Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Pays Homage to their Heritage with a Locally Inspired New Look  

The scenic Kent countryside retreat, the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, has undergone an exciting refurbishment of the Bar & Brasserie, revealing a locally inspired new look. The contemporary new design pays

homage to Kent’s rich cultural and historical heritage as well as honouring famous guests of the past including The Beatles.

Interior designer Helen Hooper of HH Interiors, who has previously worked with Jupiter Hotels on renovation projects across the UK, managed the project. Helen explained, “The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is rooted in the absolute heart of Kent and so there were many wonderful local aspects to pull inspiration from which I have incorporated into the fabric of the redesign. The new bespoke artwork pays tribute to the nearby Leeds Castle as well as telling the story of Kent and the surrounding areas to reflect the hotels’ unique history and personality.”

In particular some of the locally inspired design features include new panels showcasing local vineyards and distilleries as well as vintage black and white photographs of Kent’s agricultural history, being home to the largest collection of Victorian oast houses in the world. Another nod to the hotels own heritage includes imagery of a variety of Great Dane dogs, after which the hotel is fondly named.

Additional design features include artwork of famous faces Including King Henry VIII, who stayed at the nearby Leeds Castle during his reign, as well as contemporary framed canvas portraits of his six Tudor wives. Guests can also enjoy a dedicated ‘Beatles’ zone featuring stylish hand painted frames with The Beatles records mounted inside. The Beatles stayed at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel whilst filming the ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ in the late 60’s.

Commenting on the refurbishment, General Manager of the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Dominic Di Cara said: “We are delighted with the recent refurbishment and feel that the locally inspired design really captures the heart and soul of the hotel and local community. I am delighted to welcome back residents and guests to the new and improved Great Danes Bar & Brasserie for a truly special dining experience.”

Shane Harris, CEO Jupiter Hotels, added: “The Investment in the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel demonstrates our continued commitment to the growth and transformation of our hotel portfolio in the UK. This renovation showcases what’s to come in 2018 and beyond as we increase hotel development and elevate customer experience in the mid-scale sector.”

The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, situated at the edge of the village of Hollingbourne and stands on land surrounded by the Leeds castle estate, offers 126 modern bedrooms, 14 meeting and function rooms for up to 600 guests. Other facilities include tennis, a health club, gym and swimming pool in one of the finest spa hotels Kent has to offer.

Our Charity Partner

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Supports Rays of Sunshine

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel are delighted to announce their new charity partner this year is Rays of Sunshine, www.raysofsunshine.org.uk, a UK registered children’s charity that brightens the lives of seriously ill children aged 3 to 18 by granting their wishes, granting hospital ward wishes and organising large scale events.

Our aim is to raise £2000 in the first year of the partnership to fund magical wishes for brave and deserving children and to do that WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

Every day of the year Rays of Sunshine gives brave and deserving young people the chance to put their illness on hold and enjoy a moment of escape. Over 6,000 individual wishes have been granted since the charity was set up in 2003. Wishes can be as unique as the children themselves and whether a child wants to be a princess or a fireman for the day, go to Disneyland in Paris, visit Santa in Lapland, own an iPad, meet a favourite celebrity or even a ‘real life’ mermaid, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that wish come true.

Rays of Sunshine also grants ward wishes, which offer a distraction to hundreds of children during their time in hospital or a hospice. Events and outings are held throughout the year for large groups of seriously ill children including trips to theme parks, hospital activity/pamper days and parties.

We hope you will all GET INVOLVED and support our partnership so we can reach our £2000 target and grant magical wishes for brave and deserving children.  Please ask at reception about how you can support our partnership.