Heather Sandlin - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 6

1 min

Ardbeg House appoints new general manager

🍹 Ardbeg House, a boutique hotel near Ardbeg Distillery on Islay, has appointed Richard Needham as general manager to enhance its whisky-focused offerings. Located near Port Ellen, the venue, designed by Russell Sage Studio, features work from over 20 Scottish artisans. Needham, with experience at Fife Arms and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, will manage operations and guest services. The hotel aims to blend Islay's culinary delights with local narratives for a unique visitor experience.

2 min

QHotels appoints Paul Bayliss MBE as GM at Oulton Hall

🏨 Paul Bayliss MBE appointed general manager at Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. With 30+ years in hospitality, Bayliss aims to transform the hotel into the UK's best over 5-10 years. His strategy focuses on team development, world-class service, and exceptional guest experiences. The historic estate near Leeds offers 18th-century architecture. Bayliss, a former British Army chef, emphasizes training, mentoring, and profitability to reinvest and enhance standards.

5 min

Have a break, have a Twix: Why declining brand awareness won’t slow hotel growth

🏨 In Great Britain, five of the 10 best-known hotel brands saw a decline in awareness from 2017 to 2023, according to the Hotel Guest Survey. Awareness varies by age, with Baby Boomers at 64% and Gen Z at 43%. In some cases, Gen Z brand awareness reaches as low as 19%. Only 30% of Brits think hotels offer the best rates directly, with 54% preferring other booking sites. The focus should shift to converting awareness into consumer preference.

2 min

Hotel occupancy rises in September as Red Roses boost demand

🏨 UK hotel occupancy surged to 85% in September 2025, spurred by England's Red Roses performing in the Women's Rugby World Cup. London saw occupancy rise to 87.2%, with room rates increasing from £157.76 to £164.61 UK-wide and £220.14 to £232.48 in London. Gross operating profits climbed from 41% to 41.8% in the UK. Despite pressures like rising costs, the hotel sector offset weaknesses in manufacturing and construction, as noted by RSM UK's Chris Tate and economist Thomas Pugh.

2 min

George Davies opens boutique hotel and restaurant in the Cotswolds

🏨 Retail entrepreneur George Davies and his wife, Arlene, opened The House of George, a 10-bedroom boutique hotel and restaurant, in Broadway, Cotswolds. Housed in a 17th-Century building, it features Moda, a 30-cover restaurant with a nine-course tasting menu by chef James Wilson. Lunch menus start at £40. The hotel's design includes British-made furnishings, and its cocktail menu honors Davies's career. Sundays feature roasts from local suppliers. 🌿

1 min

Marcliffe unveils new brasserie Skylark

🍳 Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen is set to open Skylark, a new brasserie, at the end of this month. The venue will feature vibrant, contemporary design with a focus on local ingredients. Skylark aims to reflect its namesake bird's joyful song and skyward flight. The brasserie will enhance diners' experiences with bold interiors. This development follows Marcliffe's recognition as an AA five-star hotel for its outstanding service and hospitality, as highlighted by chairman Sir Jim Milne CBE.

2 min

Historic Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury brought to market

🏨 The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury is for sale, inviting substantial offers for its freehold. Reopened in July 2024, it forecasts a £715,745 net turnover for 2025. The hotel, dating back to the 15th Century, boasts 59 en-suite rooms, bars, lounges, and function spaces for up to 160 guests. Notable guests include Darwin, Dickens, and The Beatles. Owners seek new investors to leverage its historic and commercial potential, per Robert Smithson of Colliers.

9 min

Creating purpose-led guest experiences

🏨 Hospitality brands face intense competition with over 450 brands and 17.5 million rooms worldwide. To stand out, hotels must offer experience-led value propositions. Successful transformation can lead to pricing premiums and operational efficiency. The systematic approach includes five phases: Discovery, Blueprint Design, Operating Model, Change Management, and Critical Success Factors. Typical implementation takes 3 months, with full rollouts over 12-18 months. Embracing these strategies offers differentiation and sustainable value creation in a crowded marketplace.

2 min

Sofitel London St James unveils redesigned suites

🏨 Sofitel London St James, located on Pall Mall, has unveiled four redesigned suites as part of a transformation by Paris-based architecture firm Pierre-Yves Rochon. The Prestige Suites, influenced by 1970s London, feature modern art and smart technology. Two Flagship Suites, including Suite 70 and Opera Suite, are set to launch in January 2026. General Manager Marie-Paule Nowlis emphasizes the blend of French sophistication with London's cosmopolitan spirit.

2 min

From Heritage to Hospitality Innovation: The Corby of Windsor Journey

💬 Founded in 1930, Corby of Windsor has been enhancing the hotel guest experience for over 90 years. Known for the iconic Corby trouser press, their products are now in over 60 countries, including garment care, welcome trays, and minibars. Emphasizing sustainability, Corby offers innovations like battery-free scales and recycling bins. All electrical items feature a four-year guarantee. The brand continues to focus on comfort, convenience, and eco-friendly practices while working towards a Net Zero plan.

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