Arora Group appoints new chief executive to drive expansion
Sanjay Arora has stepped into the role of chief executive at Arora Group, the family’s hotel and property company.
Founded in 1999 by Sanjay’s father, Surinder Arora, the group owns more than 20 UK hotels, including Fairmont Windsor Park and Bedfordshire’s Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, which is earmarked for redevelopment under the Fairmont brand.
With over ten years’ experience at the family firm, Sanjay has held positions such as chief operating officer and led projects including the acquisition of two large shopping centres and the opening of the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
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Founded in 1999 by Sanjay’s father, Surinder Arora, the group owns more than 20 UK hotels, including Fairmont Windsor Park and Bedfordshire’s Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, which is earmarked for redevelopment under the Fairmont brand.
With over ten years’ experience at the family firm, Sanjay has held positions such as chief operating officer and led projects including the acquisition of two large shopping centres and the opening of the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
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30/Sep/2025 09:11
Hilton UK & Ireland name Teri Dunne as Director of Development
Hilton UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Teri Dunne as its new director of development.
She joins Hilton from Best Western Hotels & Resorts, bringing 20+ years of experience, including six years as director of business development.
Prior to joining Best Western, Dunne held positions at Shiva Hotels Group, Danubius Hotel Regents Park, and London Premier Hotels.
She will work with Paul Blackmore and Nick Smart.
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She joins Hilton from Best Western Hotels & Resorts, bringing 20+ years of experience, including six years as director of business development.
Prior to joining Best Western, Dunne held positions at Shiva Hotels Group, Danubius Hotel Regents Park, and London Premier Hotels.
She will work with Paul Blackmore and Nick Smart.
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17/Sep/2025 09:58
Great Northern hotel rebrands after being acquired by Turkish Hospitality Group
The Great Northern Hotel at London’s King’s Cross has been rebranded as the Kaya Great Northern Hotel after its sale to the Turkish hospitality group last year.
Kaya Tourism Group, which runs 13 hotels across Turkey and Northern Cyprus, acquired the 88-room property in July 2024 as its first venture into the UK market.
Kaya Tourism Group has indicated that it intends to use the hotel as a launchpad for its expansion into the UK, with plans to strengthen its footprint in London.
Having overseen operations at the property since December 2024.
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Kaya Tourism Group, which runs 13 hotels across Turkey and Northern Cyprus, acquired the 88-room property in July 2024 as its first venture into the UK market.
Kaya Tourism Group has indicated that it intends to use the hotel as a launchpad for its expansion into the UK, with plans to strengthen its footprint in London.
Having overseen operations at the property since December 2024.
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08/Sep/2025 16:02
Brown’s Hotel announces appointment of new culinary leader
Brown’s Hotel has promoted senior sous chef Tommaso Bizzocchi to head chef at Charlie’s.
This promotion underscores Brown’s Hotel’s continued dedication to offering seasonal, ingredient-driven dining experiences of the highest standard.
With a career forged in some of London’s most celebrated kitchens – including The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy, Chiltern Firehouse, and Cinder – Chef Tommaso brings a wealth of expertise in fine dining, team leadership, and menu innovation to his new role at Brown’s Hotel.
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This promotion underscores Brown’s Hotel’s continued dedication to offering seasonal, ingredient-driven dining experiences of the highest standard.
With a career forged in some of London’s most celebrated kitchens – including The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy, Chiltern Firehouse, and Cinder – Chef Tommaso brings a wealth of expertise in fine dining, team leadership, and menu innovation to his new role at Brown’s Hotel.
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21/Aug/2025 08:20
IHG Hotels & Resorts marks milestone of one million rooms open globally
IHG Hotels & Resorts has revealed it has exceeded one million open rooms worldwide, reflecting the growing demand for its brands.
Driven by a thriving travel industry and a well-established global strategy, IHG has achieved significant growth. It has opened hundreds of hotels annually and doubling its brand portfolio to 20 over the past decade to cater to every type of stay in more than 100 countries.
This momentum is powered by one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, IHG One Rewards.
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Driven by a thriving travel industry and a well-established global strategy, IHG has achieved significant growth. It has opened hundreds of hotels annually and doubling its brand portfolio to 20 over the past decade to cater to every type of stay in more than 100 countries.
This momentum is powered by one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, IHG One Rewards.
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11/Aug/2025 09:35
Parkdean Resorts achieves top food hygiene ratings across all parks
Parkdean Resorts has received top ratings from the Food Standards Agency at all 65 of its parks, making it the only major holiday park operator in the UK with a flawless 100% food hygiene record across its entire portfolio.
Weeley Bridge Holiday Park in Essex was the final Parkdean Resorts location to achieve a five-out-of-five—or ‘Very Good’—rating from the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, having improved from a previous score of four. These top marks are awarded to establishments that meet the highest standards in food preparation, handling, and kitchen practices.
Parkdean Resorts is the UK’s largest holiday park operator.
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Weeley Bridge Holiday Park in Essex was the final Parkdean Resorts location to achieve a five-out-of-five—or ‘Very Good’—rating from the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, having improved from a previous score of four. These top marks are awarded to establishments that meet the highest standards in food preparation, handling, and kitchen practices.
Parkdean Resorts is the UK’s largest holiday park operator.
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29/Jul/2025 08:05
Marriott finalises acquisition of lifestyle hotel brand CitizenM
Marriott International has finalised its £266 million acquisition of the lifestyle hotel brand CitizenM.
The deal, originally announced in April, followed reports that the Netherlands-based chain’s owners were considering a sale in 2024.
CitizenM’s current portfolio includes 37 operating hotels with nearly 9,000 rooms across more than 20 cities in the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. These properties are being integrated into Marriott’s systems and platforms.
In addition.
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The deal, originally announced in April, followed reports that the Netherlands-based chain’s owners were considering a sale in 2024.
CitizenM’s current portfolio includes 37 operating hotels with nearly 9,000 rooms across more than 20 cities in the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. These properties are being integrated into Marriott’s systems and platforms.
In addition.
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29/Jul/2025 07:59
BH Group acquires five properties from Coast and Country Hotels
BH Group has announced the acquisition of five properties from Coast and Country Hotels.
The portfolio includes the Windermere Hotel in Cumbria, the Burlington Hotel in Eastbourne, the Imperial Hotel in Exmouth, as well as the St Ives Bay Hotel and the Ship & Castle Hotel, both located in Cornwall.
BH Group’s current portfolio includes The Swan in Newby Bridge, Hampton by Hilton Blackpool, two properties in Manchester, and three hotels in Falmouth—among them the renowned St Michaels Resort.
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The portfolio includes the Windermere Hotel in Cumbria, the Burlington Hotel in Eastbourne, the Imperial Hotel in Exmouth, as well as the St Ives Bay Hotel and the Ship & Castle Hotel, both located in Cornwall.
BH Group’s current portfolio includes The Swan in Newby Bridge, Hampton by Hilton Blackpool, two properties in Manchester, and three hotels in Falmouth—among them the renowned St Michaels Resort.
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17/Jul/2025 08:31
Arora Group acquires short-stay hospitality brand Bloc Hotels
The Arora Group has announced the successful acquisition of Bloc Hotels, a company renowned for developing, owning, and operating premium short-stay hotels in prime urban locations. Bloc Hotels is known for its smart, space-efficient design and innovative construction methods, delivering compact yet thoughtfully designed rooms. By focusing on the essentials, the brand offers guests a high-quality, value-driven experience.
The acquisition includes the 245-room Bloc Gatwick and the 105-room Bloc Birmingham, as well as two additional UK sites slated for future development.
Initially recognised as a specialist airport hotel owner-operator.
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The acquisition includes the 245-room Bloc Gatwick and the 105-room Bloc Birmingham, as well as two additional UK sites slated for future development.
Initially recognised as a specialist airport hotel owner-operator.
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17/Jul/2025 08:09
Center Parcs first Scottish resort poised to boost local tourism industry
Center Parcs has announced that its first holiday village in Scotland has the potential to “transform” tourism in the Scottish Borders region. The company has submitted plans to develop a 700-lodge resort on a 1,000-acre site located just north of Hawick, along the A7.
The proposed development, valued at approximately £400 million, was initially announced in November of last year and has now been officially submitted to the local council for approval.
Center Parcs currently operates five villages across England and launched its sixth—and first in Ireland—in County Longford in 2019.
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The proposed development, valued at approximately £400 million, was initially announced in November of last year and has now been officially submitted to the local council for approval.
Center Parcs currently operates five villages across England and launched its sixth—and first in Ireland—in County Longford in 2019.
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10/Jul/2025 08:21
Frasers Hospitality strengthens leadership team with new Commercial Director appointment
Frasers Hospitality has named Darryl Walker as its new Commercial Director for EMEA, a role newly established to enhance the company’s commercial strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
With over two decades of experience in the extended stay sector, Walker will lead all commercial functions across Frasers Hospitality’s EMEA region. He will collaborate closely with the head office and regional leadership to drive topline growth, optimise distribution channels, and identify new opportunities for expansion.
Walker has held several senior leadership roles throughout his career.
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With over two decades of experience in the extended stay sector, Walker will lead all commercial functions across Frasers Hospitality’s EMEA region. He will collaborate closely with the head office and regional leadership to drive topline growth, optimise distribution channels, and identify new opportunities for expansion.
Walker has held several senior leadership roles throughout his career.
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10/Jul/2025 08:10
The Royal Bell returns as a boutique hotel and private club
This autumn, Bromley’s Grade II-listed Royal Bell will unveil its transformation after years of restoration, reopening as a refined blend of hotel, club, and coworking hub.
The project has been driven by South London-based investment group, BELLE Collective, with interior restoration curated by Hampton Design Studio.
With roots stretching back to 1666, the five-storey building was given a grand new design in 1898 by the celebrated Ernest Newton.
With 14 thoughtfully designed boutique rooms.
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The project has been driven by South London-based investment group, BELLE Collective, with interior restoration curated by Hampton Design Studio.
With roots stretching back to 1666, the five-storey building was given a grand new design in 1898 by the celebrated Ernest Newton.
With 14 thoughtfully designed boutique rooms.
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09/Jul/2025 12:59
Woolley Grange Hotel near Bath shuts temporarily for renovations
Woolley Grange, part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection near Bath, has temporarily closed for a major refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen in early October.
The comprehensive renovation will transform all 25 rooms and suites, along with the hotel’s public spaces—including the restaurant, drawing room, long room, afternoon tea lounge, private dining areas, orangery, spa, swimming pool, and children's facilities—guided by the design vision of StudioJill.
StudioJill, who has previously partnered with the hotel group on projects including Fowey Hall on the Cornish coast.
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The comprehensive renovation will transform all 25 rooms and suites, along with the hotel’s public spaces—including the restaurant, drawing room, long room, afternoon tea lounge, private dining areas, orangery, spa, swimming pool, and children's facilities—guided by the design vision of StudioJill.
StudioJill, who has previously partnered with the hotel group on projects including Fowey Hall on the Cornish coast.
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08/Jul/2025 08:14
Millennium Hotels & Resorts partners with Maritim Hotels for cross-brand loyalty program
Millennium Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognised hospitality brand, and German hotel group Maritim Hotels have announced a new loyalty collaboration, allowing members of each brand’s loyalty program to earn points when staying at participating properties across both portfolios.
This strategic initiative enhances earning potential for loyal guests enrolled in either the MyMillennium or Maritim loyalty programs. It offers greater flexibility across a broader global hotel network—while preserving the unique benefits and identities of each program.
The collaboration will be formally established later this month with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa in London.
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This strategic initiative enhances earning potential for loyal guests enrolled in either the MyMillennium or Maritim loyalty programs. It offers greater flexibility across a broader global hotel network—while preserving the unique benefits and identities of each program.
The collaboration will be formally established later this month with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa in London.
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01/Jul/2025 08:08
PPHE Hotel Group set to launch £90 million Radisson Red hotel in the City of London
PPHE Hotel Group has announced the acquisition of a 13,000-square-metre mixed-use development located near the City of London and Tower Bridge. The company intends to transform the site into a Radisson Red lifestyle hotel.
Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will be the first Radisson Red in central London. It will feature at least 182 guest rooms, along with a restaurant, bar, and gym. The development also includes 41,000 square feet of office space, for which planning permission has already been granted.
The group plans to invest approximately £90 million in the project.
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Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will be the first Radisson Red in central London. It will feature at least 182 guest rooms, along with a restaurant, bar, and gym. The development also includes 41,000 square feet of office space, for which planning permission has already been granted.
The group plans to invest approximately £90 million in the project.
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26/Jun/2025 08:18
Exclusive Collection names Sarah Hewitt as Group Director of People and Culture
Exclusive Collection has appointed Sarah Hewitt as Group Director of People and Culture. Reporting directly to Managing Director Danny Pecorelli, Sarah will be instrumental in shaping and strengthening the company’s culture. In her new role, she will lead people operations, ensure compliance, and oversee reward and recognition initiatives across the award-winning independent hotel group.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at International Airlines Group (IAG), where she led the development and implementation of the People and Culture strategy for the company’s global business services division.
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Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at International Airlines Group (IAG), where she led the development and implementation of the People and Culture strategy for the company’s global business services division.
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26/Jun/2025 08:09
Safestay secures £1.4 million business interruption payout over COVID-19 impact
Safestay, one of Europe’s leading hostel groups, has secured a £1.4 million payout through its business interruption insurance.
The claim pertains to business disruption Safestay experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began over five years ago.
The company stated that the £1.4 million payment is expected within the next 21 days and will be recognised as a post-balance sheet event in its 2024 financial results, due later this month.
Safestay’s UK portfolio currently comprises five hostels located in York.
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The claim pertains to business disruption Safestay experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began over five years ago.
The company stated that the £1.4 million payment is expected within the next 21 days and will be recognised as a post-balance sheet event in its 2024 financial results, due later this month.
Safestay’s UK portfolio currently comprises five hostels located in York.
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17/Jun/2025 08:23
IHG launches Hotel Indigo in London Clerkenwell
IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the 143-room, four-star Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell.
The property, owned by the Davies family and managed by Axiom Hospitality, began welcoming guests on 6 June 2025. IHG initially signed the hotel in 2019.
Situated at 2 Clerkenwell Road near Farringdon Station, the hotel offers 143 rooms, including nine suites. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Wilderness Kitchen, unwind at the Sabini Bar, and take advantage of two dedicated meeting and event spaces.
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The property, owned by the Davies family and managed by Axiom Hospitality, began welcoming guests on 6 June 2025. IHG initially signed the hotel in 2019.
Situated at 2 Clerkenwell Road near Farringdon Station, the hotel offers 143 rooms, including nine suites. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Wilderness Kitchen, unwind at the Sabini Bar, and take advantage of two dedicated meeting and event spaces.
more »
17/Jun/2025 08:15
Emmanuele Selvaggi named Hotel Manager at Rosewood London
Emmanuele Selvaggi has been promoted to Hotel Manager at Rosewood London in Holborn.
Bringing over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Selvaggi began his career in the rooms division at Four Seasons Boston and went on to hold senior roles at the brand’s properties in Geneva, Doha, Prague, and London.
He also served as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Florence before returning to London in November 2021 to join Rosewood London as Director of Rooms. In 2024, he led the property to achieve its highest upselling revenue since its opening in 2013.
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Bringing over 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Selvaggi began his career in the rooms division at Four Seasons Boston and went on to hold senior roles at the brand’s properties in Geneva, Doha, Prague, and London.
He also served as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Florence before returning to London in November 2021 to join Rosewood London as Director of Rooms. In 2024, he led the property to achieve its highest upselling revenue since its opening in 2013.
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16/Jun/2025 08:43
Spanish hospitality operator launches first UK location in London
Líbere Hospitality Group, a Spanish operator specialising in alternative short - and medium-term accommodations, has launched a new 44-bedroom property as part of its ambitious expansion strategy.
LHG, which currently operates in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, is now expanding into the UK for the first time with the launch of the Líbere London Edgware Road hotel.
The hotel, situated in Paddington, occupies a fully refurbished Victorian building. It offers 44 bedrooms and includes a Coffee Island café on the ground floor.
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LHG, which currently operates in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, is now expanding into the UK for the first time with the launch of the Líbere London Edgware Road hotel.
The hotel, situated in Paddington, occupies a fully refurbished Victorian building. It offers 44 bedrooms and includes a Coffee Island café on the ground floor.
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13/Jun/2025 13:35