Heather Sandlin - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

2 min

Marriott Bonvoy named ICC accommodation partner in four-year deal

🏏 Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have formed a strategic partnership until 2029, making Marriott the Official Accommodation Partner for ICC men's global events. Key events include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Marriott will host teams, officials, and fans in over 450 properties and offer ICC travel packages, enhancing fan experiences in nations like India and Australia.

2 min

A&O Hostels acquires Manchester sites as part of expansion

🏨 A&O Hostels has acquired two hotels in Manchester's city center for an undisclosed amount. The properties, totaling 13,000 sq m, were formerly operated as ibis and Novotel hotels. A&O plans an £8.2m refurbishment to create a 1,218-bed hostel with 303 rooms by early 2027. The expansion is part of a €500m (£434m) investment in major European cities, adding around 8,500 beds in the past two years. Manchester attracts 1.9 million visitors annually.

2 min

Mollie’s submits plans for first Scotland hotel at Edinburgh Park

🏨 Mollie's plans to open its first Scottish hotel at Edinburgh Park, covering 0.63 hectares. The proposal includes 207 rooms, a diner, and a bar. The project could create 455 construction jobs and £38.6m GVA annually. After opening, 69 jobs and £3.3m GVA are expected yearly, with 120,888 visitor nights. The site is chosen for its transport links and proximity to Edinburgh Airport. The development follows sustainability standards, aiming for B Corp certification.

2 min

Scottish hospitality faces closures amid rates revaluation, sector warns

💸 Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) warns of potential closures for licensed businesses in Scotland due to non-domestic rates revaluation in April 2026. The new rates may increase over 550%, not reflecting current trading conditions. The sector faces rising costs from wages, energy, and food inflation. SHG urges the Scottish Government to introduce targeted rates relief in the upcoming budget (13 January) to prevent closures, job losses, and vacant high streets.

2 min

Voco Winchester Hotel and Spa awarded Green Key certification

💡 Voco Winchester Hotel and Spa has achieved Green Key certification for environmental responsibility. Over 4,000 establishments in 60+ countries hold this accreditation, assessed against 130 criteria. The hotel, rebranded last year after a £2m refurbishment, has 131 rooms and employs sustainability measures like LED lighting, EV charging, and 75% eco-labeled cleaning chemicals. Manager Joe Davidovitz emphasizes reducing environmental impact while providing exceptional service.

2 min

RBH to operate Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile

🏨 RBH Hospitality Management will operate the 99-room Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile, enhancing its partnership with Accor and marking a new collaboration with Legal and General. This is RBH's sixth Ibis property, expanding their presence in Accor’s economy and midscale brands across the UK. The addition also strengthens RBH’s presence in Edinburgh, following recent portfolio expansions in July 2025. CEO David Hart highlights strong business momentum as they enter 2026.

2 min

Pierhouse Hotel to reopen cafe amid refurbishment

☕ In early 2026, the Pierhouse Hotel is set to open a new cafe overlooking Castle Stalker and Loch Linnhe, on the A828 between Ballachulish and Connel. The former Castle Stalker View Cafe, closed in April 2025, will undergo winter refurbishment, creating 10 hospitality and retail jobs. The cafe will offer home baking, seasonal soups, and a small shop with Scottish products. General Manager Fiona McLean aims to preserve the venue's 20-year legacy while enhancing visitor experiences.

1 min

The Tawny begins work on 250-panel solar project

💡 The Tawny hotel in Staffordshire is installing 250 solar panels as part of a sustainability initiative expected to go live in January 2026. This £105,000 project, partially funded by a government pilot program, aims to produce 175.91 megawatt hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by 33.96 tonnes—equivalent to planting 1,560 trees. The site includes 14 EV charging points and a battery system for energy storage. General Manager Josh Chadwick highlights the cost and emission benefits.

3 min

Hospitality leaders plan wider use of AI despite financial pressures

💻 Nearly 72% of hospitality leaders plan to adopt AI within the next year, according to a CGA by NIQ and Sona survey involving 13,000 venues. Only 26% feel prepared for large-scale AI implementation. Financial constraints led 53% to cancel investments in 2023, and optimism is low at 26%. AI is mainly used for data (49%) and marketing (47%), with lower adoption in HR and scheduling (27%). Rising costs and education gaps challenge AI expansion.

2 min

Hotel du Vin St Andrews completes refurb as staff numbers rise

🏨 Hotel du Vin St Andrews, located on The Scores in St Andrews, Scotland, plans to host The Open Championship in 2027. 📅 It increased its workforce by 20% to 50 staff over the past year. 💼 The hotel invested £1.4 million in refurbishments, including £300,000 on public areas and £1.1 million on upgrading its bistro, bar, and 42 rooms. 🍷 The hotel is recognized with the Notable Wines Award 2025–26 and holds an AA Rosette for the same period. 🏆

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