In the hotel industry, prospective property owners are faced with a myriad of lodging options to choose from and propose to their customer base. Each type of accommodation, whether it’s a chain hotel, resort, inn/bed and breakfast, or boutique hotel, presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages that hoteliers need to consider.  Furthermore, the geographical context adds another layer to this decision-making process. Understanding the unique opportunities and challenges presented by urban, rural, and coastal settings is therefore crucial for hoteliers to effectively manage their pr ..read more

The Thames Hotel, a historic establishment in Maidenhead, Berkshire, has been sold for £2.4m after nearly 30 years under the ownership of the Owen family. With 33 bedrooms, a popular bar and restaurant, and a scenic terrace overlooking the River Thames, the hotel has become a local favourite. The sale represents an opportunity for the new owners to inherit a successful business with a loyal customer base and a prime location. The Owen family expressed gratitude to their dedicated staff and wished the new owners success in their venture. Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, a sustainable hotel projec ..read more

Classic British Hotels has added Oakley Hall, a luxury hotel in Basingstoke, as its newest member hotel, marking a significant expansion of the group’s portfolio. Situated in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, the hotel group said Oakley Hall Hotel “epitomises luxury, elegance, and unrivalled hospitality”. Surrounded by 315 acres of parkland, Oakley Hall Hotel features 50 luxurious bedrooms, Glasshouse Restaurant, 1795 Bar and Lounge and event spaces. Classic British Hotels said the grounds and event spaces make it an “ideal choice” for weddings, conferences, and celebrations. Phillp Alls ..read more

Hastings Hotels has completed a £15m renovation programme at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.  Over the past several years, the “extensive” renovation project saw upgrades to all 272 guest bedrooms, as well as improvements to The Lobby Bar, the Piano Restaurant, all conference rooms and the penthouse function room. Hastings has also introduced a brand new workspace area for guests.  Also included was the addition of a painting titled ‘The ’71’, crafted by local artist Colin Davidson.  According to the group, the renovation programme for the 1970s hotel “aimed not only to modernise i ..read more

Hogarths, a luxury hotel in Solihull, has announced that Rob Palmer will be relocating his restaurant Toffs to the hotel. Palmer will join the hotel to oversee its full kitchen team taking control of its brasserie menu, afternoon tea lounge menu and its Sunday lunch offering. He will also launch the new Toffs, Toffs at Hogarths, in September after it was recently awarded three AA Rosettes. Toffs restaurant will close on Saturday 4 May with Rob and team relocating from Tuesday 7 May. Palmer said: “I’m delighted to be joining Hogarths, a name synonymous with luxury and outstanding quality. Since ..read more

The Thames Hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire, has recently been sold off at a guide price of £2.4m.  Originally built in 1886, The Thames Hotel has built a reputation in Maidenhead for both accommodation and food and beverage offering over the years.  The hotel features 33-bedrooms, an extensive bar and restaurant and an external River Thames terrace. It has been independently owned and operated under the stewardship of the Owen family since 1994, who has substantially upgraded the hotel’s facilities by expanding its range of services and has significantly widened the hotel’s customer b ..read more

Cycas Hospitality has been selected to manage the UK’s inaugural Fairfield by Marriott hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s expansive collection. Set to debut in 2026, this 142-room property embodies the midscale brand’s Marriott family farm legacy, marking its UK premiere. Nestled within the British Motor Museum complex near the M40, guests will enjoy access to museum exhibits and event spaces accommodating up to 600 delegates. Surrounded by automotive industry giants like Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, the hotel enhances the area’s allure. Cycas Hospitality CEO Matt Luscombe anticipates sho ..read more

The average lead time for accommodation bookings has increased 13% year-on-year to 83 days for the coming London Marathon weekend, according to data from SiteMinder. The lead time for the upcoming weekend is also 46% longer than the weekend immediately prior. According to SiteMinder’s vice president of ecosystem and strategic partnerships, James Bishop, the rise in lead time reflects “growing confidence and increasingly-proactive planning by ever-savvier travellers, which offers strategic opportunities for the capital’s hoteliers”. The longer lead time prior to this year’s London Marathon, up ..read more

The Borrowdale Gates Hotel in Lake District has refurbished its central areas and all 32 rooms and suites following a seven-figure investment. The transformation was undertaken by the Borrowdale Gates Hotel team alongside hotel management company Providence Hotels. The four silver star retreat, which also has two AA Rosettes for its restaurant, is located in the Borrowdale Valley in Lake District. Originally a private residence, the Borrowdale Gates opened as a hotel in 1866. The lounge and bar area now features sofas, an open fire with full-length windows which look out across the hotel’s thr ..read more

Village Hotels, a collection of 33 hotels across the UK, has launched a new ESG and sustainability strategy.Following a consultation with key stakeholders and a review of where Village Hotels can “make the most significant contribution towards a greener future”, the group established a framework entitled ‘Village Green’. The framework is split into three pillars: Environment, People and Community, and priority areas have been broken down into a series of work streams that run across the business and aim to tackle decarbonisation and social impact.  Through the ‘Stay Green’ pillar, Village ..read more