Today’s news in brief – 8/5/25
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) saw a 3.3% increase in global RevPAR in Q1 2025, supported by gains across business, leisure, and group travel. Regional highlights include a 3.5% rise in the Americas and a 5.5% lift in EMEAA, with Continental Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia leading growth. China’s RevPAR, however, declined by 3.5%. The group signed 158 hotels (25.8k rooms), including the Ruby brand acquisition, marking a 9.4% pipeline increase year-on-year. CEO Elie Maalouf cited strong demand for conversions to IHG brands and expressed confidence in meeting full-year profit expectations despite economic headwinds.
The Cardiff Hotel in Paddington has been listed for £17.5m. The Grade II-listed property features 63 rooms across three adjoining period buildings, located two minutes from London Paddington station. Although not currently trading, the hotel is in good condition and fully fitted, requiring minimal work to reopen. Colliers, managing the sale, highlighted its prime location for both leisure and business use and its strong potential for rebranding or international investment.
Bankside Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, has appointed Floris Kouijzer as general manager. He joins from Lore Group with over a decade of experience and will oversee hotel operations and profitability. His appointment follows Philip Steiner’s promotion to COO of Cycas Hospitality. Kouijzer aims to build on the hotel’s creative and community-focused ethos, while Steiner praised his alignment with the company’s guest-focused values.
Capilon Hotels Group is set to relaunch The Edwin Hotel in Earls Court following a £13m co-loan from OakNorth and ASK Partners. The former Mayflower Hotel is undergoing a full renovation, expanding from 47 to 60 rooms and adding a larger reception area. The hotel is just minutes from Earls Court station. Capilon, known for its value-focused approach, has developed 11 London hotels to date and is confident this project will meet high expectations. OakNorth expressed strong confidence in Capilon’s proven development strategy and the continued strength of London’s hotel market.
