Whitbread has extended a major repair programme at Premier Inn Exmouth Seafront after ongoing investigations revealed that issues affecting parts of the hotel’s exterior were more extensive than initially thought.
Work at the 60-room property on The Esplanade has been underway throughout 2026, primarily addressing water ingress and visible deterioration of the building’s rendered façade.
The repairs were originally expected to be completed sooner, but Whitbread and its contractors have now identified additional work required on the sea-facing elevation.
As a result, the programme will continue until the end of 2026.
The hotel will remain open and continue operating normally throughout the works.
Additional repairs identified during construction
Whitbread said the decision to extend the programme followed further investigation as repair work progressed.
The expanded project will address underlying problems with the external building fabric and render system rather than applying a shorter-term solution.
Work will also include repairs and upgrades to equipment and infrastructure located on the roof.
Scaffolding and protective wrapping currently surrounding the building will remain in place for the duration of the project.
A temporary scaffolded roof structure, described as a “tin hat,” will also be installed to allow contractors to complete repairs to the roof and associated plant.
Despite the additional work, Whitbread stressed that the hotel remains structurally sound and that the guest experience inside its bedrooms has not been compromised.
Whitbread acknowledges impact on Exmouth seafront
The appearance of the building during construction has attracted attention because of the hotel’s prominent position overlooking Exmouth Beach.
“We appreciate our hotel is one of the most prominent buildings on Exmouth seafront and understand that its appearance during the repair works has been frustrating for local residents, businesses and visitors,” said Alex Flach, Development Director for Whitbread in the UK & Ireland.
“As our investigations have continued, we have found that some of the issues with the hotel building are more extensive than we originally understood.”
Flach said Whitbread had chosen to expand the project rather than pursue a temporary solution, with the aim of providing greater long-term protection for the property.
The company has also written to David Reed MP, Member of Parliament for Exmouth & Exeter East, explaining the revised scope and timetable.
In the letter, dated September 8, Whitbread said the works would be carried out “thoroughly and to the highest standard” given its position as the long-term owner of the building.
Premier Inn Exmouth Seafront remains open
Premier Inn Exmouth Seafront opened in 2015 on the former Elizabeth Hall site.
The 60-bedroom hotel occupies a prominent Art Deco-inspired building directly overlooking Exmouth’s seafront and beach.
Whitbread owns the property and said it views the hotel as an important part of the town’s visitor economy, accommodating both leisure and business travellers throughout the year.
While scaffolding and protective wrapping will now remain visible for longer than originally planned, normal hotel operations will continue while contractors complete the expanded remediation programme.
The full programme is now scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.
