History of The Beaches Hotel and Spa

Formerly known as Stradbrook House, The Beaches Hotel and Spa, situated prominently on Prestatyn’s beach, was initially recognised as The Grand Hotel. Mentioned in a visitor’s guide to Prestatyn, the building, with its continental appearance on the sand dunes, served as both the golf club headquarters and a modern hotel.

The Grand Hotel

The illuminated facade of the hotel at night was considered one of Prestatyn’s most spectacular sights. Comedian George Formby’s father found solace in the hotel during his ill health, attributing relief to the fresh sea ozone-filled air from the nearby sand hills. In its earlier days, The Grand Hotel had various uses including a school, a yacht club and the clubhouse for Prestatyn Golf Club. During this period, a substantial extension was added, transforming it into a 70-room hotel.

Pontins

The property changed hands in 1959 and the late 1960s, eventually being acquired by Pontins, who planned to build a large holiday camp adjacent to it. Operating on a full board basis, the hotel provided all meals in the package, with an additional capacity created through two story chalet blocks across the street. Unlike the rest of the chalets, these lacked kitchen or lounge facilities and guests would walk to the hotel for their meals. In 1974, the adjoining camp hosted the inaugural snooker pro-am tournament, attracting prominent players such as ‘Hurricane’ Higgins, Steve Davies and Ray Reardon. The event became an annual fixture, drawing significant attention.

Birth of the 4 Star Beaches Hotel and Spa

Pontins sold the hotel in 1999 and it is now recognised as The 4 Star Beaches Hotel and Spa, having undergone a £3.2 million reconstruction. Today, the 78 bedroom hotel with a leisure complex stands as one of the most popular hotels on the North Wales coast owned by the Castle Collection Hotel Group.

**Copyright. Images used are purchased from Harry Thomas**