A family has bid a fond farewell after their hotel in Morecambe was acquired by a leading international operator.
The Bury family had run the Lothersdale on Marine Road for 73 years across three generations.
But Paul and Judy Bury have announced their departure, with new owners Bellvilla - run by leading international hotel operators Prism - taking the helm.
Mr Bury said it was "a positive indication of how well the area is viewed, with international investors wanting to gain a presence now that the Eden Project is firmly on the horizon".
His grandparents William and Mary bought the Lothersdale in the 1950s, and it was later run by his parents Geoff and Penny. He himself entered the business in 1989.
The family has overseen numerous expansions over the years, including the addition of the award-winning Aspect Bar & Bistro.
LISTEN to Paul Bury talking about his family history at the Lothersdale, speaking to Beyond Radio earlier this year
Paul Bury
"It's been a private family decision, one that certainly wasn't on our horizons, however, since Eden signed contracts with (main contractor) Vinci we had received multiple unsolicited approaches from investors from around the globe wanting to acquire the business," said Mr Bury this week.
"It's a positive indication of how well the area is viewed, with international investors wanting to gain a presence now that Eden is firmly on the horizon.
"We're pleased that under Prism's stewardship the hotel will continue to be a part of the local community offering its fantastic seaside weddings, the amazing afternoon teas, Christmas parties and of course Aspect Bar & Bistro offering the towns only AA Rosette dining experience.
"We wish them, and the town, all the success for the future and would like to thanks all of our amazing customers for their support over the past decades and of course our fabulous employees."
A post on the Aspect Bar & Bistro social media pages said:
"A fond farewell…
"After 73 years as a family run hotel and bistro the Bury family today bids a fond farewell to The Lothersdale and Aspect. We would like to thank our customers and staff over the decades many of whom we now count among our friends.
A past photo of the Lothersdale Hotel.
"We wish Belvilla (PRISM) and Morecambe a bright future with the Eden project on the horizon.
"The Lothersdale’s future is secured continuing to trade as it always has with the same amazing team looking after you and the same fabulous food, rooms, amazing views, weddings and events all year round."
Prism is the parent company of India-based global hotel brand Oyo.
It was reported last month that Prism was adding 40 hotels in the UK under its Belvilla and Sunday Hotels brands.
Belvilla is a vacation apartment brand, but it is expanding into lifestyle hotels. It has also been expanding in Europe, the USA and the Middle East.
Work is getting under way on the Eden Project Morecambe on the central Promenade.
The new attraction is seen as a game-changer for the town's economy, with 580,000 annual visitors expected.
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