THE Claremont Hotel has earned a fourth star to add to its official accomodation rating.

This makes it one of five hotels in the Island to have the four star rating after being upgraded by the Tourism Division of the Department of Economic Development.

The four star grading follows a one million pound refurbishment programme at the end of last year.

Rooms at the hotel were transformed and now include super king size beds with Tempur mattresses, wet rooms and iPod docking facilities and BluRay enabled flat screen televisions.

Each room cost in excess of £37,000 to fit out compared to an industry average of £15,000.

Angela Byrne, quality and service manager at Isle of Man Tourism, said: "We would like to extend sincere congratulations to The Claremont Hotel and all of the staff there. 

"The upgrade is recognition of the investment that Sleepwell Hotels have made in both the property and the staff there and we are glad they have done it - hotels that go the extra mile benefit the Island as a whole."

Mark Wilson, managing director of Sleepwell Hotels, said: "While I believe we now have the best business class accommodation on the Island I think that this upgrade really reflects the efforts of our staff above all else. 

"I am truly proud of the consistently hard work of all the staff here their attention to detail and their commitment to maintaining high standards. We couldn't be happier that that has been recognised."

Research conducted by The Claremont Hotel has also shown that the refurbishment has led to an increase in business. In the first quarter of this year room occupancy has increased by 14 percent compared to the same period last year.

Mark continued: "It seems that our investment in the premises is really paying off with much higher occupancy rates than last year. Last year's refurbishment was actually only stage one of a longer term plan and we have now started design work on stage two. The second stage will involve redesigning the ground floor, lounge and reception areas as well as the remaining sea view rooms."

For more information on The Claremont Hotel click here.

Also see: Claremont Hotel unveils one million pound refurbishment project