Today’s news in brief – 4/9/24
Avidity Hotels, a partnership between brothers Daniel and Antony Woodcock and local entrepreneurs from Mulberry Commercial Property, has acquired The Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel in Corby. The hotel, previously troubled by attempts to house asylum seekers and local opposition, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Avidity plans to invest over £3.5m in renovating and modernising the 86-bedroom hotel, with work starting in September 2024 and lasting 12 months. This includes upgrades to public areas, meeting spaces, and a banqueting hall for up to 500 guests. Marie Nickerson, group general manager of Avidity Hotels, expressed excitement about the hotel’s potential and the commitment to exceeding customer expectations. The company also operates the Holiday Inn Express in Kettering.
Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has appointed Beth Ardron as its director of sales and marketing. Ardron brings extensive experience from her previous roles at Klarent Hospitality and various other prestigious hotels. She is eager to contribute to the development of this unique, net-zero carbon hotel, which aims to align with the sustainability goals of corporate clients. The 142-bedroom, four-star hotel, currently under construction, is part of a 75-week program and will be operated by Valor Hospitality. General manager Barnaby Kean praised Ardron’s knowledge of the local market, which he believes will be crucial in establishing the hotel’s reputation among both business and leisure guests.
Highly Recommended Hotels (HRH) has launched a curated collection of 12 privately-owned luxury hotels across the UK. Each hotel in the collection is recognized for its exceptional hospitality, elegant design, and unique local experiences. The collection includes properties such as Plas Dinas in North Wales, No.1 York, No.15 Bath, and Storrs Hall in Cumbria. HRH’s managing director, Jontjë Cunliffe-Lister, emphasised the brand’s focus on guest experience and announced plans to expand into Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of the UK, with a continued emphasis on charming, independent luxury hotels.
Hafan Artro, a boutique-style guest house in Llanbedr, Snowdonia National Park, has been put on the market as the current owners plan to retire. The property features seven double bedrooms, a bar and dining room, and outdoor seating. It also includes a two-bedroom owner’s chalet and office space. The guest house, noted for its loyal customer base and immaculate condition, is considered an attractive opportunity for prospective buyers. Grace Day, the business agent handling the sale, highlighted the property’s exceptional condition and prime location within the national park.
