The hotel market is going from strength to strength despite last year's uncertainty, according to experts.
Licensed property agent Christie & Co says there has been an increase in the amount of hotels it has dealt with since the new year.
"The market for hotel properties remains steady in terms of supply and demand," said Christie & Co director Simon Hughes. "Owners who are selling their businesses are finding there is a strong demand for quality businesses which can demonstrate a robust trading performance."
Although the major hotel groups were hit badly by the September 11 terrorist attacks, independent hotels have been largely unaffected. "This independent sector is being driven by a buoyant residential property market, low interest rates and a ready supply of first-time buyers," said Mr Hughes.
The end of foot-and-mouth disease has also been good for hotels, particularly those in rural areas.
Several well-established hotels all over the country have been put up for sale in recent weeks - many in areas where it is notoriously difficult to find quality properties on the market.
The Old Well Inn (pictured) in Barnard Castle, Durham, is a good example.
It is an attractive 17th century building which has been expanded from a pub to a small hotel - and there is plenty of opportunity to develop it further. The hotel itself has been recommended in national newspapers and has appeared on the BBC's Holiday and Food and Drink programmes.
It has a character bar, restaurant and conservatory as well as 10 letting rooms.
Several hotels have also been sold recently. Agent Robert Barry & Co has recently sold the 13-bedroom Castle View Hotel in Chepstow and Ring O' Roses, Holcombe, near Bath, which has eight letting rooms.
"There was a great deal of interest in the Ring O' Roses," said Simon Wells from Robert Barry. "There is always strong demand for this type of business."
"We believe hotel values will continue to increase steadily during 2002," said Mr Hughes.
"There is also likely to be a further shake-out of corporate-owned hotels, providing considerable opportunities for buyers."