Today’s news in brief – 22/7/24
The Bloomsbury London Partnership, comprising The Bedford Estates, Imperial London Hotels, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Lazari Investments, and Central District Alliance, will invest over £400m over the next five years. The aim is to attract new businesses and visitors, making Bloomsbury a key destination in London. Planned developments include the refurbishment of the Imperial Hotel, the creation of three new hotels, and various new spaces for living, learning, working, and staying. The partnership will also launch a series of placemaking activities under the Bloomsbury London brand, including a new website to promote the area’s attractions. Simon Elmer of The Bedford Estate highlighted Bloomsbury’s intellectual and cultural significance but expressed concern that many visitors currently pass through without experiencing its full potential.
Hotel Victoria in North Yorkshire has reopened after a six-month, multi-million-pound refurbishment. Acquired by businessman Andrew Long in November 2023, the hotel is part of the Loxley Collection, which also includes properties in Lincoln and Cornwall. The refurbishment retained all staff and enhanced the hotel’s features, including 23 redesigned bedrooms with coastal views and a new accessible suite. Further expansion will add seven more refurbished rooms by the end of 2024. Long emphasised the renovation’s success in preserving the hotel’s historic charm while modernising its elegance and style, inviting guests to experience the revamped facilities.
Hotels in Scotland and Northern Ireland outperformed other UK regions from June 2023 to June 2024, with a 12% year-on-year increase in RevPAR. Edinburgh hotels, in particular, saw significant occupancy and rate growth. Scotland’s recovery in overseas visitors exceeded 2019 levels, boosting hotel business. Notably, Bruce Springsteen’s concert in Belfast and increased flight capacity contributed to Northern Ireland’s strong performance. Demand from the Republic of Ireland also rose, with overnight stays up 45% compared to pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, Wales lagged in tourism recovery, with international visits 11% below 2019 levels. England saw moderate but positive revenue growth, with room rates aligning with inflation.
Warwick Castle has opened a new £16.4m mediaeval-themed hotel within its 64-acre grounds. The hotel, designed to resemble a mediaeval hall, features over 60 rooms inspired by the Wars of the Roses, with historic and thematic decor. This new addition complements the existing accommodations, including Caesar’s Tower Suites, the Knight’s Village Woodland Lodges, and Medieval Glamping options. The hotel aims to offer unique experiences year-round, and a Dragon Slayer live show will be held in late August. General manager Liam Bartlett expressed excitement about the meticulously planned hotel now welcoming guests.
