Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 11

2 min

Ardencote Hotel to auction contents ahead of multi-million-pound refurb

💰 On 11 December 2025 at 10:30 am, the Ardencote Hotel in Warwickshire, a Victorian manor house from 1862, will auction off its contents to prepare for a multi-million-pound redevelopment. The hotel features 110 bedrooms, 3 restaurants, and a spa. Items include beds, kitchen appliances, and gym equipment. Pro Auction is managing the sale, following similar events at The Savoy and Luton Hoo. A public viewing is on 10 December.

2 min

McKeever Hotels unveils new five-year growth strategy

🏨 McKeever Hotels, a family-run business, unveiled its 'Beyond Now' strategy for growth and sustainability in Ireland and Scotland. By 2027, a £3m investment will help achieve four-star accreditation for The Lodge in Coleraine and Armagh City Hotel. The company plans a 10% occupancy increase, supported by a central reservations system. By 2030, McKeever aims for a £45m turnover and 600 employees, focusing on community engagement and sustainability. Their 40th anniversary is in 2026.

2 min

Down Hall executive chef wins Innovative Chef of the Year at MIA Awards

🍳 Robert Pearce, executive chef at Down Hall Hotel, won Innovative Chef of the Year at the 2025 MIA Awards on 6 November. His initiatives in innovation and sustainability included the Woodland Table and interactive workshops, leading to a 3% food cost reduction and eliminating 25 tonnes of waste. His efforts maintained a 94% staff retention rate. Down Hall also boasts awards like AA Hotel of the Year 2024/25 and four AA Red Stars.

2 min

Seaton House appoints Lee Murdoch as executive chef

🍳 Chef Lee Murdoch appointed executive chef at Seaton House, a five-star boutique hotel in St Andrews. Seaton House opened in March 2025 with 42 rooms overlooking the Old Course and West Sands Beach. Murdoch brings extensive experience across UK, Asia, and Middle East, recently opening The Coal Shed in Brighton. He will oversee food operations, focusing on seasonal Scottish produce. The hotel is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is now home to Ondine Oyster and Grill.

1 min

SmartRental Group launches Malacuna hostel brand in the UK

📍 SmartRental Group entered the UK market in November 2025 with its Malacuna hostel brand, opening locations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, adding over 600 beds to its portfolio. Manchester offers 132 beds, Liverpool 362, and Birmingham 126. Headquartered in Madrid, SmartRental operates 5,000 rooms across 59 European properties, reporting a 2024 revenue of €67m (£59m), a 91.5% increase. Expansion plans include new sites in Greece, Italy, France, Barcelona, and Madrid.

1 min

Zetter Group to open Bloomsbury site in early 2026

🏨 The Zetter Group will open The Zetter Bloomsbury, a 68-bedroom hotel, in early 2026 on Montague Street, London, opposite the British Museum. The hotel spans six Georgian buildings and features diverse accommodations, a restaurant, bar, gym, and terrace. Interior designs by James Thurstan Waterworth reflect local culture. Public areas include The Parlour bar and The Orangery dining room. The expansion follows successes in Marylebone and Clerkenwell, enhancing the group's London presence.

1 min

Rutland Hall Hotel appoints James Hiley-Jones as NED

📄 Rutland Hall Hotel and Spa appointed James Hiley-Jones as non-executive director. With over 30 years in hospitality and as managing director at Greenclose Hotels, Hiley-Jones enhances operations at the 70-acre Rutland Water resort. The hotel features rooms, lodges, Blossoms restaurant, a 22-meter indoor pool, gym, and spa. His Freedom of the City of London award highlights his sector contributions, supporting Rutland Hall's strategic expansion.

1 min

Morston Hall appoints Phil Kearsey as executive chef

🍳 Phil Kearsey has been appointed executive chef at Morston Hall in Norfolk, succeeding Galton Blackiston, who led since 1992. Kearsey, with 18 years of fine dining experience, has worked at The Waterside Inn, The French Laundry, and Pied à Terre. Morston Hall has held a Michelin star for over 25 years. The hotel, a 17th-century property, was acquired by Henry Elworthy in April 2025, planning a refurbishment in early 2026. Kearsey aims to highlight Norfolk produce.

UKHospitality welcomes Keep Britain Working review

📈 UKHospitality supports the Keep Britain Working review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, to address economic inactivity due to ill-health. Hospitality acts as a sector vanguard, coordinating workplace health reform. Chair Kate Nicholls emphasizes the need for measures in the forthcoming Budget to alleviate the tax burden on businesses, proposing lower business rates, national insurance changes, and a VAT cut to support job re-entry and high street businesses.

2 min

British travellers plan earlier and take more trips, Marriott Bonvoy finds

🗺 British travellers are booking holidays 4.9 months in advance, leading Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In 2026, 77% plan more trips than in 2025, with Gen Z and Millennials averaging six and five trips, respectively, against a national average of four. Notably, 62% of Gen Z and 57% of Millennials use AI for planning. Multi-country travel interest is at 41%, with destinations like Oslo and Rabat gaining popularity. 46% prefer luxury stays, with all-inclusive options at 26%.

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