Hotel for backpackers in Blenheim

The new owners of what was once billed as Marlborough's premier hotel have turned it into a backpackers.

Developer Kelvin Fowler and publican/businessman Warren Croft bought the Marlborough Hotel in Blenheim two months ago for an undisclosed sum.

They have spent the past month fitting out the premises, and the Marlborough Hotel and Backpackers opened for business yesterday.

The facility can house up to 111 people and has been pitched to wine companies and vineyard contractors with the idea of leasing rooms for their workers.

Its 28 rooms have been remodelled into self-contained bunk rooms, each sleeping up to four people, with ensuite bathrooms.