Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 6

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.

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.

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