Today’s news in brief – 3/4/25
The Vine Hotel in Skegness, dating back to 1770 and considered the oldest property in the area, is on the market for £1.7m. This historic hotel, with 25 ensuite bedrooms, a restaurant, two bars, and event spaces, sits on 3 acres of land. It also has planning permission for an additional 20 bedrooms. The property is tied to poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, who is said to have written much of his work at the hotel. The current owners have invested significantly in the property, creating a popular venue with positive reviews.
Soho House reported a 7% increase in total revenues for the year ending December 2024, reaching $1.2bn (£910m). Membership revenues saw a notable rise of 17.2%, reaching $418m (£316m). The company also reported a 5.4% revenue increase in Q4, with membership revenues growing 15.6%. Other revenues were boosted by strong growth in Soho Home. Despite some decreases in in-house revenues and Q4 challenges, Soho House’s adjusted EBITDA rose 14.1% to $131.9m (£100m). The company’s CEO, Andrew Carnie, praised their focus on operational excellence and member experience, highlighting the opening of new locations in Brazil and North America.
In Wales, a new visitor levy policy exempting under-18s from paying the levy in hostels, campsites, and outdoor centers was announced by finance secretary Mark Drakeford. However, the levy still applies to hotel and B&B stays, which UKHospitality Cymru has criticized. The trade body argues that this partial exemption creates a two-tier system, discouraging families, particularly those with young children, from visiting Wales. They call for a complete exemption for under-18s, as the additional costs could deter family holidays.
Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has expanded its portfolio by adding nine new properties and over 1,000 guestrooms in 2025. The properties include hotels from the Danish real estate group ProArk, Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport, and Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in Leeds. These additions bring a range of accommodations to cater to both leisure and business travelers, with properties offering amenities such as restaurants, fitness centers, and meeting spaces. Aimbridge continues to grow, with a focus on creating exceptional guest experiences and strengthening partnerships with hotel owners.
