Today’s news in brief – 28/8/24
LaSalle Investment Management has purchased the Motel One London Tower Hill hotel from abrdn for £56m on behalf of a UK client. Located in Tower Hill, central London, the modern hotel features 291 bedrooms and is leased to Motel One, a European hotel operator, under a long-term, inflation-linked agreement. The property boasts strong sustainability credentials, including a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC rating of ‘A’. Sophie Simmonds, managing director at LaSalle, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting the hotel’s quality, location, and sustainable features as key factors that align with their investment strategy.
Travelodge has officially opened a new 73-room hotel in Bermondsey, London, marking its 82nd property in the city. The hotel, located near Tower Bridge and The Shard, features a new premium design, including a revamped reception area and “next-generation” rooms. Sustainability is a key focus, with the hotel achieving an EPC rating of B and incorporating features like LED lighting, PV cells, and biodiversity green roofs. The opening has created 30 new jobs in the area. The hotel also introduces Travelodge’s new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Cafe, offering all-day dining. Travelodge plans further expansions, with additional hotels under construction in London.
Hotel Du Vin has reached the halfway point of its £9m initiative to revamp all bedrooms across its portfolio. The project, which began four years ago, has seen the renovation of 10 properties and 465 bedrooms, including a recent £900,000 refurbishment at Hotel du Vin York. The redesigns incorporate upcycled furniture and new pieces, reflecting the brand’s commitment to preserving the historic charm of its buildings. Upcoming renovations are planned for the old Sugar House in Bristol and Cannizaro House in Wimbledon. Scott Harper, COO, emphasised that these improvements aim to enhance the guest experience and strengthen community ties.
Dukes London in Mayfair has announced the appointments of Ben Chender as assistant sales director and Shene Karim as marketing manager. Chender, with a background in prestigious hotels like the Marriott Park Lane, brings extensive sales experience with high-end clientele. Karim, who has previously worked at Casa Cook Hotels and the creative agency Innocean, will lead marketing strategies that emphasise the hotel’s history and services. Commercial director Dermot Herlihy highlighted the duo’s expertise and innovative approaches as key to enhancing Dukes London’s competitive position in the luxury hospitality market.
