And so it begins...

A comeback worth raising a glass to: The Iliffe Hotel gets new owners ✨

Every city has that building. The one you drive past and think, “Blimey… imagine that place in its heyday.”In Coventry, that building is The Iliffe Hotel (formerly The Chace Hotel) — and at long last, it’s getting the comeback it deserves.

In late 2025, Distinct Group of Hotels acquired the long-neglected landmark, signalling the start of a brand-new chapter for this magnificent Grade II listed property. And honestly? It’s about time.

From grand mansion… to forgotten beauty

The Iliffe didn’t start life as just another hotel. It was once a grand private mansion, full of architectural drama and period charm, before evolving into a much-loved boutique hotel. Then, sadly, the doors closed.

For several years the building has stood empty, slowly deteriorating — the classic fate of heritage properties without a clear future. At one point, a planning application was even submitted to convert the site into a mental health centre, underlining just how uncertain the hotel’s direction had become.

But instead of disappearing quietly into an alternative use, The Iliffe has been handed something far better: a second act with ambition.

Enter Distinct (with sleeves rolled up)

Distinct doesn’t do timid. The group is known for taking on characterful, often challenging historic hotels — and then putting in the graft required to bring them back properly.

Their plans for The Iliffe are exactly what you want to hear:

• Careful restoration of a Grade II listed gem

• Respect for its past as both a mansion and boutique hotel

• A long-term vision focused on hospitality, not shortcuts

• And a determination to return the building to its glory days (no beige box refurb here, thanks)

This isn’t about slapping on new carpets and calling it done. It’s about revival. Need proof? Just look at Brownsover Hall 👀

If you’re wondering whether Distinct can really pull this off, allow us to point you to Brownsover Hall Hotel.

Another Grade II listed beauty. Another historic building that needed serious love. Distinct stepped in, invested heavily, and delivered a transformation that balanced period elegance with contemporary comfort — without losing the soul of the place.

Brownsover Hall’s revival has quickly become a reference point for how heritage hotels should be handled. Which is excellent news for The Iliffe.

Why this is a big deal for Coventry?

This isn’t just a hotel story — it’s a city story.

Bringing The Iliffe back to life means:

• rescuing an architectural landmark from further decline,

• creating jobs and economic activity,

• and restoring a venue that can once again host weddings, celebrations, stays, and those “remember when?” moments.

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Coventry doesn’t need another building with the blinds permanently down. It needs places with presence, history, and a bit of swagger.

The glow-up is coming ✨

Yes, there’s hard work ahead. Listed buildings are demanding, expensive, and occasionally stubborn (a bit like divas with good bone structure). But with Distinct at the helm, The Iliffe finally has owners willing to do the job properly.

So here’s to scaffolding, restoration dust, and big plans behind closed doors.If history has taught us anything, it’s this: The Iliffe’s best days are still ahead.