OUR STORY

Let’s start at the beginning

The history of the Surya Hotel collection

Surya Hotels is part of the Flying Trade Group, a family-owned business with deep roots in hospitality. Our story is shaped by a growing collection of distinctive hotels, each chosen for its character, history and ability to offer warm, memorable stays.

Here’s the story

A thoughtful beginning

Founded as part of the Flying Trade Group, Surya Hotels has grown through the careful acquisition of characterful properties across the UK. Each hotel is selected for its sense of place, heritage and potential to offer genuine, welcoming hospitality.

Always connected

From historic coaching inns and countryside manors to relaxed coastal retreats and modern town hotels, the Surya collection celebrates variety. While no two hotels are the same, all share a commitment to comfort, quality and thoughtful service.

Our History

From one story to another

Take a look at the story of the Surya Hotels Collection and our journey across the UK.

  • 2010

    Surya Hotels founded

    Surya Hotels was founded in 2010, with the purchase of its first site in 2009 – The Kingscliff Hotel- Clacton on Sea.

    Soon followed by the purchase of:
    - The Dukes Head Hotel- Kings Lynn
    - The Mill Hotel- Sudbury
    - Great Hallingbury Manor- Bishop Stortford

  • 2015

    More hotel acquisitions

    Surya Hotels acquires historic George Hotel, Colchester

    Soon followed by the purchase of:
    - The Hog’s Back Hotel and Spa- Farnham
    - Thatcher’s Hotel- Leatherhead

  • 2016

    The Dragonfly portfolio

    Surya Hotels acquire multi-million pound Dragonfly portfolio.

  • 2016

    Renovations complete

    Extensive renovation work at the Duke's Head Hotel in Kings Lynn is completed and sees the launch of a stylish new bar and lounge - Massey & Co.

  • 1970’s

    Dragonfly renovations commence

    £1 million refurbishment of Dragonfly portfolio commences.

  • 2018

    St Nicholas Hotel opens it doors

    Phase one of a major £10m project to restore the iconic George Hotel to its former glory is completed and officially opened by Colchester Mayor Peter Chillingworth.

  • 2019

    Kingscliff 10th anniversary

    Kingscliff Hotel Celebrates 10th Anniversary with £250,000 makeover completed.

  • 2021

    The George re-opens

    Colchester’s historic George hotel reopens its doors following a monumental £10m renovation.

  • 2024

    Thatchers hotel revamp

    Historic Thatcher’s unveils first phase of £5 million revamp.

  • 2025

    Theobald estate acquisition

    Surya Hotel's acquire magnificent Theobalds Estate – a grade II listed Georgian manor house hotel which was once home to King James 1st – and begin £25m restoration.

  • 2025

    Great Hallingbury Manor renovation

    Great Hallingbury Manor re-opens it's doors after its 9 months major refurbishment.