HOTEL company Marriott has announced plans to refurbish two of the region's top hotels as part of a multi-million pound rebranding strategy.

More than £1.2m will be spent on improving the Swallow Hotel at Seaburn in Sunderland, while £1m will be invested in converting Durham's Royal County Hotel.

The refurbishment work is being undertaken in advance of both becoming Marriott Hotels in March.

The move follows the recent £1m rebranding of the Gosforth Park Hotel, which is now called the Newcastle Marriott Hotel - Gosforth Park.

The decision to refurbish the Royal County and Sunderland hotels, follows the £600m acquisition of the Swallow Hotel chain by Whitbread plc.

The investment programme is set to provide customers with a range of improved facilities and services.

Harry Turner, operations director for Marriott Hotels, said: "Marriott has a global reputation for excellence and a core philosophy of investing in people.

"The launch of the Marriott North-East cluster next march will be a major boost for the region's hotel market, and will bring all the values and qualities associated with the brand name to our customers."

He added: "Whichever hotel guests choose to stay at they will benefit from a consistently high quality standard service and care, which can only add to their overall experience and enjoyment."

The refurbishment process will lead to Marriott becoming the leading hotel brand in the North-East, with turnover of £21m and a staff of 700.