THE Palace Hotel and Casino has said joining the Best Western hotels brand is an "exciting opportunity".

On Wednesday isleofman.com revealed that the hotel would be re-branded as a Best Western Hotel.

The hotel had its final inspection on November 8 and will be marketed as the Best Western Palace Hotel and Casino from Friday, November 25.

Adrian Brockhouse, director of hotels and leisure at The Sefton Group, said: "We've been working closely with Best Western to ensure that the hotel meets the rigorous standards required to enable it to adopt the Best Western brand.

"This presents an exciting opportunity for everyone involved with the hotel. Joining the Best Western brand brings with it many advantages for the hotel and the Island in general through additional marketing exposure within the UK and further afield."

Best Western hotels are independently owned and run and there are more than 270 in Great Britain and 4,000 worldwide.

The Palace Hotel will be the first Best Western in the UK to incorporate a casino and will be the only branded hotel in the Isle of Man.

Keith Pope, director of Best Western, said: "Best Western Palace Hotel and Casino is a great addition to our portfolio of 'hotels with personality'.

"The hotel offers fantastic facilities and is a great place to stay for both business and leisure travellers. We believe this hotel has a great future with us."

The hotel will still remain under the operational control and ownership of The Sefton Group.

Also see: Palace Hotel in Douglas to become a Best Western hotel