Today’s news in brief – 6/8/24
Whitbread PLC has inaugurated a new Premier Inn at Paddington Station, London, featuring 369 rooms combining Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. This hotel, located near the Elizabeth Line and Paddington train station, marks the culmination of Whitbread’s expansion in the Paddington area, adding over 1,000 rooms across four hotels. The development involved converting an outdated office building into a modern hotel. The five-story structure includes ground floor reception and restaurant spaces, with compact rooms featuring advanced lighting technology mimicking daylight. Whitbread recruited 80 new team members through local JobCentre Plus partnerships and collaborated with ActionFunder for community engagement, raising funds and volunteering for local charities. ActionFunder co-founder Mark Shearer praised Whitbread’s commitment to local impact.
The Ibis York Centre, owned by Splendid Hospitality Group, is undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment to become Ibis Styles York Centre. The Grade II listed building from 1835, closed since May, will reopen in early 2025. The refurbishment, designed by Axiom Architects and Mathews Mee interior designers, includes updated rooms, public areas, a new bar and restaurant, and an extension adding 16 rooms, bringing the total to 110. New family suites and a kids’ play area will also be introduced. Andrew Kendrick, managing director of Splendid Hospitality Group, highlighted the investment as a testament to York’s thriving tourism and looks forward to reopening the re-imagined property.
IHG Hotels and Resorts reported a 4% increase in revenues to $2.3bn (£1.8bn) for the first half of 2024, driven by strong performance in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Despite a 10% drop in operating profits to $525m (£413m), profits excluding franchise payments rose by 12%, surpassing expectations. CEO Elie Maalouf emphasised the company’s strategic progress, celebrating 126 hotel openings and a record 384 property signings, including significant growth in Germany through the NOVUM Hospitality agreement. IHG aims to strengthen its enterprise, enhance brand loyalty, and expand its hotel technology and ancillary fee streams.
Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa in Devon has joined the Pride of Britain Hotels (PoB), reflecting its recent enhancements including the Gaia Spa and Michelin-starred restaurant, Àclèaf. The hotel, known as the “enchanted place on the hill,” blends Elizabethan architecture with modern elegance, offering 55 rooms and suites. Recent investments introduced wellness suites and enhanced dining options. Kalindi Juneja, CEO of PoB Hotels, praised Boringdon Hall’s commitment to high standards and guest experiences. Managing director Laura Cameron expressed pride in joining PoB Hotels and anticipated broader recognition and continued guest satisfaction through this partnership.
