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Liam J Moran

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New digital-first hotel The Drey to open in Earl’s Court

🏨 The Drey, a new 125-room hotel, opens in Earl’s Court, Kensington, later this year. The hotel focuses on digital efficiency, using automation for operations, including online check-in and keyless entry. It partners with local businesses, like Gabar for in-room amenities, promoting community engagement. Designed for space efficiency, rooms range from compact doubles to family-size. The model responds to post-pandemic trends, prioritizing cost efficiency and guest comfort without large lobbies or on-site restaurants.
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Countrywide Hotels takes over management of The Selwyn Richmond

🏨 Countrywide Hotels will manage The Selwyn, a 50-bedroom townhouse hotel in Richmond-upon-Thames, as of October 2025. Richard Sidaway is appointed general manager. Public spaces, including The Paisley Room, will be developed into social hubs. Darren Patt, managing director, aims to enhance operational performance and guest experience, while maintaining its community connection. The focus is on character and authenticity, ensuring The Selwyn remains a standout destination in southwest London.
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The King Alfred Hotel sold to Dorbiere pub group

🏨 Dorbiere acquired The King Alfred Hotel, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, part of LWC, a leading UK drinks wholesaler. The Victorian Gothic hotel, opened in 1904, features a bar, restaurant, function room, and 10 en-suite bedrooms. Managed by Graham Wilkinson and Marslie McGregor from Christie and Co, the sale price remains undisclosed. New plans involve evolving the food menu and transforming the venue into a community hub, led by General Manager Alan Eddevane.
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Site housing Malmaison Oxford brought to market for £31m

🏨 Oxford Castle Quarter, housing Malmaison Oxford, is for sale at £30.94 million. CBRE, appointed by Westgate Partnership, is marketing the 95-bedroom hotel and 39,134 sq ft leisure units. The site, tracing back to 1071, was previously a prison until 1996 and reopened as a hotel in 2006. The Oxford hotel market's high entry barriers and eight million annual visitors support revenue growth. Frasers acquired Malmaison for £363 million 10 years ago and plans a group auction.
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Travelodge opens new 72 room hotel in London Beckenham

🛑 Travelodge opened a new 72-room hotel in Beckenham, London, part of a six-story redevelopment by Dunward Properties. This hotel features modern designs and created 14 jobs. Travelodge now operates over 80 hotels in London and recently opened another 68-room hotel in Harwich, Essex. The Harwich site includes drive-thrus and EV charging points. Travelodge has 630 hotels and 47,000 rooms in the UK, Ireland, and Spain, with 65% of rooms upgraded to the new design.
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Premier Inn gets green light for Leeds City Centre venue

🏨 Whitbread received planning consent in November 2025 to transform Verity House in Leeds' South Bank into a 131-room hotel. The planning application was submitted in May 2025, with construction expected from early 2026 to Spring 2027. A section 106 agreement with Leeds City Council was signed last week. Verity House will join three existing Premier Inns in Leeds city centre. Whitbread seeks similar opportunities in northern England.
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Budget hotels lag behind as cost pressures bite, RSM finds

🏨 Luxury and mid-market hotels in the UK saw growth in August 2025. Room rates rose from £380.30 to £405.18 for luxury hotels and from £136.33 to £141.57 for mid-market hotels, while budget hotel rates fell from £103.94 to £98.21. Occupancy increased to 76.9% and 83.6% for luxury and mid-market hotels, respectively, but dropped to 78.6% for budget hotels. Profit per room rose to £157.67 for luxury and £58.66 for mid-market hotels, yet declined to £37.24 in the budget segment. Chris Tate and Robyn Duffy of RSM UK highlighted the trend towards luxury experiences amidst economic uncertainty.
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