A POPULAR Kendal hotel and restaurant has just been refurbished.

The Castle Green Hotel underwent a £450,000 refit of 33 en-suite rooms, making it the Lake District's only member of the Best Western Premier Collection.

To become a BW Premier Collection member, hotels must have at least four stars and score highly on TripAdvisor as well as passing a strict quality assurance assessment.

As well as the newly refurbished bedrooms, reception, bar, lounge and restaurant, The Castle Green boasts an extensive business, conference and training centre for up to 300 delegates, multiple dining options and leisure club and spa.

Managing director Tim Rumney says: "This new brand gives us the opportunity to celebrate our independence whilst retaining great sales and marketing support from an international brand.

"This is a very exciting time for the Hotel and allows us the build on our reputation and success. We are proud to be at the heart of Kendal and offer a service that reflects the wonderful people and atmosphere of the Lakes.”

Castle Green general manager, Ben Mayou, said: "The refurbishment of bedrooms continued our substantial commitment over the last four years to upgrade the Hotel, including a £250,000 investment in the new restaurant and bar last year.

"We were awarded four stars by the AA in 2013, the Cumbria Tourism Large Hotel of the Year in 2014, awards from Best Western and TripAdvisor last year, and most recently the Best Western Guest Hotel of the Year Award in 2015 - so it’s been quite a journey for the team.

"The announcement of our rebrand to BW Premier Collection is a huge achievement for everyone at the Hotel."