The owner of the newly opened 91-bedroom Great Northern Hotel in London’s Kings Cross, is considering branding the hotel to a major hotel company and therefore operate the hotel under a franchise agreement.
Jeremy Robson, managing director of asset management company the Ram Group, told the Boutique Hotel Summit in London last week that it is difficult for an independent hotel like the 91-bedroom Great Northern to compete with the major hotel groups on distribution. It will also give him the cash injection needed to refinance the hotel, as well as brining in the huge booking system offered by the unnamed hotel company.
The five-star hotel officially opened in March this year following a three year £40m refurbishment project. Hotel director is Marie Rodonil, while renowned chef Mark Sargeant is overseeing the food and beverage offering at the hotel, which includes the 90-cover Plum & Spilt Milk Restaurant; the GNH bar and takeaway service KIOSK.