Stradbrook House first opened in 1926 as the centrepiece of Prestatyn Golf Club. It was later enlarged to house a 48-bedroom hotel, clubhouse, restaurant and bar. It was sold around 1959 to the Nuthalls group and renamed the Grand Hotel Prestatyn.
Acquisition by Pontins
In 1970, it was acquired by Pontins, who were building a new holiday camp next door. The hotel retained its full-board status which meant three meals a day were included in the price. To accommodate more guests, Pontins built a couple of two-storey chalet blocks across the street, mirroring the design of those in the nearby holiday camp. Guests in the chalets would walk across the street to have their meals at the Hotel. They also had full access to the holiday camp amenities.
Snooker in Prestatyn
In 1974 the holiday camp hosted its first snooker pro-am tournament, where over a thousand amateurs competed against each other with the final 24 earning the opportunity to play against one of eight professionals. This popular week-long event became an annual fixture for many years, attracting big names like ‘Hurricane’ Higgins, Steve Davis, and Ray Reardon. Most of these players typically stayed at the Grand Hotel.
Transformation and Tragedy: The Sands Hotel
In April 1986, the hotel was renamed The Sands Hotel, but in December of that year, it was badly damaged by fire. The building remained abandoned for the next five years, becoming a point of contention due to its derelict state.
Rebuilt and reopened
In May 1992, after a £3.2 million reconstruction by Pontins, the hotel reopened. It now had 78-bedrooms and an indoor pool. Parts of the original exterior were preserved. It was still known as the Sands Hotel.
From The Sands Hotel to the Beaches Hotel
In October 1997, Pontins listed the hotel for sale with an asking price of £950,000. Today, it operates as the 4-star Beaches Hotel, continuing to offer high-quality accommodation. The original chalet blocks across the street have also been tastefully modernized and are known as the Beaches Chalets.
