Premier Inn is voted the best UK hotel chain and a brand owned by one of Britain's richest men is ranked the worst

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A hotel chain that's owned by one of the richest men in the UK has been voted the worst in the country in a new consumer survey.

Britannia, which has properties across the country, scored the lowest against 24 competitors.

However, for the second year running, Premier Inn has been rated Britain's best hotel chain.

Britannia, which has properties across the country, scored the lowest against 24 competitors. Pictured is the hotel in Wigan where asylum seekers were being housed

Which? surveyed thousands of its members and the public about their experiences of staying at UK chain hotels this year, including well-known brands such as  Ibis, Marriott, Travelodge and Holiday Inn.

They included 24 large chains (those with 31 properties or more) and nine small chains (those with between five and 30 properties).

Members were asked for their feedback on anything from from the comfort of the beds and the quality of the toiletries to its cleanliness and value for money. 

The results of the latest Which survey revealed that Britannia scored just 44 per cent

BRITANNIA HOTELS 

Alex Langsam (pictured) founded the Britannia Hotels group

Britannia is owned by one of the richest men in Britain - Alex Langsam.

The 77-year-old entrepreneur entered the Sunday Times Rich List this year with an estimated wealth of £220million.

In February, it emerged that Britannia's profits had soared to £14million for the year 2014 to 2015 - an increase of some 400 percent compared to the previous period. 

The hotel group had secured a contract to house asylum seekers at 17 Britannia hotels during the same period according to an investigation by the Sun on Sunday's Matt Wilkinson.

The results revealed that Britannia scored just 44 per cent - making the group the worst rated for the fourth year running according to Which.

Those who responded to the survey called Britannia's properties 'ancient', 'very basic' and 'in need of updating' - despite the fact that the average prices have gone up from £68 to £80, making it more expensive than some of the best rated chains.

Britannia was followed by Ramada (excluding Ramada Encore), which scored 55 per cent and Copthorne, which scored 60 per cent.

On the opposite end of the scale, Premier Inn was voted the best hotel chain in the UK.

Its 740 properties across the country scored an overall average of 83 per cent in the Which? survey.

In the feedback given, the chain was said to have provided 'first class experience' at 'very competitive prices'.

Simon Jones, managing director of Premier Inn, said: 'We are delighted that Which? has awarded Premier Inn the accolade of the UK's top-rated hotel chain for a second year. 

'This recognition means an enormous amount to us. 

'Every day I see our team members putting their energy and talent into making Premier Inn the best it can be and I'm so pleased that their contribution has been acknowledged at such a high level once again.

'Premier Inn is a growing company within an expanding industry. 

Premier Inn was voted the best UK large hotel chain by Which? members and scored 83 per cent despite being cheaper than some of its competitors. File image

'Maintaining very high standards in this context is something we have worked hard to achieve, through world-class training and listening closely to the needs of our guests whose expectations are always increasing.' 

Hampton by Hilton and Novotel came second and third with scores of 76 per cent and 75 per cent respectively. 

Richard Headland, editor of Which?, said: 'Our survey found that you can get a good night's sleep at a top scoring chain for a reasonable cost and shows that when it comes to UK hotels, you don't necessarily get higher standards for higher prices.' 

MailOnline Travel has contacted Britannia Hotels for comment.