A NEW five-star cat hotel has officially hosted its grand opening in a village near Romsey.

Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel Group has 23 cat hotels in the UK, with the latest addition located in New Barn Farm House, Pains Hill, Lockerley.

Now, the feline-friendly facility is celebrating after it was opened on Sunday (September 20) by MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes.

The new hotel boasts seven luxury suites, with each suite featuring its own climate-controlled bedroom, leading to a private garden play area.

Treating a cat to a night at the hotel's large suite will cost £18 per night or £27 for two.

Some of the other facilities at the hotel include a gourmet menu, where pets can be pampered with salmon, chicken and prawns, as well as grooming services and daily play sessions.

One of the owners of the hotel, Georgie Taylor-Darke, said: "This is such an exciting venture for me as an animal lover and my husband Chris, who is also a small animal vet.

"We love pussycats and are already thrilled to have a number of gorgeous feline guests who have settled in happily at Longcroft Romsey.

"We are living in uncertain times at the moment, but are lucky enough to have received lots of bookings from cat owners looking for the highest quality of accommodation and care for their beloved pussy cats when they are away.

"I just can’t wait to get to know them all."

Longcroft founder, Abi Purser, also attended the opening and said: "Longcroft Romsey is fabulous – the same high Longcroft standards as you’ll find at any of our hotels, but with the added benefit of a truly beautiful and restful setting for our feline guests.

"Pussycats can enjoy the fresh air and country views while relaxing in the lap of luxury under the attentive care of the lovely Georgie and with the expertise of vet Chris."

To make a booking or to view Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel Romsey, contact Georgie on 01794 341782 or email romsey@longcroftcathotel.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.longcroftcathotel.co.uk.