HAMPTON — Nestled stoically on Route 1 for more than 25 years, the Inn of Hampton has officially changed hands.

Peter Anastos, of Yarmouth, Maine, purchased The Inn Of Hampton on Thursday, July 8. Maine Course Hospitality Group (MCHG), a Freeport-based company, will lease and operate the business from Mr. Anastos.

Owned and operated by Barbara Blinn and her daughter Jill Preston since it opened its doors in 1979, they have maintained "Simply the Best" as their motto, and it is evident that the new owners are committed to carrying on that level of excellence.

Though appearances from the road may be deceiving, this elegant hotel boasts 71 comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant space, an AVIS car rental agency, and conference facility that holds up to 400 people.

The hotel is conveniently located minutes from Hampton Beach and midway between Portsmouth, Exeter, and Seabrook, and has always played a very active role in the community.

Galley Hatch Catering leases the conference facility and provides their delicious foods for all of the functions. They will thankfully continue to grow their business alongside MCHG. The restaurant space is unoccupied at the moment, but MCHG is currently entertaining offers from high quality restaurants who are eager to be a part of the community.

The Inn of Hampton has been a very popular hotel for business travelers and tourists for more than two decades. Paul Hartgen, president of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association relays his excitement, commenting, "We are excited to have another MCHG property in New Hampshire. I have personally seen their commitment to their communities and to our industry."

The new owners have already conveyed their enthusiasm about their newest acquisition.

"We are excited to add this gem of a property to our company," says Jack Crawford, President of MCHG.

"We are so lucky. We have the best staff in town!" says Sean Riley, director of operations at MCHG, whose place of employment was also acquired by MCHG in 1992. Since he has been on both sides and has experienced the growth potential first hand, he has assured the present staff that the only changes that will be made will be positive ones.

Becoming corporately-owned affords the staff more benefits as well as larger growth potential. General Manager Natalie Theodore commented on what a lovely job Barbara and Jill have done all these years, but is excited for the opportunities that MCHG will be able to provide her and the staff. MCHG is committed to honoring each and every employee's time of service and to growing together as a team.

The Inn of Hampton exudes elegance with the gorgeous chandeliers that glisten and stately high winged back chairs that adorn the lobby. However, with the large amounts of amenities they offer, they are as practical as they are stylish.

This 60,000 sq. ft., non-smoking facility offers a heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi as well as a beautiful fitness area that is available to their guests throughout their stay. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave or stove, high-speed Internet, ironing boards and hair dryers. Complementary NESN and HBO as well as water, newspapers, free local and 800 calls and a Lindt chocolate bar upon arrival are details that show they care about their customers. The Avis car rental facility is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for their guests' convenience. More than 215 spots are available in their parking area — and who could argue with a mere three-mile drive to the ocean?

The Maine Course Hospitality Group also operates the Freeport Comfort Suites, Best Western Freeport Inn & Cafe, Augusta Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, Muddy Rudder Restaurants in Yarmouth and Brewer, Maine and three Ground Round Restaurants in Auburn and Bangor, Maine and Nashua, New Hampshire. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott will open in Brunswick, Maine in September.

The Inn of Hampton is located at 815 Lafayette Road (Route 1) in Hampton and can be reached for all your elegant hotel needs at (603) 926-6771.