History

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BEST WESTERN FOLEY ARMS HOTEL

Built in 1810 by Samual Deykes The Best Western Foley Arms Hotel is a delightful example of a Georgian Coaching Hotel built at a time when Malvern was becoming an important Spa Town.

In 1823 Mary Southall described The Best Western Foley Arms Hotel as “This very spacious hotel which abounds with every comfort, as well as every elegance, and indeed its exterior has changed very little since it was built. The Hotel was built to impress the wealthy new visitors to Malvern who were seeking Water Cures for their ailments. Several contemporary prints ridiculing these bizarre cures can be seen in the non smoking lounge. There was extensive stabling at the rear of the hotel which was advertised on the side wall and which can still be seen.

At the entrance you will see the impressive Teck Family Coat of Arms belonging to Princess Mary of Teck, the present Queen’s Grandmother, who enjoyed her six week stay so much that she kindly bequeathed it to the Hotel. There are several charming early photographs of her in the reception lounge.

The rather terrifying Lady Emily Foley, whose signed portrait hangs in the entrance, once owned the Best Western Foley Arms along with a large part of Malvern and used to stay in the Hotel every August, travelling from her country seat Stoke Edith Park in a large coach attended by red and yellow liveried coach men. All local dignitaries were expected to pay due deference to her during her stay and any who did not were left in no doubt of her displeasure! She passed away at the stroke of midnight 1900 as the new century dawned.

The Georgian architecture is much in evidence in all areas of the Hotel especially the splendid bow windows which frame the spectacular views magnificently.

Other features that may be of interest are some delightful early photographs of the Hotel and a letter from Princess Mary as well as other artefacts from the last century, scattered around the building.

Facilities Conferences Weddings Specials Tariff History Location Contact Home

	History
					A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BEST WESTERN FOLEY ARMS HOTEL Built in 1810 by Samual Deykes The Best Western Foley Arms Hotel is a delightful example of a Georgian Coaching Hotel built at a time when Malvern was becoming an important Spa Town. In 1823 Mary Southall described The Best Western Foley Arms Hotel as “This very spacious hotel which abounds with every comfort, as well as every elegance, and indeed its exterior has changed very little since it was built. The Hotel was built to impress the wealthy new visitors to Malvern who were seeking Water Cures for their ailments. Several contemporary prints ridiculing these bizarre cures can be seen in the non smoking lounge. There was extensive stabling at the rear of the hotel which was advertised on the side wall and which can still be seen. At the entrance you will see the impressive Teck Family Coat of Arms belonging to Princess Mary of Teck, the present Queen’s Grandmother, who enjoyed her six week stay so much that she kindly bequeathed it to the Hotel. There are several charming early photographs of her in the reception lounge. The rather terrifying Lady Emily Foley, whose signed portrait hangs in the entrance, once owned the Best Western Foley Arms along with a large part of Malvern and used to stay in the Hotel every August, travelling from her country seat Stoke Edith Park in a large coach attended by red and yellow liveried coach men. All local dignitaries were expected to pay due deference to her during her stay and any who did not were left in no doubt of her displeasure! She passed away at the stroke of midnight 1900 as the new century dawned. The Georgian architecture is much in evidence in all areas of the Hotel especially the splendid bow windows which frame the spectacular views magnificently. Other features that may be of interest are some delightful early photographs of the Hotel and a letter from Princess Mary as well as other artefacts from the last century, scattered around the building. Facilities Conferences Weddings Specials Tariff History Location Contact Home