Kaleidoscope Hotels acquires Dukes Hotel, strengthening presence in Bath city centre

Kaleidoscope Hotels, renowned for its visionary approach to hospitality, has acquired Dukes Hotel, a cherished landmark hotel nestled on the prestigious Great Pulteney Street in the historic city of Bath.  

This strategic move emphasises Kaleidoscope's commitment to reimagining historic properties whilst continuing their legacy and enriching guest experiences in the South West. It also solidifies Kaleidoscope's position as a leader in unique hospitality experiences and welcomes the company back to Great Pulteney Street in Bath; the first time since No.15 was opened there in 2016. Kaleidoscope now has 46 keys in the city centre.  

As Kaleidoscope Hotels build on its existing properties, including Bishopstrow in Wiltshire, Homewood in Somerset and The Bird in Bath, it’s a positive sign for the South West tourism and hospitality sector, which saw an 8% increase in visitors in 2023.  

Image: Exterior of Dukes Hotel Bath

Situated on the iconic Great Pulteney Street, Dukes is synonymous with service-led hospitality and is the number one rated hotel in Bath on TripAdvisor. The 17-bedroom hotel occupies two magnificent townhouses, with a legacy dating back to the 18th century. Originally known as St Monica's, the property underwent various transformations before assuming its current identity as Dukes in 1985, paying homage to the Duke of Clevedon. 

This storied past, combined with its Grade 1 listed status, underscores the hotel’s significance as a cultural landmark in Bath. Its excellent location overlooks the famous Rugby Recreation Ground as well as being a stone’s throw from other key tourist destinations in Bath.  

Image: Interior of Dukes Hotel Bath 

Kaleidoscope's vision for Dukes includes a meticulous refurbishment plan, honouring the building's historical importance while infusing it with the signature vibrancy and design ethos synonymous with the Kaleidoscope brand. Over the coming year, operations will continue seamlessly with the existing team, ensuring continuity and stability. Future enhancements include refurbishing all bedrooms, revitalising public areas, and introducing a boutique wellness facility, paying homage to Bath's rich, cultural heritage. 

The hotel is acquired by owners Ian and Christa Taylor, expert hoteliers with over 25 years of experience transforming hotels into unique and distinct spaces, bringing a sense of playfulness and personality to each hotel in the collection.  

Ian Taylor, Co-owner of Kaleidoscope Hotels, comments: “As Dukes integrates into the Kaleidoscope portfolio, the focus will be on continuing to bring our playful spirit into the hospitality world, whilst fostering a sense of community among the brilliant team, and bringing them into the family with a smooth transition. Looking ahead, exciting synergies across the portfolio will be explored, especially with The Bird, which is a neighbour of Dukes. As a hotel collection we delight in being different, and we are looking forward to bringing this unique approach to Dukes as it becomes part of the Kaleidoscope Hotels.” 

The sale of the Dukes Hotel was conducted on an off-market basis by Savills Hotel Capital Markets. James Greenslade, Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Savills, comments: “This exceptional property is the perfect addition to the buyer’s portfolio of stunning hotels. The hotel has been tastefully decorated with antiques and fine art, and there are several opportunities to increase its offering subject to planning permissions. Dukes will remain open offering excellent service to their customers.” 

Law firm Mogers Drewett advised on the purchase of the Dukes Hotel in Bath and associated financing arrangements. The firm's corporate, commercial property, employment and HR teams were all involved in the deal.

Tom Webb, Head of the Corporate and Commercial team at Mogers Drewett, said: "We have worked with Ian, Christa and the Kaleidoscope Collection group for over 10 years and this is the eighth hotel transaction that we have assisted them with.

"We are delighted to support this local success story as they expand their collection of luxury boutique hotels in the region."

For more information on Kaleidoscope Hotels, the properties they own or the acquisition of Dukes Hotel, please contact kaleidoscope@wildcard.co.uk.