A BOUTIQUE hotel in Southend has been listed in the top 20 beach hotels in the UK by the Times newspaper.

The Roslin Beach Hotel, on Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, has been voted number 15 on the list, and is the only hotel in Essex to get a mention.

The Times said: “Step out of the newly-refurbished Roslin and just across the road lies the broad sandy sweep of Thorpe Bay, perfect for blustery walks and bucket-and-spade afternoons.

“The 62 rooms are chic and crisp in blues and whites, while the glass fronted restaurant has panoramic views of the Thames Estuary.

“Spa treatments are on offer at the Roslin retreat, although a sunset cocktail on the terrace may be just as restorative.”

The hotel has undergone a number of improvements over the years and recently got permission to expand, which will see ground floor extensions to the front of the building to enlarge the existing dining area and create a residents’ lounge as well as the installation of a revolving door at the entrance to the hotel.

They also got permission for the adjoining property in Clieveden Road, which will provide seven extra guest rooms.

Ann Holland, councillor for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “It is absolutely fantastic, the hotel is lovely and the food and ambience are great. They work really hard and just keep progressing, they are going from strength to strength.

“It brings more recognition to the town which is a good thing. It is good for tourism, they have done so well and are the flagship beach hotel in the town. And now we are seeing more and more boutique hotels coming to the town which is great.”

The hotel was Southend’s first four star hotel and since there has been an increased interest in boutique hotels. Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace, is in the middle of a £2.5million transformation and there are plans for a 62 bedrooms hotel in Victoria Avenue.