Heather Sandlin - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 4

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. 🏆

3 min

The new weekend model: Why apartment-style stays are becoming the default for short city visits

🏨 Liverpool is witnessing a surge in demand for aparthotels due to their flexibility and space, which traditional hotels lack. Aparthotels offer kitchens and living areas, attracting leisure visitors, business travelers, and remote workers. This model supports Liverpool’s dynamic cultural scene and enhances travel experiences, allowing guests to set their own pace. Operators benefit from varied stay lengths and efficient housekeeping. This accommodation type fits modern city breaks and bolsters Liverpool's visitor economy.

3 min

How the aparthotel model is reshaping urban hospitality

🏨 Urban hospitality is evolving as guest preferences shift towards flexible, longer stays. The UK serviced-apartment and aparthotel market is valued at over $6.2 billion in 2024, potentially reaching nearly $13 billion by 2030. Birmingham exemplifies this trend, with aparthotels offering independence, home-like comfort, and practicality. Europe shows a 3.8% occupancy growth and a 4.4% revenue increase. Aparthotels benefit operators with efficient staffing and guests with autonomy, redefining urban accommodation.

2 min

PPHE agrees £88m refinancing for Park Plaza Victoria London

💰 PPHE Hotel Group secured an £88m refinancing deal for Park Plaza Victoria London to restructure long-term funding. Scheduled to complete by 18 December 2025, this five-year facility, arranged by Santander UK and ABN AMRO Bank, replaces Barings' loan maturing in early 2026. It features a floating interest rate, with 90% hedged at 3.9%, compared to the previous 3.42%. The hotel, opened in 2001, is undergoing guest room upgrades in early 2026.

2 min

7 Hospitality Management to operate Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham

📍 7 Hospitality Management will operate Delta Hotels by Marriott in central Birmingham, UK, adding to its portfolio. The hotel offers contemporary accommodation and event facilities for corporate and leisure guests. Announced before mid-August 2025, this move highlights Birmingham's significance in business and leisure sectors. 7 Hospitality Management, described as brand-agnostic, aims for long-term partnerships with global brands, focusing on performance and guest experiences.

3 min

The St. Regis London appoints exec committee ahead of opening

🏨 The St. Regis London will open its first London property in mid-2026, transforming the Westbury Mayfair into a 195-room hotel, including 66 suites. Led by general manager Marco Novella, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, the hotel aims to be a UK flagship. Located at Conduit and New Bond Streets, it features an all-day restaurant, jazz bar, and private dining. Richmond International designs the new façade and additional floors to enhance the iconic brand.

2 min

Kimpton Blythswood Square retains five-star AA rating after latest audit

🏨 Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow retained its five-star AA status, scoring 93% in a recent inspection. The hotel, featuring 113 rooms and a renovated penthouse, maintains high culinary standards at Iasg, which sources local ingredients. The spa underwent major refurbishment in 2023, introducing features like a Himalayan salt room. A significant sum upgraded the air conditioning. General Manager Marcello Ventisei and Chef Sean Currie emphasize ongoing investments and commitment to excellence.

2 min

Kinsfolk and Co to open first hotel in Fitzrovia in February

🏨 Kinsfolk and Co will open The Newman hotel in Fitzrovia, London, on 1 February 2026. The hotel will feature 81 rooms, suites, and apartments styled in contemporary Art Deco, with a rooftop suite offering a terrace, sauna, and ice plunge. Opened by Paul Brackley and managed by Oliver Milne-Watson, the hotel will also include the Brasserie Angelica and Gambit Bar. Wellness facilities and collaborations with brands like Nuori and KLORIS enhance the experience. Staff were recruited through Saira Hospitality's pop-up school.

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