Today’s news in brief – 14/3/25
Joginder Sanger, a prominent hotelier and philanthropist, passed away in London at 85. Originally from India, he moved to the UK in 1961 and built a successful career in hospitality, establishing renowned hotels like the Washington Mayfair and The Bentley in Kensington. He was instrumental in introducing Hilton’s Doubletree and Waldorf Astoria brands to London. Beyond business, he was deeply involved in philanthropy, notably as chair of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London. Honoured with several awards, including “Asian of the Year,” Sanger was remembered by his son as a dedicated businessman and community leader.
Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has expanded its UK portfolio with the signing of the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport. The 178-room hotel, located at Birmingham International Airport, offers modern amenities and convenient access to the NEC Arena and city centre. This marks Aimbridge’s seventh airport hotel in the UK. The company, an international division of the US-based Aimbridge Hospitality, continues its expansion, having recently added Hampton by Hilton St Helen’s and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Ghent to its portfolio.
The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle has received approval for a major expansion, adding 16 bedrooms, 10 self-contained apartments, and a rooftop bar with sea views. The hotel is also partnering with CoaststeeringNI for adventure packages and Niche Coastal for outdoor sauna experiences. Additionally, it has launched a partnership with Another Place, The Machrie in Scotland, offering golf packages with ferry transfers. As part of its growth, the hotel is enhancing staff benefits, including wages above the national living wage and a £500 summer bonus.
Hilton Garden Inn Dublin has opened its new Irish-American dining destination, Honey Fitz, following a €1.5m (£1.26m) investment. Named after Boston’s first Irish-American mayor, John Francis “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, the restaurant celebrates Irish and American culinary traditions with a locally sourced menu. Highlights include Braised Irish Beef Feather-Blade and Boston-style Clam Chowder. Designed with an art deco aesthetic, the space features a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and Winter Garden. The launch strengthens the hotel’s position in Dublin’s hospitality scene, offering a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.
