Today’s news in brief – 5/2/25
Whitbread has purchased the freehold of 35 Red Lion Square in London from the Royal College of Anaesthetists. The eight-storey, 47,500 sq ft building, formerly the college’s headquarters, will be converted into a 150-room hub by Premier Inn hotel. This move aligns with Whitbread’s plan to expand in London, where it seeks 40 additional locations within the M25. Senior acquisitions manager Jonathan Langdon highlighted the company’s success in office-to-hotel conversions and its commitment to sustainability. Whitbread will work with Camden Council on the redevelopment.
Hilton has signed a franchise agreement with Loughview Leisure Group to open DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square. Located in the Linen Quarter near Belfast City Hall, the hotel will undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment before rebranding. The property includes 131 rooms, multiple dining venues, and conference spaces. This expansion follows Hilton’s recent Northern Ireland signings, including DoubleTree by Hilton Derry-Londonderry. Loughview Leisure Group also recently upgraded its Belfast Templepatrick hotel. Hilton’s Graham Dodd emphasized the move as a milestone in strengthening Belfast’s global appeal.
The Igloo Hybrid Hostel, a budget accommodation in Nottingham, has been listed for sale at £1.5m. Located near Market Square, the hostel offers a mix of private rooms, shared spaces, and Japanese-style sleep pods. Spanning three floors, it has 23 units with a 68-guest capacity and communal areas such as a shared kitchen and lounge. The business, which operates with minimal owner involvement, reported a turnover of £3.28m for 2024. Colliers’ Josh Sullivan highlighted its strong market appeal due to Nottingham’s universities, industries, and cultural scene.
Cheval Collection has appointed Ian James as general manager for Cheval Gloucester Park and Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison in London. James brings extensive hospitality experience from Hilton and Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Cheval, which currently operates nine London locations, is nearing 1,000 units globally and is expanding through management contracts. The group’s growth includes the upcoming Cheval Maison Expo City Dubai and its planned debut in Saudi Arabia with Cheval Ladun Living in Riyadh by 2027. COO John Philipson praised James for his leadership and commitment to excellence.
