The owners of The George in Rye are seeking to develop a 13-bedroom hotel at 15 High Street, a grade II listed property directly opposite the historic 49-bedroom building.
It would be the owners’ fourth hotel in the town, given that they already own The George, The Lookout and The Hope Anchor — together totalling 85 hotel rooms and employing about 100 staff.
On Tuesday 7 April, Rye Town Council’s Planning and Townscape Committee supported approval of the 15 High Street planning application by three votes to one, although one councillor expressed concern about the impact of too many hotels on the High Street.
Rooms at The George include a recent eight-bedroom extension after 9 Lion Street was converted.
Planning permission was actually granted last month to convert the 15 High Street property into a 12-unit shared HMO (house in multiple occupation) for hotel staff. This idea has evidently been shelved in favour of a hotel, which will presumably generate more income.
The ground floor front will house a hotel reception with a smaller shop installed on the right-hand side. Number 15 High Street, currently occupied by a clothing shop, was formerly a tea-room/restaurant and care home.
Publicly available financial statements indicate that owning hotels in Rye can be a highly lucrative business. This is not to say that the accommodation sector doesn’t have to cope with headwinds.
In their holding company’s strategic report for the year to 31 March 2025, The George’s owners said the group’s revenue had grown 7% but that “the hospitality sector continues to navigate a high-inflation environment. Rising costs in utilities, wages and raw materials remain a challenge.”
Those interested in viewing or commenting on the planning application for 15 High Street can find it on the Rother District Council website, listed as application RR/2026/0260/FULL.
Image Credits: David Worwood .