Today’s news in brief – 25/3/25
The Resolution Hotel in Whitby, North Yorkshire, is on the market for £3.2m. The Grade II listed property has 38 bedrooms, including 10 suites, and has undergone significant refurbishment. It houses The Vault, a 50-cover bar and restaurant open to the public. Located in Whitby’s town centre near the harbour, the hotel benefits from the town’s historic appeal, linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Captain James Cook. Mark Worley of Christie and Co, managing the sale, highlights the hotel’s strong performance following investment, making it an attractive opportunity for potential buyers.
Hospitality Action, marking five years since its first covid grant, reports that 2024 has been its most challenging year. Rising debt, cost-of-living pressures, and unstable employment have led to a surge in grant applications, with many workers facing homelessness. The charity has increased emergency payments and partnered with organisations like PayPlan and Shelter for financial and housing support. A new Benefits Advisor has helped unlock over £194,000 in unclaimed state benefits. The charity’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) now supports 195,000 workers across nearly 500 businesses, with a 25% rise in calls related to stress, anxiety, and finances. Their industry survey found that 76% of hospitality workers have faced mental health struggles, and key concerns for the next year include work-life balance, mental health, and financial stability. Hospitality Action’s fundraising events raised over £750,000 to support these efforts.
Turas Hotels has acquired the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore, Scottish Highlands, for an undisclosed sum. The 32-bedroom Victorian-style hotel is known for its food, drink, and entertainment and is located near the train station. Previous owners WKW Partnerships Limited sought a buyer who shared their hospitality values. Turas Hotels, formerly J and R Group, owns several other properties in Scotland, including the Boat Country Inn in Boat of Garten. Co-directors Richard Drummond and Jon Erasmus see the acquisition as a perfect fit for their portfolio, strengthening their presence in the Highlands.
Latimer House Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, has been sold to Thomas Mao. The seven-bedroom property was listed for £925,000 and features electronic entry systems for remote operation. The new owner, Mao, plans to maintain and enhance the hotel’s high standards and welcomes visitors to the Lake District. The former owner, Christine Kirch, expressed confidence in the transition, thanking Christie and Co and legal professionals for facilitating the sale.
