three syndicate rooms.”

Graham Longley, Southend councillor for enterprise, tourism and economic development, welcomed the investment.

He said: “The council welcomes any new investment in the town.

“I am delighted theywill bring a fresh benefit to the town. Its good to know they will be keeping it as a hotel and not turning into a block of flats.

“I look forward to meeting with the people that now own it to work together to make sure its a success.”

A Premier Inn has also recently opened on Eastern Esplanade, adding to the hotels available in the area.

Mr Longley added: “We’ve been trying to encourage people to come to Southend via the airport, but the majority of people using the airport are going straight to London.

“We’re trying to offer an alternative though because we aren’t far from London.”