Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

2 min

UK hotel deal activity slows as domestic investors take lead

📈 UK hotel transactions dropped to £4.3bn in 2025 from £6.6bn in 2024, with 80% as single-asset deals. Domestic buyers filled the gap left by cautious overseas investors. London saw a 0.4% decline in RevPAR, but regional areas rose by 1.2%. GOPPAR decreased by 0.6% despite a 6.7% rise in minimum wage. Christie and Co managed over 100 deals in 2025, foreseeing portfolio activity growth in 2026.

1 min

McKeever Hotels appoints new group operations director

🏨 McKeever Hotels appointed Norman McBride as group operations director in 2026 to drive growth and sustainability across seven hotels. McBride, with over 40 years in hospitality and 18 years at Hastings Hotel Group, joined McKeever in 2024, aiding their expansion. His appointment aligns with the group's five-year strategy. McBride aims for operational excellence, collaborating to benefit customers and staff. Eugene McKeever emphasized McBride's experience and understanding of hotel operations.

2 min

IHG appoints Wei Manfredi to lead AI strategy

IHG Hotels and Resorts has appointed Wei Manfredi as senior vice-president of artificial intelligence and architecture. She joins IHG with experience across a range of global businesses, including McDonald’s, Google…

2 min

LQ Resorts acquires Parkway Hotel and Spa

LQ Resorts has acquired the Parkway Hotel and Spa in Cwmbran, expanding its UK portfolio with the support of a seven-figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales. The 80-room…

2 min

Sloane Club unveils major refurb of its Chelsea site

🛠 The Sloane Club in Chelsea completed a refurbishment in December 2025, which began in January 2024. The project, led by architects Peter Newman-Earp and Les Witten from Morrison Design, focused on improving accessibility, circulation, and year-round use. The terrace was adapted for all-weather use and expanded for food services. The club features 64 guest bedrooms, five bar and restaurant areas, and three private dining rooms in a 19th-century building, remaining operational throughout the renovation.

3 min

Whitbread Q3 sales surge as Premier Inn UK and Germany outperform

🏨 Whitbread's Q3 sales rose 2% to £781m, driven by Premier Inn UK and Germany. UK accommodation sales and RevPAR increased by 4% in the six weeks to 8 January 2026. Premier Inn Germany saw a 12% rise in local currency sales, 16% in sterling. Whitbread targets £75m to £80m in FY26 cost efficiencies. Nine hotels sold for £89m, with a £250m share buy-back by April 2026. UK cost inflation forecast for FY27 is 6.5% to 7.5%.

2 min

Two Seas Hotels acquires Celtic International Hotel near Cardiff Airport

🏨 Two Seas Hotels acquired the 50-bedroom Celtic International Hotel on Port Road in Barry, near Cardiff City Airport, for an undisclosed amount. The hotel, which serves leisure and business guests, features a full-service offering with a recently refurbished bar and restaurant. The acquisition, managed by Sam Roberts from Christie and Co, reflects the group's expansion in the Welsh hospitality market. Mr. Zaman, director at Two Seas Hotels, noted the hotel’s future potential.

2 min

Oaklands Hall Hotel joins Classic British Hotels collection

🏨 Oaklands Hall Hotel has joined Classic British Hotels, enhancing its collection. Located in Laceby, the hotel spans five acres and features 46 ensuite rooms. It targets business events with three meeting spaces for up to 200 delegates. The property includes The Comfy Duck Restaurant, offering seasonal menus. Phillip Allsopp praised its countryside charm and professional standards. General Manager Barry Flint highlighted the partnership's alignment with service excellence and welcoming a broader guest network.

2 min

Soho House buyout at risk after investor pulls $200m funding

📈 August 2025: Soho House's plan to go private with a $2.7 billion deal led by MCR Hotels encounters issues as MCR withdraws a $200 million funding commitment. This caused a 20% drop in Soho's share price in New York, trading at about $7.50. Investors planned to buy shares at $9, below the 2021 IPO price of $14. Soho House, aiming to maintain a 4,700-member venue average, seeks alternative funding with Apollo Global offering $800 million.

2 min

Newquay’s Great Western to undergo phased refurb

🏨 St Austell Brewery plans a phased refurbishment of the historic Great Western in Newquay, beginning 2026. The first phase targets the Trenarren Wing's 26 rooms, including 16 with sea views. Completion is expected by late summer. The 1879 hotel, designed by Silvanus Trevail, offers 66 rooms and has hosted notable guests, including the Prince of Wales in 1926. The refurbishment aims to modernize while preserving the hotel's character, marking the fifth major upgrade in their portfolio in two years.

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