Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 3

2 min

Iconic Luxury Hotels and L&R Hotels merge

🏨 Iconic Luxury Hotels and L&R Hotels have merged to form Iconic Hotels and Resorts. The merger, crucial for L+R's transformation, integrates its real estate portfolio valued at over £10 billion. Shan Kanagasingham, with 30 years in hospitality, is appointed COO. The company opened a 7,000 sq ft headquarters in London, employing 100 specialists. Atlas Hotels, Europe's largest Holiday Inn Express franchisee, remains separate in Leicester. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and enhance global presence.

2 min

Castlebridge Hospitality appoints Craig Patterson as managing director

📑 Craig Patterson is appointed as the managing director of Castlebridge Hospitality, headquartered in Leamington Spa, to lead strategic development and operations. Previously, Patterson was the Chief Development Officer at Cycas Hospitality. Castlebridge manages several branded properties, including four Hotel Indigo sites in Coventry, Bath, Chester, and Stratford-upon-Avon. The senior team at Castlebridge has over 100 years of combined industry experience. The company is owned by Somerston Group.

2 min

Accor appoints new chief franchise officer for key divisions

📈 Accor appointed Leire Leoz as chief franchise officer for its Premium, Midscale, and Economy division, effective February 2, 2026. 🎉 She will report to deputy CEO Jean-Jacques Morin and join the executive committee to boost franchise operations. Leoz, with over 20 years in franchise management, previously worked at Marriott. Accor operates over 5,700 hotels globally and plans to expand through franchising, with a development pipeline exceeding 250,000 rooms.

1 min

Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham sold to private investor

🏨 Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham, featuring 106 bedrooms, was sold to a private investor for an undisclosed amount. Located in Birmingham city center near key attractions, the hotel includes a lounge bar, gym, and car park and has been fully renovated. The sale, handled by Christie and Co, highlights the strength of the West Midlands hospitality market, with sustained demand for branded hotels in the region, as noted in Q1 2026.

Apex Hotels and QMU relaunch scholarship partnership

📚 Apex Hotels and Queen Margaret University rekindled their partnership in January 2026 to launch a scholarship program for hospitality students. Apex will invest £60,000 over four years, aiding up to 20 students with £3,000 each. The first cohort includes five students, chosen in January at Edinburgh's Apex Waterloo Place Hotel. The initiative provides financial aid, industry insights, networking, and job opportunities, reinforcing Scotland's hospitality talent pipeline.

1 min

Llandudno’s Roomours Hotel sold to local couple

🏨 Roomours Hotel in Llandudno was sold to Andy and Clare Jones, marking their debut in hospitality. The hotel offers 10 en suite rooms, a dining room, a lounge, and a private car park. The sale was managed by Chad Jackson, with marketing by Christie and Co. Llandudno’s tourism demand surged by 86% year-on-year. Andy, a craftsman, and Clare, from education, aim to enhance the hotel's sustainability and governance.

1 min

Two Delta Hotels by Marriott in North of England brought to market

🏨 Delta Hotels by Marriott in Newcastle and Preston are for sale. The Newcastle hotel, refurbished in 2023, has 150 rooms near Metrocentre. The Preston hotel, a Victorian manor with 149 rooms, is also refurbished from 2023. Both operate under franchise agreements since mid-2025. Sales are managed by Christie and Co on an "offers invited" basis. David Lee from Christie and Co highlights the unique investment opportunity.

2 min

Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa confirms £2.5m wellness relaunch

🏨 Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire, confirms a £2.5m investment, aiming to complete its nature-led spa redevelopment by May 2026, opening in June. The 30-acre estate will feature a 14m outdoor pool, an 8m hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor sauna, and a cold plunge bath. Spa director Angela Bonner leads the project, incorporating river gardens and woodland into guest experiences. Part of Kaleidoscope Hotels, the spa will focus on holistic wellbeing and forest bathing.

1 min

Two-Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal appoints new GM

🍴 Sean Cooper joins Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal as general manager in January 2026. He carries over a decade of experience, including roles at The Fat Duck and The Clove Club. Cooper will oversee operations and guest experience at the Two-Michelin-starred, 34-seat restaurant, ensuring service excellence in contemporary French cuisine. His previous accomplishments include the 2019 opening of Siren at The Goring with Nathan Outlaw and managing Muse by Tom Aikens.

1 min

The Lensbury announces £10m refurbishment programme

🏨 The Lensbury, a Teddington-based resort, will undergo a £10 million refurbishment starting February 2026. The project involves upgrading its 155-room facilities, including the Club House restaurant, reception, and guestrooms, aiming for completion by late summer 2026. The 25-acre property will remain operational, with meals served in the Dunbar lounge during restaurant closure. Managed by L+R Hotels, The Lensbury was established in 1920 and operates as a four-star resort.

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