Today’s news in brief – 3/10/24
The Michelin Guide has introduced its hotel Key distinctions in the UK and Ireland, marking a significant update in its 2024 selection. A total of 14 hotels received the prestigious Three Key recognition, including The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland and Adare Manor in Ireland. London has the highest concentration, with 8 of the Three Key hotels located in the city, including iconic venues like The Savoy and Claridge’s. The Michelin Guide also awarded 37 hotels with Two Keys and 72 with One Key. These distinctions highlight excellence in architecture, service, and guest experience, showcasing properties that enhance the travel experience through unique features and settings.
Whitbread has secured planning permission to develop a major hotel on 5 Strand in central London, which will become one of the city’s largest budget hotels. The 693-bedroom hotel will operate under the “hub by Premier Inn” brand and span 13 stories. Whitbread, investing over £200m, plans to recruit 150 staff locally. This development reflects Whitbread’s strategy to expand its presence in high-demand London locations, focusing on offering affordable accommodation in central areas.
A new hotel-led development, Bavaria House, near Liverpool Street station, is on the market for over £75m. This mixed-use tower, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox architects, includes a 416-key hotel and 88,000 sq ft of office space, along with amenities like a gym and spa. With UK hotel investment activity rising sharply, year-end volumes are forecasted to reach £5bn, aligning with pre-pandemic levels. This reflects a strong recovery in the hotel sector.
SpaceInvader has completed the interior design for the first European Four Points Express by Sheraton in Euston, London. Following a £50 million investment, the 211-room hotel caters to value-conscious travellers, offering a blend of modern design and nature-inspired elements. Located in the former County Hotel, the property focuses on providing a seamless, reliable experience. The new brand by Marriott International addresses the growing demand for affordable yet high-quality accommodation, as part of the company’s broader expansion into midscale markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
