Today’s news in brief – 31/5/24
The Stafford London has made its Park Suite terrace available for private hire, responding to rising demand for alfresco private dining options as summer approaches. The hotel, part of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Legend Collection, emphasises luxury with traditional and unique London experiences. The terrace offers views from St James’s to the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. It is ideal for drinks and canapé receptions for up to 20 people or private dinners for up to six guests. Preferred Hotels and Resorts boasts over 550 locations globally.
The Georgian House Hotel in Pimlico has introduced Chinnery House, a series of new city-centre self-catered apartments, just in time for summer 2024. Chinnery House, part of the Your Place collection, currently offers three apartments for 2-4 people, with two more expected by Q1 2025. The family-run team oversaw the restoration, featuring Scandi-Victorian interiors designed by Gabe von der Heyde. The apartments, combining flexibility and privacy with concierge services, feature earthy tones, wooden floors, high ceilings, and original windows. Breakfast delivery and room service via the Papyon App are available, offering cuisine from local businesses.
Capilon Hotel Group has acquired a vacant Grade II listed hotel in Paddington, planning to refurbish it into an 80-room boutique upper upscale hotel. Partnering with Singapore-based Prima, Capilon secured a £19.5m co-loan from OakNorth and ASK Partners for the project. Capilon, which operates 11 hotels in London, aims to provide value for money with essential services. The new site, near Hyde Park, will cater to business and leisure visitors. Prima’s CEO, Ben Hall, highlighted the strategic acquisition as a focus on the resilient London hotel market, offering investors a unique opportunity through a Singapore VCC investment structure.
Private equity firm Blackstone has reportedly entered a £850m auction to purchase the mid-market hotel chain Village Hotels, competing with US-based investment firm Sixth Street. The auction, managed by Morgan Stanley, comes after a bid by Aermont, owner of Pinewood Studios. Village Hotels, founded in 1995 and owned by KSL Capital Partners since 2014, has over 30 properties across the UK, featuring pub-style restaurants and gyms. KSL, which acquired the chain for £485m from De Vere Group, seeks bids of at least £850m. Both Blackstone and Sixth Street have been contacted for comments on their bids.
