New owner pays $2.2 million to take over Bayswater Hotel

THE new owner of the Bayswater Hotel in Urangan is bubbly, humorous and hates being called Mrs Herrod.

Shirley Herrod paid $2.2 million for the popular beachfront hotel after in went into receivership in November last year when the Clayton's pub empire collapsed.

The 55-year-old has a family history of managing venues.

Her parents Fred and Glad Pidgeon owned the Hervey Bay Hotel 45 years ago.

"I have been a local - I've lived all over the world, and travelled to about 55 different countries. But this is the best spot in the world," Shirley said.

The Bayswater is the first hotel she's owned and managed, and she has big plans for it.

"We just want it to be more 8 family-orientated and more 'boutique-ish'," she said.

"It's one of the nicest places in the world - and I've travelled."

Shirley lives at Peppers Resort and said she fell in love with the hotel.

"I've been eating here for the past five years," she said.

"I love walking down the steps and seeing the beach."

Shirley plans to install a playpen for kids to increase the appeal of the hotel to families.

Bayswater marketing manager Tanya Young said the hotel hadn't unlocked its full potential.

"We have a perfect spot here," she said.

"Business has been good, but we want it to grow and grow."

The hotel has started hosting art exhibitions and in November, will host a Melbourne Cup day for charity.