Consumer champion Which? has named The Coaching Inn Group Hotel Group of the Year in the large hotel chains category.
This is a major milestone for the RedCat Hospitality–owned premium rooms business and a strong endorsement of its accommodation-led strategy.
The accolade highlights the group’s dedication to providing high-quality, experience-driven stays in historic inns across the UK. Boasting over 1,000 rooms across 36 properties, The Coaching Inn Group seamlessly combines heritage charm with modern comfort — a winning formula that continues to delight guests and fuel commercial success.
The Which? Recommended Provider status is awarded based on customer scores and other criteria, including overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend. The Coaching Inn Group achieved an impressive score of 81%, topping the large hotel chains category — defined as groups with more than 30 hotels worldwide.
This recognition comes on the back of a record-breaking summer for the group. Between June and August 2025, total sales rose 8.0% year-on-year, with like-for-like growth of 7.5%. Over the past two years, sales have increased by 17.9%, highlighting the sustained momentum and success across the estate.
Accommodation performance was particularly strong, with RevPAR up 9.7%, ADR up 10.4%, and average length of stay increasing by 20%. These results were driven by strategic initiatives to optimise pricing, protect weekend demand, and introduce value-led packages, supported by an enhanced Revenue Management team and targeted marketing efforts. The group also broke its previous best-week record six times in just nine weeks.
Adam Charity, Chief Operating Officer at The Coaching Inn Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be named Hotel Chain of the Year by Which?. Our ethos has always been to unlock the potential of locations, blending heritage and charm with modern luxury to create unique and memorable stays. Our inns are rooted in local communities and designed to offer hospitality from the heart, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised by guests themselves.”
Site-level performance further underscores the strength of the group’s accommodation offering. The Castle of Brecon Hotel saw a 94.3% uplift in sales following a £3 million refurbishment. The Jamaica Inn generated £662,000 in summer sales, driven by its iconic location along the tourist route to Devon and Cornwall. Meanwhile, The Bell in Stilton recorded a 30.2% year-on-year increase in sales, with F&B revenue up 38.9%, supported by two AA Rosettes and a No.1 TripAdvisor ranking in Peterborough.
The Which? accolade reinforces The Coaching Inn Group’s position as a leader in the domestic leisure market, highlighting the resilience and appeal of its accommodation offering in a competitive landscape.
Richard Lewis, CEO of RedCat Hospitality, added: “This recognition is a powerful endorsement of our strategy. We’ve invested in our rooms business, strengthened our revenue management capabilities, and focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences. The Coaching Inn Group continues to lead the way, and its success is a clear signal of the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Looking ahead, RedCat Hospitality plans to continue expanding The Coaching Inn Group, with a robust pipeline of acquisitions and refurbishments. A centralised team will support bookings, partnerships, and technology optimisation, all aimed at driving the group’s performance into 2026 and beyond.
