The 37-bedroom hotel, situated in a Grade II listed Georgian building in the centre of the West Sussex city, was bought from the Chichester Hotel Company through a private sale for more than £6m.
Harbour Hotels managing director Mike Warren, who recently announced the acquisition of three hotels - in Bristol, Salcombe and Brighton - said the acquisition was a strategic one.
“We are very excited to be taking the Harbour Hotels brand to Chichester; it’s an exciting location and a key strategic position from our perspective. The Ship is a prestigious, landmark property with some outstanding features. There is an excellent team of staff at the property and we are delighted to have such an addition to the Harbour Hotels portfolio.”
The hotel, which has planning consent for a large extension to include 25 more bedrooms, additional function facilities and undercroft parking, will be re-branded as a Harbour Hotel early next year. Harbour Hotels will also introduce its Jetty restaurant brand to the site.
John Chesterman of Chichester Hotel Company, who was represented by Savills, said: “We have been very proud to own The Ship Hotel and have, over the last 10 years, restored this grand hotel to its former glory. It’s been a privilege to work with the wonderful staff and watch the Ship play its part in the phenomenal growth of the city over recent years.
"We are pleased that the new owners Harbour Hotels are in a strong position to carry out the further expansion of the hotel and maintain and develop its solid reputation as Chichester’s premier accommodation and restaurant venue.”