Lewis Catchpole - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 7

2 min

James Thomson receives AA lifetime achievement award

🏨 James Thomson, a Scottish hotelier, received the AA Lifetime Achievement Award at the AA Hospitality Awards in London on September 22. Thomson, known for revitalizing historic properties, opened The Witchery in Edinburgh in 1979. He later acquired Prestonfield House in 2003. His charitable efforts, including “Lunch with an Old Bag,” have raised £9 million. The Witchery was named Scotland's AA Best Restaurant with Rooms and the world's “most romantic hotel” by Big 7 Travel.

2 min

Luke Selby to join Palé Hall Hotel as chef partner

🍴 Luke Selby will become chef partner at Palé Hall Hotel in North Wales starting January 2026, coinciding with the 18-month refurbishment of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. He brings experience from Evelyn’s Table and Le Manoir. Selby will collaborate with owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney to revamp dining options, including The Bryntirion Inn, which underwent a £1m refurbishment. Future plans at Palé Hall include new wine cellars, a whisky lounge, and a wellness retreat.

1 min

Room to Reward celebrates 10-year anniversary

🛒 Room to Reward celebrated its 10th anniversary with 80 guests at The Covent Garden Hotel. Since 2015, the charity has partnered with over 950 hotels, donating breaks to more than 3,500 volunteers nominated by 1,100+ organizations. Participating hotels include The Dorchester, The Savoy, and groups like Best Western. Unsold rooms are given to volunteers from groups like Samaritans and NSPCC. Founder Nicolas Roach aims to recognize people who selflessly help others.

1 min

DoubleTree London completes multi-million pound room redesign project

📝 DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London has revamped 201 guest rooms over three floors in a multi-million-pound project. New room categories, Tower Deluxe and Tower Executive, are introduced, and the design is by Upperworth Studios, Adrian Barboza Design, and Morrison Design. The redesign aims to attract more families with 75 family-suitable rooms. Savage Garden, the rooftop bar, launched a new cocktail menu by Alessandro Lintas. Early bookings show strong interest from corporate and leisure markets.

1 min

B+B Edinburgh brought to market for over £5m

🏨 B+B Edinburgh, a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse hotel, is for sale in Edinburgh’s West End for over £5 million. Located on Rothesay Terrace, it's a 10-minute walk from key landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. The hotel features 27 luxury rooms, a 60-person restaurant, a bar, and more. Managed by the B+B Collection, it has been profitable since its 2011 acquisition, maintaining strong occupancy due to its prime location and renovations that blend Georgian charm with modern amenities.

1 min

Sir Hotels opens its first London site with Sir Devonshire Square

🏨 London, 2025: Sir Hotels launches its first London location in Devonshire Square, featuring 81 rooms and 14 suites in a restored 17th-century textile warehouse. Designed by Maison 191, the interiors include Bauhaus influences. The hotel offers an all-day dining concept accessible to the public and a cultural program showcasing local art. Guests can contribute £1 to the Sir Cares initiative supporting local social mobility. Future expansions include a private club, restaurant, and gym.

1 min

UKinbound welcomes new tourism minister Stephanie Peacock

📅 Stephanie Peacock MP appointed as tourism minister, September 2025. The UK tourism sector contributes £74bn annually, 4% of gross value added. The government targets 50 million international visitors by 2030, aided by the Visitor Economy Advisory Council. Joss Croft OBE of UKinbound welcomes Peacock’s appointment, following Sir Chris Bryant MP. UKinbound actively participates in shaping the National Visitor Economy Strategy through the advisory council.

3 min

Mayfield launches offering hoteliers ‘a third way’

🏨 Mayfield launches in September as a soft-brand collection of 100 independent midscale hotels across the USA and UK. Founded by Thomas and Melissa Magnuson, it offers operational freedom without excessive fees or forced renovations. Mayfield's holistic platform includes AI-driven pricing and connectivity for management efficiency. It targets local and essential business travelers, aiming to support local communities while bypassing restrictive franchise models. The initiative focuses on empowering hotels with flexibility and individuality.

2 min

UKH urges maximum discount in response to business rates reform plans

💸 UKHospitality welcomes government’s interim business rates reform report but stresses the need for a maximum discount on the rates multiplier. The government can apply a 20p per pound discount, crucial for hospitality properties under £500,000 rateable value. UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls advocates for this ahead of November's Budget, highlighting potential rateable value hikes in April. She also calls for a zero rate for properties over £500,000 and transitional relief to mitigate large value increases.

2 min

Marriott marks 100th EMEA Moxy hotel with Belfast opening

🏨 Marriott International has launched its 100th Moxy hotel in EMEA with Moxy Belfast City, the first in Northern Ireland, featuring 179 rooms. Located centrally in Belfast, the hotel showcases playful design and vibrant spaces. Opened in partnership with MHL Hotel Collection, it marks a decade milestone for Moxy, now present in 18 destinations with 100 hotels. By 2025, Moxy plans five more hotel launches across Europe, including locations in Portugal, Ireland, Germany, UK, and France.

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