Today’s news in brief – 30/4/25
Hotel Indigo Cardiff has been put up for sale with an asking price of £5m. The 122-bedroom boutique hotel, part of the IHG brand, is located in a central Cardiff site and features themed rooms reflecting Welsh culture. Housed in the historic Dominions House, the hotel includes a rooftop bar, a 90-cover restaurant, and a coffee house. Property firm Colliers is managing the sale, highlighting the opportunity for investors to acquire a well-located, branded asset in a vibrant market.
PPHE Hotel Group reported stable Q1 revenues of £77.6m, up slightly by 0.7%, though like-for-like sales declined 5.6% due to leap year comparison and Easter falling in Q2. Average room rates dropped 3.6%, contributing to a RevPAR decline of 3.5%. Despite this, occupancy remained steady, and new hotels like Art’otel London Hoxton performed well. The company remains optimistic, with strong forward bookings and a focus on cost control amid ongoing economic uncertainty, aiming for another record year of revenue and profit in 2025.
Newcastle City Council has acquired the Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter after it went into administration in March 2025. The IHG-branded hotel, which opened in 2015, remains operational with all 135 staff retained. Despite strong trading performance, market conditions affected its valuation, preventing a solvent solution. The council has taken over ownership via Crossco (1467) Limited, aiming to secure the hotel’s future while ensuring continuity for staff and guests.
Rockliffe Hall, a five-star resort in the North East, has begun a major renovation project aimed at transforming it into a leading gastronomic destination. Plans include a new 36-cover standalone restaurant designed by culinary director James Close, and restoration of the Grade II-listed Old Hall. The revamp will enhance guest rooms and public areas, with a focus on celebrating local heritage and providing a high-end culinary experience. Completion is set for mid-2026, with the goal of raising the resort’s international appeal.
