Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 9

2 min

Windermere Hotel to undergo multi-million-pound restoration

📰 Windermere Hotel in the Lake District, built in 1847, is set for a multi-million-pound renovation by new owners, BH Group. Closed after autumn half-term 2025 for refurbishment by Marshall’s Building Contractors, the hotel plans to reopen in summer 2026. The upgrade will include new reception, bar, lounge, restaurant, and 75 refitted rooms, plus a new spa. This project will create up to 130 jobs and preserve the Lakeland slate exterior. BH Group previously refurbished the Swan Hotel for £7.5m.

2 min

Hotel Indigo opens new site in Torquay

🏨 Hotel Indigo opened a 153-room hotel in Torquay, managed by IHG and owned by Singapore-based Fragrance Group. Located near Torquay Museum and Torre Abbey Sands, it reflects local maritime heritage. Amenities include a ground-floor restaurant, Root and Reef Bistro, a wellness suite, and a fitness center. A rooftop bar, The Cast, will open in spring 2026. This opening supports Torquay's regeneration efforts. Koh Wee Meng, Fragrance Group CEO, and James Farley, the hotel's GM, expressed excitement about the project.

2 min

The Grand, York joins Accessible Hospitality Alliance

🏨 The Grand, York, joined the Accessible Hospitality Alliance in 2025, enhancing accessibility. Operating since 2010 in a Grade II listed building, it is York’s sole five-star property. Under GM Adam Dyke, it offers neurodiversity, deaf awareness training, and mental health support. Employing 265 staff from 27 nationalities, it boasts a 13.28% turnover rate, with 73% staying over a year. As York's exclusive Disability Confident Leader since 2022, it plans an accessible spa in 2026.

2 min

Hand Picked Hotels receives two AA wine list awards

🍷 Hand Picked Hotels received AA Notable Wine List Awards for Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa in Cheshire and Rhinefield House Hotel in New Forest in 2025. They operate 21 properties across the UK and Channel Islands. Rookery Hall’s restaurant holds three AA Rosettes. Over the past year, 180 new wines were added, emphasizing sustainable producers. An internal wine school was launched for staff training. The collection includes selections from Villa Saletta, owned by Julia and Guy Hands.

1 min

Aethos appoints new group director of people and culture

📖 Aethos appoints Katherine Godsmark as group director of people and culture with over 15 years of experience in hospitality and operations. She previously led global people strategy at the Gap Partnership. Her role comes as Aethos expands internationally, including a new site in Shoreditch, London. CEO Lily Wecker supports Godsmark’s strategic vision, emphasizing global growth and team development. The company is strengthening its leadership for further expansion.

UKH warns proposed holiday tax could raise domestic travel costs

🏨 UKHospitality warns a proposed 5% holiday tax in England could cost domestic travelers up to £518m, affecting over 89 million annual trips. This would raise the VAT on holiday accommodations to 27%, doubling rates compared to Paris and significantly more than Barcelona or Rome. The potential tax, aimed to address cost of living issues, is opposed by UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls, who argues it will increase consumer costs and inflation. The government has paused for consultation.

St Michaels Resort secures £8m funding for sustainability investment

💰 St Michaels Resort in Falmouth secures an £8m loan from Triodos Bank UK to invest in sustainability and infrastructure. The resort, overlooking Gyllyngvase Beach, holds a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Plans include energy-efficient upgrades, e-bike hire, and ecological initiatives. Triodos Bank, supporting sustainable tourism for over 20 years, backs only certified businesses. Owner Nigel Carpenter and manager Tony Kear highlight the resort’s role in promoting sustainable tourism in Cornwall.

2 min

Adina to open new aparthotel in Glasgow’s Wellington House

🏨 On 8 December 2025, The Wellington Glasgow by Adina will open in a converted 19th-century building on Wellington Street, marking TFE Hotels' second UK launch within a month. This follows the November debut of The Hobson Cambridge by Adina. The Glasgow aparthotel features 98 apartments, a gym, and conference facilities. Each apartment includes kitchenettes and dining spaces. Ray Goertz and Moritz Klein highlight Glasgow's appeal for Adina's casual-living concept, blending heritage with modern amenities.

1 min

The NICI appoints John Willcock as general manager

🏨 John Willcock, a third-generation hotelier, was appointed as the new general manager of The NICI in Bournemouth. Having held senior roles at Hotel du Vin, Accor, Harbour Hotels, and Macdonald Hotels, Willcock brings extensive experience as he returns to the Dorset coast and the Nicolas James Group. The NICI, launched in 2022, aims to expand its brand with Willcock's leadership. Managing Director Lukasz Dwornik praised Willcock's regional expertise.

2 min

PPHE launches strategic review and begins formal sale process

💰 PPHE Hotel Group initiated a strategic review considering new capital or selling part/all of the company. Major shareholders Eli Papouchado and Boris Ivesha, holding 44% voting rights, support the review. PPHE's £2.2 billion portfolio spans Europe, including upscale hotels and campsites. Rothschild advises, and a formal UK Takeover Code sale process has begun. No active bidder discussions or approaches yet. The board may alter or terminate the process.

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