Seacrest Hotel: Readers wish owner well as independent Southsea hotel closes for good

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a ‘lovely’ hotel and its owner following the announcement that the doors will be closing for good.
David George
By David George
Published 4th Nov 2022, 13:54 GMT
Updated 4th Nov 2022, 14:04 GMT
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Seacrest Hotel in South Parade is the last independent hotel along the seafront – but after 86 years in the business the hotel has closed for the final time.

Readers of The News were hugely saddened by this, sharing their memories of the hotel and wishing owner Antoinette Stretton a happy retirement.

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Staff of Seacrest Hotel, Delina Nita, Carmen Cretu, Tony Turvey, Lenuta Paduraru and owner, Antoinette Stretton at the Seacrest Hotel. Picture: Habibur RahmanStaff of Seacrest Hotel, Delina Nita, Carmen Cretu, Tony Turvey, Lenuta Paduraru and owner, Antoinette Stretton at the Seacrest Hotel. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Staff of Seacrest Hotel, Delina Nita, Carmen Cretu, Tony Turvey, Lenuta Paduraru and owner, Antoinette Stretton at the Seacrest Hotel. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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Debbie Martin said: ‘[It’s a] sad day Antoinette but well done for keeping your lovely hotel going for so long. Best wishes.’

Pamela Potter said: ‘End of one chapter, the start of a new one. You have been one very successful lady and I wish you a long and happy retirement.’

Elaine Von Trapp Uzoamaka added: ‘I met Antionette during the HMS Victory segment we filmed for Four in a Bed, she was lovely. All the best for your future, I hope you have a well earned rest.’

Carla Campbell had fond memories from a more recent occasion.

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‘[We] stayed with our wedding gusts in April had a lovely time and drinks in the cosy bar,’ she said.

‘Antoinette and her staff were so friendly and accommodating. A couple of friends have stayed again since as they loved the hotel. Sad to see it go, cut enjoy retirement and I'm sure a well deserved rest.’

A few readers have suggested that Antoinette could write memoirs of her time as a hotel owner – with the venue having welcomed the likes of Cliff Richard and Jon Pertwee.

Sandy McKeown said: ‘To a wonderful school chum Antionette. You’ve been a wonderful hotel proprietor and it’s time to enjoy your retirement! Get those memories in writing – to a fabulous lady and friend.’

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Sally Bartle added: ‘Another chapter – time to write your memoirs of the lovely Seacrest Hotel.’

Tracey Lawrence said: ‘The end of an era, Antoinette, but on to new one instead. See you in a few days.

‘I like the idea of memoirs, you should totally do that.’

Replying to people on The News’ Facebook page, Antoinette described her time as a hotel owner as ‘a blast’.

Related topics:Southsea