Today’s news in brief – 3/6/24
Premier Inn, part of Whitbread, is increasing its room capacity in Ireland by 30% due to high demand and a shortage of branded hotel rooms. The company has set a new target of 5,000 rooms in Ireland, with plans for more locations in Dublin City Centre, outer Dublin, and eleven other towns and cities. This expansion is part of Whitbread’s broader strategy to reach 125,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. Premier Inn first entered the Irish market in 2018 and now operates six hotels in Dublin and Cork, employing over 200 people. The company’s growth strategy is based on strong performance of its existing hotels and a positive outlook for future hotel demand in Ireland. Target locations include Heuston and Connolly stations, South Docklands, and Dublin 2. Outside Dublin, Premier Inn aims to establish hotels in areas with robust business and tourism economies like Killarney, Kilkenny, Cork, and Galway. Whitbread predicts a rise in hotel demand in Ireland, driven by economic growth and increased international visitors.
The Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair has appointed Stuart Procter as its new CEO following a significant refurbishment. Procter brings over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry and is known for his commitment to service excellence. His new role includes enhancing customer satisfaction and overseeing various social responsibility initiatives. Procter is also active in charity work, serving as vice president of Debra UK and working with Hospitality Action to mentor young people in hospitality. Richard Faber, director of Beaumont Hotel Properties, praised Procter’s extensive experience and knowledge. Procter expressed excitement about working in Mayfair, a lifelong dream, and aims to elevate The Beaumont’s service standards and culinary offerings.
Whitbread has submitted plans for a new Premier Inn in Dorchester, following a positive public consultation. The proposal involves demolishing an existing disused building and replacing it with a purpose-built hotel, adhering to Premier Inn’s latest design and sustainability standards. If approved, the project will involve a £10m investment and create over 50 jobs. Louise Woodruff, property acquisitions manager at Whitbread, highlighted the community’s support for the redevelopment and expressed optimism about the project’s approval and subsequent benefits for the local economy.
The historic Chichester Hotel in Rawreth, Essex, has new tenants following a competitive bidding process. The 36-room hotel, which includes a bar, restaurant, and event spaces, had been closed after previous lessees vacated. The sale, brokered by Simon Jackaman of Christie and Co, attracted significant interest, resulting in a final offer well above the £1.6m guide price. The new tenants, an existing hotel group, plan to quickly reopen and integrate the hotel into their portfolio. Jackaman emphasised the strong market demand for well-located hotel properties in Essex and East Anglia.
