The final guests to spend a night at Dundee’s Hilton Hotel checked out yesterday.
The building will be demolished as part of a £1 billion waterfront redevelopment.
There were emotional scenes as staff said goodbye to regular customers. Many who stayed at the Hilton on Wednesday night were familiar faces during its 15-year history.
Carol MacDonald, 50, of Glasgow, has been visiting the hotel with her husband since it opened.
She said: “We’re sad about it shutting. We’ve become very fond of this hotel. We always looked forward to coming up. It must be quite emotional for the staff too. They’re a great bunch. We got to know them very well.”
George and Margaret Craig, of Aberdeen, are Hilton Honours members.
Margaret, 83, said: “We stay here every two or three months. We’ve been coming for years and we’re very, very sad about it closing.”
George said: “The staff are great. They always treat us well.”
Margaret added: “We’ll still come to Dundee and probably stay at the Hilton DoubleTree when it opens. But it won’t be the same. We’ll have to get bussed into the town and we won’t have the wonderful view.”
Customers at the adjoining health club also spoke of their sadness at the closure.
Jim Martin, 80, of Downfield, said: “I’m going to miss coming here for a swim and a cuppa in the hotel afterwards. The staff are very good.”
Jim’s friend George Ness, 76, of Lochee, added: “It’s quite an emotional day.”
Fixtures and fittings were removed as staff chatted cheerfully with guests before they checked out.
More than half of the hotel’s 85 employees have found jobs but some are still searching for work.
One worker, who asked not to be identified, said: “Some people are going to work at other hotels, some have found jobs in other sectors, but I’m going to be unemployed. It’s a difficult day.”
A spokeswoman for Hilton said: “There are 85 staff at the hotel, two thirds of whom have gone on to secure jobs and training, and we are actively helping our other team members find employment.”
The hotel’s manager declined to comment when approached by The Courier but area general manager Stewart Lorimer paid tribute to his team.
“I would like to thank each and every team member at Hilton Dundee, as well as everyone who has worked at the hotel over the years. Even now when I meet people who have previously worked here there is a genuine affection for the hotel,” he said.
“A great hotel is determined by the hotel team and their genuine desire to deliver outstanding hospitality, and by that measure I am delighted with the commitment shown by an incredible group of people at Hilton Dundee.”
It is estimated that Hilton has hosted 500 weddings and served more than 1.5 million breakfasts and three million coffees since it took over the hotel from Stakis 15 years ago.
Mr Lorimer said: “On behalf of Hilton Worldwide I would like to take this opportunity to state my thanks and appreciation to the people who have supported the hotel over the years.
“Hilton Dundee has played a pivotal role in many people’s lives and careers and I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff, guests and the local community for their support.
“With the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Dundee later this year, we look forward to continuing to play our part in the future of the city.”