Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 5

2 min

Soho House buyout at risk after investor pulls $200m funding

📈 August 2025: Soho House's plan to go private with a $2.7 billion deal led by MCR Hotels encounters issues as MCR withdraws a $200 million funding commitment. This caused a 20% drop in Soho's share price in New York, trading at about $7.50. Investors planned to buy shares at $9, below the 2021 IPO price of $14. Soho House, aiming to maintain a 4,700-member venue average, seeks alternative funding with Apollo Global offering $800 million.

2 min

Newquay’s Great Western to undergo phased refurb

🏨 St Austell Brewery plans a phased refurbishment of the historic Great Western in Newquay, beginning 2026. The first phase targets the Trenarren Wing's 26 rooms, including 16 with sea views. Completion is expected by late summer. The 1879 hotel, designed by Silvanus Trevail, offers 66 rooms and has hosted notable guests, including the Prince of Wales in 1926. The refurbishment aims to modernize while preserving the hotel's character, marking the fifth major upgrade in their portfolio in two years.

2 min

The Wesley Camden receives BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating

📍 The Wesley Camden in London earned a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its sustainable design and heritage preservation. They use electricity only, eliminating gas, and have installed water-saving devices. Rooms are preheated as needed to conserve energy. Thermal upgrades and bat boxes enhance biodiversity and energy efficiency. Fixtures were chosen per the Green Guide to Specification, preserving elements like parquet flooring and stained glass. The Wesley Camden focuses on sustainability, mirroring its sister hotel in Euston.

2 min

City of London approves retrofit hotel scheme at Clements Lane

🏨 JMK Group plans a new 180-bedroom luxury hotel at 27–28 Clements Lane, London, near Monument. Construction starts in Q2 2026, opening in Q1 2028. The project emphasizes conservation and aims for BREEAM Excellent and LEED Gold certifications. It's JMK's fourth London hotel and first in the luxury segment. Upcoming openings in 2026 include hotels in Belfast and Dublin, plus a boutique hotel in Kensington. The project highlights restoration and sustainability.

2 min

Evergreen Escapes Group appoints new chief executive

🏖 In January 2026, Geoff Cowley becomes CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group to lead its expansion. With over 30 years in the holiday sector, Cowley previously led Awaze UK, serving over three million customers annually. The group is renovating The Manor and Ashbury and plans to add several lodge parks to its portfolio in the coming weeks. Cowley’s leadership aims to build a high-performing holiday destination portfolio.

2 min

Bristol hoteliers ‘cautiously optimistic’ for 2026 despite cost pressures

🏨 Hoteliers in Bristol are "cautiously optimistic" for 2026, despite financial pressures and rising costs. Adam Flint from the Bristol Hoteliers Association noted a strong Q4 in 2025, but a slow start is expected due to economic factors like the April living wage increase. Major events, including the Bristol Light Festival, Six Nations in Cardiff, and Cheltenham Festival, are expected to boost demand. The industry remains hopeful, yet wary of challenges.

2 min

Bedford Universal theme park and resort granted planning permission

🏟 Plans for a Universal-branded theme park and resort in Bedford have received planning permission from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. It will be Europe's first Universal-branded theme park, potentially generating up to £50 billion for the UK economy. The project will create around 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles. Transport improvements include the expansion of Wixams railway station and new slip roads to the A421. Further steps involve a statutory parliamentary review.

2 min

Kensington Hideaway appoints new GM ahead of January reopening

📍 Kensington Hideaway, previously Seraphine Kensington, reopens at the end of January after a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Rohit Bisht, formerly of The Dixon, joins as general manager, overseeing the 59-room hotel’s operations. Part of the JMK Group, the redesigned hotel features a literary theme. Bisht focuses on creating guest experiences and team support. Kenny Russell from JMK Group welcomes him onboard. The soft launch marks the hotel's new chapter.

2 min

Apex Hotels reports 21% rise in annual revenue after acquisitions

🏨 Apex Hotels Ltd reported a 21% revenue increase for the year ending 30 April 2025, fueled by acquisitions and enhanced trading. Operating profit rose by 4% to £13.6m, despite weaker winter trading for recent acquisitions. They acquired The Vineyard Hotel in Berkshire and DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, rebranded as Apex Dunblane Hydro. Investments were made in Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry, and Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. Chairman Ian Springford highlighted pivotal portfolio reshaping and future growth plans.

2 min

UK hotel investment falls 15% to £5bn in 2025, Savills finds

💸 UK hotel investment in 2025 reached £5.0bn, a 15% annual decrease, yet still 8% above the 10-year average of £4.7bn, per Savills. In Q4 alone, investment exceeded £2.0bn, 40% more than Q4 2024. Portfolio transactions dropped to £750m from £3.1bn in 2024, while single asset deals rose to 85% of total investments. London led with £3.0bn, a 25% rise from 2024. Regional investments fell to £2.0bn from £3.3bn.

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