A 200-YEAR-OLD Newport hotel became the latest victim of the recession as it closed its doors for good yesterday.

A spokesman for the iconic The Kings Hotel said it had ceased trading with immediate effect following a “severe” downturn in trade in the past 12 months.

Yesterday the hotel’s website had no mention of the closure, but stated no rooms were available on the booking page.

The hotel’s 20 permanent staff are facing redundancy and will attend a meeting to find out their fate next week.

Three employees remained at the historic building at the top of High Street yesterday attempting to contact all those who had future bookings.

The spokesman said staff would do their utmost to find alternative accommodation for guests, with priority being given to those who had booked wedding ceremonies and receptions. He could not confirm how many people would be affected.

He said: “We will do our level best to get this sorted. All I can say is there’s been a severe downturn over the past 12 months.” Ken Ellis, president of Newport Chamber of Trade, described its loss as a “tragedy” for the city centre.

He said: “It’s an institution, but it’s not just about losing the hotel but potentially trade as well because people staying there would potentially be doing their shopping in Newport.”

The three-star establishment, which dates back to the 18th century, has 61 en suite single, double and family rooms, which were available from around £50 a night.

It has four function rooms for conferences and functions with capacity for up to 450 guests, but the hotel, which also has a restaurant and bar, was famed for previously hosting gigs by blues legend Van Morrison.

The hotel’s freeholder, Punch Taverns, declined to comment on the closure, while leaseholders owner’s Folland Mill Limited could not be contacted as the Argus went to press.

● Are you affected by the closure? Call Natalie Crockett on 01633 777246 or e-mail natalie.crockett@southwalesargus.co.uk