THE future of an iconic hotel in Weymouth remains in limbo after it was taken off the market last year.

The Riviera Hotel, in Bowleaze Cove, was put on the market in 2020 with a £5.5m price tag, but estate agents Rolfe East confirmed it had not sold and was taken off the market due to difficulty around selling properties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it has since been revealed the estate agents have not spoken to the owners of the hotel since it had been removed from the market in mid 2021.

Max Rolfe, commercial director of Rolfe East, said: "Unfortunately, we haven't heard from the owners in a while."

Speaking in early 2021 the estate agency were 'optimistic' about the sale of the iconic building.

The hotel continues to trade as normal.

Weymouth mayor Colin Huckle said: "It's an iconic setting.

"It's disappointing to see it left in limbo because we're at a stage where the hospitality sector is fully reopening after struggling through the pandemic."

During the first, second and third national lockdowns, the hotel, which sits by the cliff edge of Bowleaze Cove, hosted a number of rough sleepers and homeless people and assisted charity Bus Shelter Dorset.

The historic Grade II-listed hotel, based at Bowleaze Cove, is a landmark feature, built in a distinctive Spanish style - and provides views of Bowleaze Cove and Weymouth Bay.

Speaking last year, Mr Rolfe said: "It's just unfortunate timing with trying to sell.

"It's an iconic building. Buying it would mean buying into the Weymouth area, which has a rich hotel history."

The hotel also provides a private swimming pool with a sauna and a large outdoor pool.

The property became a listed building in January 1997 as Historic England described it as 'epitomising the austere approach of the modernists in the immediate pre-war era, and suggests the designer's acquaintance with contemporary work in Rome and elsewhere'.

It was constructed in 1937 by L. Stewart Smith using reinforced concrete. The 98-bedroom hotel has had several owners over the years, including holiday camp owner Fred Pontin and Saudi Arabian investors.

It has also undergone a number of renovations - the most recent being in 2018.

A spokeswoman from the Riviera Hotel confirmed the hotel is running as usual and is still taking bookings regularly.