Today’s news in brief – 14/4/25
The Social Hub Glasgow has launched its new premium Signature Rooms, marking the second location in the group’s European portfolio to offer the upgraded category. Each room includes a lounge area, bespoke furnishings, and luxury amenities. The launch coincides with the venue’s first anniversary, celebrating over 76,000 room nights and more than 2,300 events. The coworking space has reached full capacity, with future developments including a rooftop bar and expanded partnerships with festivals and local organisations. Located within the £90m regeneration of Candleriggs Square, the venue includes hotel, student, and extended-stay accommodation. Founder Charlie MacGregor confirmed that following Glasgow’s success, further UK expansions are planned, with Edinburgh at the top of the list.
The European hotel investment market surged in 2024, reaching €21.9bn (£18.9m) — the highest since 2019 and a 47.6% year-on-year rise, according to Savills. The UK led the market with €6.8bn (£5.7bn) in hotel transactions, accounting for 31.1% of the European total, driven by major deals such as KKR and Baupost’s €1.03bn (£900m) purchase of a Marriott portfolio. Cross-border investments dominated, with US private equity firms contributing €5.9bn (£5.1bn). The report also notes a strong recovery in Germany and significant volume increases in Italy, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Hotel assets are increasingly attractive due to yield stability and robust demand, with Savills predicting continued growth into 2025.
In the UK, Travelodge is expanding its footprint with the acquisition of 11 hotels, including nine former Campanile sites and two independent hotels in Bromsgrove and Wakefield. These additions total nearly 1,100 rooms and support Travelodge’s strategy to diversify its property holdings and pursue rebranding opportunities. The company aims to open over 300 more hotels across the UK and Spain and has already opened a new location in Bromley following refurbishment.
Watergate Bay Hotel has appointed Sara Alexander as general manager to lead its experienced team during a period of expansion. She will focus on operational leadership, particularly across its restaurants and guest experience, as the hotel prepares for the Tregurrian development, which includes new beach lofts and enhanced wellness facilities. Her appointment complements the recent addition of Simon Mahon as COO and Chris Eden as executive head chef, forming a strengthened leadership team for the hotel’s next chapter.
