Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 18

1 min

Mandarin Oriental appoints new chief information officer

💻 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Raphael Bick as chief information officer, effective immediately. Bick, with 20+ years in technology and digital transformation, will lead the group's tech, digital, and AI strategies. Reporting to CEO Laurent Kleitman, he brings experience from McKinsey Technology and McKinsey Digital Labs. Originally from Germany, Bick has global experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US and will be based in Hong Kong.

2 min

Paddy McKillen awarded £700m in dispute with Qataris over London hotels

💸 Irish property investor Paddy McKillen awarded over £700m in a dispute with Qatari owners of London's luxury hotels Claridge’s, the Berkeley, and the Connaught. The 2015 consultancy agreement entitled McKillen to 36% of hotel value increase, estimated at £6bn. The London Court of International Arbitration's ruling suggests hotel values were between £4bn and £4.25bn. Partnership ended in 2022, with investors disputing asset coverage. Both parties can challenge, but successful appeals are rare.

1 min

Mandarin Oriental appoints new group director of spa, leisure and wellness

📷 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group appoints Emlyn Brown as the group director of spa, leisure, and wellness in August 2025, following Jeremy McCarthy's 11-year tenure. Brown, previously with Accor as global senior vice president for wellbeing, aims to enhance guest experience and operational performance. His career includes senior roles at Resense Spa, GOCO Hospitality, Six Senses, and Jumeirah Group. Brown emphasizes wellness as central to hospitality, building on Mandarin Oriental’s wellness heritage.

1 min

Holiday Inn Express and Ibis Styles join Burton Albion as joint bronze partners

🏨 Holiday Inn Express and Ibis Styles Burton Upon Trent joined Burton Albion FC as bronze partners. Holiday Inn Express has operated since 1997, and Ibis Styles marks its first anniversary. Both hotels are managed by HCM Midlands under IHG and Accor franchises. Alan Northern, the general manager, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. HCM Midlands also runs hotels in Swindon, Cardiff, and Wimbledon. Ibis Styles caters to long-stay guests with in-room kitchens.

2 min

August bank holiday trips expected to boost UK economy by £4.1bn

🗺 More than 11 million people in the UK plan overnight trips this August bank holiday, generating approximately £4.1 billion in domestic tourism spending, according to VisitEngland. This figure surpasses last year's 11 million and 2023's 9.7 million trips. Despite a 5% decrease in domestic trips in 2025, the holiday presents a boost. About 7.3 million people remain undecided, citing affordability, weather, and waiting for deals. The tourism sector anticipates economic growth from the holiday.

1 min

1912 Hotels St Pauls Ltd makes first UK acquisition

🏨 1912 Hotels St Pauls Ltd, a UK subsidiary of Hamburg-based 1912 Hotels GmbH, completed its first UK acquisition of the Mercure Sheffield St Paul’s Hotel and Spa. This four-star, 169-room hotel features a spa, restaurant, champagne bar, and conference facilities for up to 550 guests. Located in Sheffield city centre, this marks the start of 1912 Hotels' UK expansion. Legal firm DWF, led by Alan Barnett, advised on the transaction.

1 min

Wolseley Hospitality Group joins Global Hotel Alliance loyalty scheme

💰 Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) partners with The Wolseley Hospitality Group, allowing GHA Discovery programme members to earn and redeem rewards at nine London restaurants. The Wolseley's portfolio includes The Wolseley on Piccadilly, The Wolseley City, and others. GHA Discovery covers over 850 hotels in 100 countries and uses Discovery Dollars (D$), equivalent to USD 1 or 74p. This collaboration expands the program's value, enhancing dining experiences by integrating iconic destinations.

2 min

Rural destinations lift UK hotel revenues as cities lag, CoStar finds

🏨 Hotels in rural and coastal areas, such as Lincolnshire and Cumbria, saw a 6% rise in RevPAR in early 2025. East and North Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire reported double-digit growth in group bookings. Urban centers like London and Manchester lagged, with Edinburgh's RevPAR dropping 2%. Cardiff's RevPAR surged 44% due to Oasis concerts, while Northern Ireland's rose 23% from The Open Championship. VisitBritain reports 25% of UK consumers plan fewer trips, possibly affecting future demand.

1 min

Douglas Arms Hotel in Castle Douglas brought to market for £225k

🏨 Douglas Arms Hotel in Castle Douglas is on the market with a freehold asking price of £225,000. Built in the 18th Century, this former coaching inn features 23 bedrooms, a public bar, restaurant, and three function rooms. A three-bedroom apartment is included. Near attractions like Loch Ken and Galloway Activity Centre, it offers potential for development. Tony Spence of Christie and Co underscores opportunities for new operators, highlighting its strategic location in Dumfries and Galloway.

2 min

Hangover Weekends acquires Park Farm Hotel in Gateshead

🏠 Hangover Weekends acquired Park Farm Hotel near Gateshead for an undisclosed sum. The property, a Grade II-listed Georgian house with four bedrooms and 12 additional letting rooms, spans four acres. Closed in 2024, it will be redeveloped into two large short-term rentals, each accommodating over 18 guests. Located five miles from Newcastle, the site will feature hot tubs and fire pits. Rebranded as Tyne View Estate – Farmhouse and Stables, the sale was managed by Christie and Co.

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