A BOURNEMOUTH hotel will close during January for a refurbishment.

Langtry Manor, in Derby Road, will get a revamp from designers Portfolio London and is due to reopen on January 20.

Bosses say the brief is to “enhance the traditional aspects of the hotel while injecting a contemporary twist”.

Manager Tara Howard said: “We have experienced an increase in business since the credit crunch hit and we believe it is because we have been investing heavily in the hotel, which we intend to continue to do.

“For the upcoming makeover, we have brought in many teams of painters costing £10,000 over just a three week period – and that doesn’t even include the paint.

“We are also splashing out over £10,000 just on lush material for the new soft furnishings, which are going to look stunning. I can’t wait to see the results.”

The manor was built by Edward VII in 1877 as a love nest for Lillie Langtry. The Howard family has run it for more than 100 years.

The hotel will host the Daily Echo-backed Langtry Manor Businesswomen Awards 2011 in May.