Christine Hodgson Appointed New Chair of Whitbread
The chair of water company Severn Trent will succeed Adam Crozier, who has served as chair since March 2018.
Christine Hodgson has been named chair of Whitbread, succeeding Adam Crozier, who served in the role for seven years.
She will officially become chair of the Premier Inn owner on 1 September, with Crozier retiring from the board on the same day.
Hodgson, also chair of Severn Trent PLC.
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Christine Hodgson has been named chair of Whitbread, succeeding Adam Crozier, who served in the role for seven years.
She will officially become chair of the Premier Inn owner on 1 September, with Crozier retiring from the board on the same day.
Hodgson, also chair of Severn Trent PLC.
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30/May/2025 10:51
Leadership shake-up: Village Hotels appoints its first Chief Operating Officer
Village Hotel Club has strengthened its leadership team with three new appointments to drive its growth strategy.
Paul Roberts, formerly chief financial officer, will now serve as the company’s first chief operating officer (COO). Matthew Ward has been named chief financial officer (CFO), while Jon Davis takes on the role of chief technology officer (CTO).
As COO, Roberts will be responsible for shaping the company’s vision, strategic framework, systems, efficiency, and sustainability, while ensuring alignment across commercial.
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Paul Roberts, formerly chief financial officer, will now serve as the company’s first chief operating officer (COO). Matthew Ward has been named chief financial officer (CFO), while Jon Davis takes on the role of chief technology officer (CTO).
As COO, Roberts will be responsible for shaping the company’s vision, strategic framework, systems, efficiency, and sustainability, while ensuring alignment across commercial.
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28/May/2025 09:37
Developer secures £15.7 million funding for Motto by Hilton Hotel in Manchester
Ancoats Manchester has obtained a £15.7 million loan from OakNorth Bank to develop a 154-room Motto by Hilton micro-hotel in the city.
Planning permission for the 20-storey hotel was granted in 2023, with construction set to begin later this year and completion anticipated in 2026.
The hotel will be among the first UK locations for the Motto by Hilton brand, which debuted in Glasgow in 2024.
Motto by Hilton is a lifestyle micro-hotel brand offering compact yet flexible rooms.
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Planning permission for the 20-storey hotel was granted in 2023, with construction set to begin later this year and completion anticipated in 2026.
The hotel will be among the first UK locations for the Motto by Hilton brand, which debuted in Glasgow in 2024.
Motto by Hilton is a lifestyle micro-hotel brand offering compact yet flexible rooms.
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22/May/2025 08:19
Julie Hutchison named hotel manager at Macdonald Pittodrie House
Julie Hutchison has been appointed hotel manager of Macdonald Pittodrie House, located near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.
She steps into the role after nearly a year at Macdonald Norwood Hall in Aberdeen, a sister property within the group.
A psychology graduate from St Andrews University, she brings over a decade of hospitality experience, having held roles with renowned brands including Hilton, Marriott, and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
At Macdonald Pittodrie House.
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She steps into the role after nearly a year at Macdonald Norwood Hall in Aberdeen, a sister property within the group.
A psychology graduate from St Andrews University, she brings over a decade of hospitality experience, having held roles with renowned brands including Hilton, Marriott, and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
At Macdonald Pittodrie House.
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21/May/2025 09:18
The Grove in Hertfordshire named Anna Darnell as general manager
Anna Darnell has been promoted to the role of general manager at The Grove in Hertfordshire.
Previously serving as resort director, Anna Darnell will now lead strategy, operations, and revenue management across the 300-acre estate. Her responsibilities will span multiple departments, including front of house, security, housekeeping, and golf.
Darnell began her career at The Grove in 2005 as a corporate golf coordinator and has since held several key positions, including director of golf and resort leisure director.
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Previously serving as resort director, Anna Darnell will now lead strategy, operations, and revenue management across the 300-acre estate. Her responsibilities will span multiple departments, including front of house, security, housekeeping, and golf.
Darnell began her career at The Grove in 2005 as a corporate golf coordinator and has since held several key positions, including director of golf and resort leisure director.
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19/May/2025 11:16
The Bush Hotel in Farnham for sale at £12 million
The historic Bush Hotel in Farnham has been listed for sale with an asking price starting at £12 million.
The Grade II-listed 17th-century country house hotel, newly awarded a four-star AA rating this year, is being marketed by Knight Frank in partnership with hotel brokerage Simon Stevens Associates.
The hotel has recently been extensively refurbished and now offers 95 ensuite guest rooms, spacious public areas, and a dedicated business and banqueting centre.
Planning permission has been granted to expand the hotel to 132 bedrooms and to construct a ground-floor orangery with space for 100 guests.
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The Grade II-listed 17th-century country house hotel, newly awarded a four-star AA rating this year, is being marketed by Knight Frank in partnership with hotel brokerage Simon Stevens Associates.
The hotel has recently been extensively refurbished and now offers 95 ensuite guest rooms, spacious public areas, and a dedicated business and banqueting centre.
Planning permission has been granted to expand the hotel to 132 bedrooms and to construct a ground-floor orangery with space for 100 guests.
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19/May/2025 11:14
Hempstead House Hotel & Spa listed for sale at £6 million
Hempstead House Hotel & Spa in Sittingbourne, Kent, has been listed for sale by business property advisor Christie & Co, with an asking price of £6 million.
The freehold sale marks the conclusion of over 30 years of ownership by the Holdstock family, who acquired the property in 1990.
The independently operated four-star hotel boasts 34 bedrooms, a suite, a restaurant and bar, spa facilities, and conference space for up to 200 delegates. It is situated along the A2 road, which links London to Dover.
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The freehold sale marks the conclusion of over 30 years of ownership by the Holdstock family, who acquired the property in 1990.
The independently operated four-star hotel boasts 34 bedrooms, a suite, a restaurant and bar, spa facilities, and conference space for up to 200 delegates. It is situated along the A2 road, which links London to Dover.
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13/May/2025 08:36
Lifestyle hotel and club brand Crafted set to debut in late 2025
Crafted, a lifestyle hotel and club brand, is set to open in East Sussex in late 2025.
Crafted, created by Chris King—co-founder of the Birch hotel concept—is described as a 'series of life-friendly hotels and clubs, crafted by name, crated by nature.
Crafted at Powdermills in East Sussex will mark the brand’s debut. Set to launch in late 2025, the property is centered around a seven-acre private lake.
Set within a Georgian Grade II-listed country house.
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Crafted, created by Chris King—co-founder of the Birch hotel concept—is described as a 'series of life-friendly hotels and clubs, crafted by name, crated by nature.
Crafted at Powdermills in East Sussex will mark the brand’s debut. Set to launch in late 2025, the property is centered around a seven-acre private lake.
Set within a Georgian Grade II-listed country house.
more »
12/May/2025 10:32
Ex-Ennismore Executive appointed Area General Manager at Zetter Hotels
Kevin Rockey has been appointed as the area general manager at Zetter Hotels, a newly established position within the company.
He will oversee the launch of the 68-bedroom Zetter Bloomsbury, scheduled to open in January 2026, while also spearheading the brand’s ongoing international expansion.
With 25 years of industry experience, Rockey most recently held the role of Head of Operations for the Northern and Eastern regions at Ennismore. He also served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the Hoxton’s 12-property portfolio.
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He will oversee the launch of the 68-bedroom Zetter Bloomsbury, scheduled to open in January 2026, while also spearheading the brand’s ongoing international expansion.
With 25 years of industry experience, Rockey most recently held the role of Head of Operations for the Northern and Eastern regions at Ennismore. He also served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the Hoxton’s 12-property portfolio.
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12/May/2025 09:27
BWH Hotels expands UK portfolio with acquisition of seven new properties
BWH Hotels has added seven independent hotels to its portfolio as part of its goal to grow to 20,000 rooms across the UK by 2029.
The expansion is part of BWH Hotels’ strategy to add 100 properties to its existing UK portfolio of 230 hotels over the next five years, under brands such as Best Western and WorldHotels.
The latest additions include the 100-room Best Western Sheffield City Hotel and the 37-bedroom Best Western Ebbw Vale Hotel, which features an on-site restaurant and bar.
BWH Hotels has also strengthened its luxury portfolio by adding the 32-bedroom Forty Seven Hotel in Manchester—home to Asha’s Restaurant and the Peterman Cocktail Bar—alongside the 36-room Velvet Hotel Bar and Brasserie.
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The expansion is part of BWH Hotels’ strategy to add 100 properties to its existing UK portfolio of 230 hotels over the next five years, under brands such as Best Western and WorldHotels.
The latest additions include the 100-room Best Western Sheffield City Hotel and the 37-bedroom Best Western Ebbw Vale Hotel, which features an on-site restaurant and bar.
BWH Hotels has also strengthened its luxury portfolio by adding the 32-bedroom Forty Seven Hotel in Manchester—home to Asha’s Restaurant and the Peterman Cocktail Bar—alongside the 36-room Velvet Hotel Bar and Brasserie.
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07/May/2025 13:33
Virgin Hotels completes transformation of London-Shoreditch property
Virgin Hotels has completed the refurbishment of its London-Shoreditch property, introducing new suites and debuting a hi-fi listening bar as part of the revamped offering.
Situated on Curtain Road, the 120-bedroom hotel unveiled the final phase of its transformation today, with Richard Branson present at the opening.
The project features 14 new suites and introduces 'Hidden Grooves,' a vintage-inspired music bar.
The hotel.
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Situated on Curtain Road, the 120-bedroom hotel unveiled the final phase of its transformation today, with Richard Branson present at the opening.
The project features 14 new suites and introduces 'Hidden Grooves,' a vintage-inspired music bar.
The hotel.
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06/May/2025 08:33
Travelodge acquires 11 hotels to expand UK portfolio
Travelodge has expanded its UK portfolio to 588 properties with the acquisition of 11 new hotels.
The acquisitions comprise nine former Hotel Campanile properties, adding a total of 951 rooms to the portfolio.
Of the nine former Hotel Campanile properties, five were acquired on a freehold basis, while the remaining four were secured through long leaseholds.
The hotels are situated in key locations across the UK.
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The acquisitions comprise nine former Hotel Campanile properties, adding a total of 951 rooms to the portfolio.
Of the nine former Hotel Campanile properties, five were acquired on a freehold basis, while the remaining four were secured through long leaseholds.
The hotels are situated in key locations across the UK.
more »
06/May/2025 08:17
Whitbread plans £1 billion sale and leaseback of hotels to support growth plans
Premier Inn’s owner is preparing to sell and lease back at least £1 billion worth of its established hotels to help finance future expansion.
Whitbread noted signs of recovery in the property investment market and said it had a selection of sites with “an opportunity to generate additional value.”
In the first half of 2025, Whitbread completed the sale and leaseback of two hotels for £56 million, achieving an average yield of just over 4%. The company is also moving forward with the sale and leaseback of seven additional hotels in various regional locations across the UK.
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Whitbread noted signs of recovery in the property investment market and said it had a selection of sites with “an opportunity to generate additional value.”
In the first half of 2025, Whitbread completed the sale and leaseback of two hotels for £56 million, achieving an average yield of just over 4%. The company is also moving forward with the sale and leaseback of seven additional hotels in various regional locations across the UK.
more »
02/May/2025 16:39
Marriott to acquire CitizenM hotels in £266 million deal
Marriott International is set to acquire lifestyle hotel brand CitizenM in a $355 million (£266 million) deal.
The acquisition will expand Marriott’s portfolio—already the world’s largest hotel operator with over 9,300 properties—by adding CitizenM’s 36 hotels and 8,544 rooms to its network.
Founded in 2008, CitizenM offers “affordable luxury” through compact, tech-savvy rooms, contemporary artwork, and rooftop bars.
CitizenM’s portfolio extends across more than 20 cities.
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The acquisition will expand Marriott’s portfolio—already the world’s largest hotel operator with over 9,300 properties—by adding CitizenM’s 36 hotels and 8,544 rooms to its network.
Founded in 2008, CitizenM offers “affordable luxury” through compact, tech-savvy rooms, contemporary artwork, and rooftop bars.
CitizenM’s portfolio extends across more than 20 cities.
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29/Apr/2025 08:12
UK’s largest independent hotel group marks 25 years of growth and collaboration
Marking 25 years of success, the UK’s largest independent hotel group is celebrating a milestone that highlights its rich history and bold plans for the future.
Established in 2000 by Haydn Fenton and Robin Sheppard, Bespoke Hotels has evolved from a small, founder-led venture into a nationally renowned brand in UK hospitality, now overseeing a collection of over 60 hotels.
What started as a hands-on operation managing everything from accounts to sales and marketing has grown into a more structured and expansive hospitality brand.
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Established in 2000 by Haydn Fenton and Robin Sheppard, Bespoke Hotels has evolved from a small, founder-led venture into a nationally renowned brand in UK hospitality, now overseeing a collection of over 60 hotels.
What started as a hands-on operation managing everything from accounts to sales and marketing has grown into a more structured and expansive hospitality brand.
more »
22/Apr/2025 07:58
Corinthia London obtains £192 million funding for development project
Corinthia Hotels has secured a £192 million loan to support the expansion of its luxury five-AA-red-star property in London.
The funding, part of a larger £205 million syndicated term loan, marks the biggest financing package Barclays has provided to a hotel sector client in the past 20 years.
The funding comes during a period of transformation at Corinthia London, originally developed in 2009.
Long-standing managing director Thomas Kochs is departing Corinthia London after eight years to become managing director at Claridge’s.
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The funding, part of a larger £205 million syndicated term loan, marks the biggest financing package Barclays has provided to a hotel sector client in the past 20 years.
The funding comes during a period of transformation at Corinthia London, originally developed in 2009.
Long-standing managing director Thomas Kochs is departing Corinthia London after eight years to become managing director at Claridge’s.
more »
16/Apr/2025 10:08
Debjit Dass appointed group Executive Head Chef at The Zetter Hotels
Debjit Dass has been appointed Group Executive Head Chef at The Zetter Hotels, as the boutique hotel collection prepares to launch its third property.
Dass, who has built an impressive culinary career across the UK and Dubai, joins The Zetter team ahead of the highly anticipated launch of Zetter Bloomsbury, set to open in October this year.
With experience in several pre-opening teams, Dass is known for creating dishes that showcase bold, vibrant flavours.
Dass said: “With the Zetter Bloomsbury on the horizon.
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Dass, who has built an impressive culinary career across the UK and Dubai, joins The Zetter team ahead of the highly anticipated launch of Zetter Bloomsbury, set to open in October this year.
With experience in several pre-opening teams, Dass is known for creating dishes that showcase bold, vibrant flavours.
Dass said: “With the Zetter Bloomsbury on the horizon.
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14/Apr/2025 16:29
Wyboston Lakes Resort beats strong international competition to win prestigious IACC Americas Innovation Award
The Wyboston Lakes Resort team has come back from Texas with the highly prestigious International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) Americas Innovation Award while chef Lena Cybulska was a very close runner-up in the Global Copper Skillet competition.
The Resort beat strong international competition to win the award which recognises the successful implementation of new ideas and practices.
Operations Director Simon McMahon was presented with the trophy at the IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange Conference at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Centre.
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The Resort beat strong international competition to win the award which recognises the successful implementation of new ideas and practices.
Operations Director Simon McMahon was presented with the trophy at the IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange Conference at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Centre.
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09/Apr/2025 12:04
Claridge’s appoints Thomas Kochs as Managing Director
Thomas Kochs has been named Managing Director of Claridge’s, the hotel in London’s Mayfair.
Kochs has served as Managing Director at Corinthia London since 2017 and was previously in the same role at Hotel Café Royal.
He returns to the hotel after previously serving as its General Manager from 2009 to 2015.
He has also held positions at The Berkeley and The Connaught—both part of Claridge’s luxury parent company.
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Kochs has served as Managing Director at Corinthia London since 2017 and was previously in the same role at Hotel Café Royal.
He returns to the hotel after previously serving as its General Manager from 2009 to 2015.
He has also held positions at The Berkeley and The Connaught—both part of Claridge’s luxury parent company.
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09/Apr/2025 10:16
NoMad London unveils New York-inspired dining experience
Next month, NoMad London will open New York-inspired Twenty 8 NoMad restaurant, taking over the old Atrium site.
In the heart of Covent Garden’s Bow Street, the restaurant at NoMad London’s 91-bedroom hotel will be led by culinary director Bryce Shuman.
Dishes will range from grilled flatbreads crafted from a Little Italy recipe and crudités inspired by early morning visits to Union Square Greenmarket, to a truffle- and foie gras–laden chicken dish first served at the brand’s New York outpost.
more »
In the heart of Covent Garden’s Bow Street, the restaurant at NoMad London’s 91-bedroom hotel will be led by culinary director Bryce Shuman.
Dishes will range from grilled flatbreads crafted from a Little Italy recipe and crudités inspired by early morning visits to Union Square Greenmarket, to a truffle- and foie gras–laden chicken dish first served at the brand’s New York outpost.
more »
08/Apr/2025 11:24