Heather Sandlin - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 3

2 min

ECE acquires two UK extended-stay hotels amid regional expansion

🏨 ECE Work and Live acquired two Staybridge Suites hotels in Liverpool and Newcastle, UK, as part of its strategy to expand into regional cities. The transaction marks the first step towards building a portfolio of seven to eight hotels, with an investment of up to £150 million. The Liverpool hotel, opened in 2008, has 132 rooms; Newcastle's, opened in 2009, has 128 rooms. Cycas Hospitality manages both properties. Maya Capital sourced and manages the assets.

2 min

Whitbread targets 2,200 hotel rooms across Outer London

🏨 Whitbread plans to add 2,200 Premier Inn rooms across Outer London, targeting 17 locations, including Peckham Rye and Stratford. No new hotels have opened there since 2022. James Hall leads site identification, aiming for conversions and new-builds. Whitbread already operates 85,500 rooms in the UK and Ireland, aiming for 98,000 by 2030. Long-term, they target 125,000 rooms. Expansion responds to demand from leisure and business customers.

2 min

Yotel promotes senior leaders as it targets 100 hotels by 2031

🏨 Yotel aims for 100 hotels worldwide by 2031. Currently, it operates 23 hotels in 16 cities and airports, planning 11 more openings in two years in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Athens, and Belfast. Rohan Thakkar is now chief development and strategy officer, Mark Henderson is senior VP of design and construction, and Olivia Donnan is senior VP of brand, culture, and growth. CEO Phil Andreopoulos confirmed these leadership promotions to support Yotel's global expansion.

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.

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