THE owner of a popular Ayrshire hotel has opened up on the “journey” behind its transformation into a four-star venue.
The Fenwick Hotel was recently awarded prestigious four-star status by the AA, around 18 months after Robin and Jaspreet Bawa took over the venue.
Since arriving in April last year, the owners have overseen major investment across the hotel, from its bedrooms and hallways to the roof, windows, car park and entrance.
Robin said: “It’s been a journey. First, we did all the bedrooms, we did the hallways, then we extended the front of the hotel, we built a car park, we put the new roof on.
“All the windows are triple glazed now. Being on a motorway, we had a lot of noise issues, so triple-glazed windows have eliminated a lot of that.”
Bedrooms have been revamped with new carpets, bedding and smart TVs, while bathrooms have also started to be upgraded.
The kitchen has received new equipment and the Opal Oak cocktail bar has been revamped, with Robin saying investment has gone into “everything”.
But he admitted the journey to four-star status has not been without its challenges.
Robin said: “It’s not been easy. It’s full-on all the time.
“We’ve had a few bumpy rides along the way.
“We can’t get it 100 per cent right 100 per cent of the time. Sometimes we do get it wrong, but when we get it wrong, we try to make it right very quickly.”
Robin also praised the hotel’s staff for their role in the transformation.
He said: “No business can work without a good team.
“Our team has been a great backbone to us and I cannot praise them enough. They’re brilliant.”
The investment is continuing, with the hotel’s new 1870 restaurant set to open this week following a complete transformation.
Robin added: “Once you do something, you’re like, ‘I can better that’.
“We’re enhancing every department to give them the best experience.”
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