SOUTHAMPTON'S second largest hotel now has new name following a £29 million buy out at the end of last year.

The Grand Harbour was officially renamed at a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday.

Now owned by Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, it's new name is the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

The 173-room hotel in West Quay Road was originally opened in 1994 by De Vere and is one of the city's landmark buildings thanks to its glass pyramid entrance.

It was the city's largest hotel until the opening of the the 230-bed Jurys Inn in Charlotte Place.

The new owners say they will retain "the character and ambience" of the hotel but have made some changes.

One of the hotel's two dining rooms – the Hamtun Bar and Bistro has become the Royal Bar, serving food all day.

The hotel's spa will also be relaunched with new packages and products for guests to enjoy from luxury French beauty brand, Caudalie.

The hotel also has 13 meeting and event spaces, including the Mayflower function room which holds up to 500.

Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Jurys Inn & Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our UK portfolio with this renowned hotel in Southampton. Whether you are planning a weekend city break, an overnight stay before you head off on a cruise or a relaxing afternoon at the spa, we are excited to welcome locals and guests old and new to experience our newest hotel.”

Leonardo, one of the fastest-growing hotel chains in Europe, is a recent entrant into the UK hotel market, with nine hotels: six in Scotland; located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Perth, and one in London Heathrow, Southampton and Manchester.

However, it has a significant international presence, with more than 150 properties across Europe.

The Leonard and Jurys Inn brands are owned by the Fattal Group, which, as previously reported, purchased the Grand Harbour from Westmont.