🏠 In October 2023, the historic Moray estate completed upgrades to its guest rooms and expanded its kitchen garden. Located in Scotland, this estate aims to enhance visitor experiences through improved accommodations and fresh produce offerings. These enhancements were driven by increased guest demand and were implemented to boost the estate's appeal and sustainability.
🚨 Hospitality operators are being guided by a new framework to help navigate tiered security requirements. Developed without specific dates or locations mentioned, this framework addresses the "who" by focusing on operators in the hospitality industry, the "what" by offering structured guidance, and the "how" by providing a systematic approach to enhance security measures. By embracing these guidelines, hospitality businesses can better prepare for varying levels of security demands, ultimately aiming to improve safety and compliance standards across the industry.
🏨 A former office block in Belfast will be transformed into a 105-bed Point A hotel, following the grant of planning permission. The development is set to boost local tourism and create jobs. Completion is expected by 2025, with construction starting in 2024. This project is part of a broader plan to revitalize urban spaces, catering to increased visitor numbers.
📊 Elgin and Sheraton sites, upgraded recently, are part of a family business expansion. The upgrades enhance operational capacity, driven by a growth phase. The expansion, aimed to improve efficiency and customer service, occurred after observing increased demand. This development marks a significant milestone for the business, bolstering its presence and capabilities. The decision to upgrade reflects the company’s commitment to adapting to market needs and strengthening its regional foothold.
🏨 Pan Pacific London, located in the City of London, now a member of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, offers over 10% of its 237 guest rooms as wheelchair accessible, including 12 fully equipped rooms. By June 9, 2026, ahead of the AHA Forum, the hotel will showcase its accessibility features, such as an infinity pool hoist and 11 accessible toilets. Opened in September 2021, it has received the Forbes Five-Star Award for three consecutive years.
🍴 Matthew Tomkinson and Jorge Gertrudes have joined The Jetty restaurant in Ocean Village. Matthew Tomkinson, a Michelin-starred chef, has taken over as the head chef, while Jorge Gertrudes has been appointed as the restaurant manager. Their combined expertise is expected to elevate the dining experience. The Jetty at Ocean Village is known for its commitment to high culinary standards, and these appointments are part of their strategy to enhance their offering.
🏨 HF Holidays has acquired the 40-bed Lee Wood Hotel in Buxton, planning to open it as its new base in the Peak District by early 2027. The hotel, family-owned for 70 years, will undergo refurbishment later this year. HF Holidays will not renew the lease on Peveril of the Peak, which expires in spring 2027, remaining open through 2026. Bookings for Lee Wood open this summer, with priority for members. Staff transfer opportunities are being planned.
🏨 Frits Potgieter was appointed as CEO of The Chesway Collection in 2022, after serving as general manager of The Montenotte in Cork. The collection seeks to align its properties, including The Montenotte, The Woodland Suite Experience, and The Wilder Townhouse in Dublin, under a shared vision. Potgieter, with over 20 years of luxury sector experience, leads the launch of The Montenotte's Signature Collection this April, adding 36 rooms to the estate.
🏨 Classic British Hotels expands by adding Whittlebury Park, a 700-acre estate in Northamptonshire, to its portfolio. This property includes a 36-hole golf complex, 254 rooms, a five-bubble spa, and the Murrays restaurant with three AA Rosettes. Situated near Silverstone, it offers facilities for corporate retreats. The partnership enhances distribution and marketing while maintaining Whittlebury's independence, as highlighted by directors Phillip Allsopp and Marc Webster.