Three large hotels near one of Britain’s most popular beaches are being used to house asylum seekers this summer, leaving holidaymakers in Bournemouth frustrated as they pay premium prices while migrants are accommodated just 200 metres from the seafront.
The Chine Hotel, Roundhouse Hotel, and Britannia Hotel—all within walking distance of Bournemouth’s famous beaches—have been closed to tourists for over a year after being taken over by the Home Office. Together, the hotels offer more than 300 rooms which have been reserved exclusively for asylum seekers.
With around a million visitors booking hotel stays in Bournemouth each year, there are growing concerns that the continued arrival of asylum seekers could damage the town’s £1.3 billion tourism industry.
This week, tempers flared among paying holidaymakers. Retired great-grandmother Susan Beacham, 70, spent £1,400 for a week’s stay with her daughter at the Hampton by Hilton near the town centre. She said: “I don’t think they should be in hotels like that if they’ve come here illegally. That they’re on the seaside makes me cross. It makes me scared to walk around at night when we’ve paid so much to come somewhere nice.”
She added: “If they’re trying to escape a warzone, then I understand why genuine asylum seekers would come here. But the hotels for people who aren’t here legally are a waste of money, especially if they cross from France, because it’s a safe country. The billions on this are taking away money from the NHS — which I need because I haven’t been well.”
‘Tourist trade at risk’
Others echoed her concerns. PE teacher Stewart Brown, 34, and Philip Finch, 75, from Cambridge, said placing an asylum hotel by the seaside could put off families with young children. Stewart said: “It doesn’t sit nicely with me. We’ve spent about £1,200 to come here. Before I came down, my dad made me aware of the asylum hotels. I think if you were staying around there you might feel uneasy about it, especially if you have young children.”
Retired grandfather Peter Morris, 76, visiting from Peterborough, commented: “I don’t agree with people coming over but they have to go somewhere. It’s not good. They’re expensive hotels. The amount we’re spending is a big number. You’d think those in power would always go for the cheapest option.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the situation: “Bournemouth’s tourist trade is being put at risk by the Government. There are now more illegal immigrants in hotels than when Labour came to office and this year so far has been the worst ever for Channel crossings. Labour promised to smash the gangs and end hotel use. Both promises lie in tatters and Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour’s massive failures.”
Local Labour MP Tom Hayes previously told Parliament: “Bournemouth hotels cost the taxpayer eye-watering sums and everyone is stuck in a situation that nobody wants.”
The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association described the government’s use of local hotels as “disappointing”. However, Rosie Radwell, BAHA chair and hotelier, insisted: “Bournemouth and the South Coast remain a wonderful destination for visitors, and holidaymakers should rest assured of high standards and a warm welcome.”
Knife fights and armed police
The Sun reported seeing an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near one of the hotels despite Labour’s pledge to crack down on illegal working.
The Chine Hotel boasts amenities such as a sauna and swimming pool but these were reportedly closed when migrants arrived. Security guards now monitor entrances and parking spaces are reserved for bikes thought to be used by illegal workers.
A nearby apartment owner claimed: “There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on.”
Volunteer group Safeguard Force plans to begin patrols next week to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour; Dorset Police confirmed it does not endorse the group and insists it must operate within the law.
A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council spokesman said: “The council carefully monitors the use of asylum hotels and the impact on our services, community safety and the local economy.”
The area’s Destination Management Board pointed out that only three out of more than 450 local hotels are accommodating asylum seekers under government contracts: “The wider conurbation remains fully open for tourism, events and business, with strong bed availability, vibrant hospitality and a thriving local economy.”
A government spokesperson said: “From over 400 asylum hotels under the previous government, there are now fewer than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.”