Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 4

2 min

Miiro Templeton Garden appoints new GM

🏨 Dean Culpan was appointed as general manager of Miiro Templeton Garden in January 2026. With over 20 years of experience, Culpan previously managed South Place Hotel with its 80 bedrooms, multiple bars, and Michelin-starred restaurant. Templeton Garden, located in London, officially opened on April 16, 2025. Culpan's past roles include positions at Birch in Hertfordshire, The Mandrake in Fitzrovia, and The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, among others. He is also a non-executive director at The Operations People since 2019.

2 min

Black Sheep Hotels opens Ambassador Hotel in Inverness after £6m refurb

🏨 Black Sheep Hotels opened the Ambassador Hotel in Inverness on 17 January 2026 after a £6 million refurbishment of the former Strathness House Hotel. Located on Ardross Terrace, the hotel, built in 1874, now features 14 boutique rooms. The hotel includes the Talk of the Town restaurant, led by chef Sinclair Pinto, offering a Scottish-Indian menu using local produce. The renovation preserved original features and introduced contemporary design. The hotel is near Inverness Castle and other landmarks.

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 appointed Wei Manfredi as senior VP of AI and architecture to drive AI strategy and tech partnerships. She has global experience with McDonald's, Google Cloud, Lululemon, and Visa. Manfredi's role will optimize IHG's 6,700 hotels and 2,000 sites with new management systems. The group also uses AI for translation and automation across 20 brands, enhancing the IHG One Rewards app. Her appointment aims to boost efficiency for owners, guests, and staff.

2 min

LQ Resorts acquires Parkway Hotel and Spa

🏨 LQ Resorts has acquired Parkway Hotel and Spa in Cwmbran with a seven-figure loan from Development Bank of Wales. The 80-room hotel spans over seven acres and funding came from the Wales Tourism Investment Fund, which provides loans of £100,000 to £5m. LQ Resorts plans immediate upgrades, including gym equipment and bar refurbishments. Colin Jenno emphasized the hotel's family-run heritage, while Clare Sullivan praised LQ Resorts' high-end service reputation.

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.

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