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RBH secures management contract of Radisson Hotel Liverpool

RBH secures management contract of Radisson Hotel Liverpool

Marcliffe Hotel unveils £1.1m refurb

Marcliffe Hotel unveils £1.1m refurb

Safestay offloads Glasgow hostel for £5.1m

Safestay offloads Glasgow hostel for £5.1m

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Home > Latest News > Property > Marcliffe Hotel unveils £1.1m refurb
Marcliffe Hotel unveils £1.1m refurb

Marcliffe Hotel unveils £1.1m refurb

The city’s only five-star property has upgraded 13 rooms and suites, marking the latest phase of a multi-year transitional investment strategy

In this episode we speak to Philip Lassman, managing director UK&I at Numa. Philip spoke about the lessons learned from his time at Hilton, IHG and Accor, and how his early roles have shaped his leadership approach, the rise of aparthotels and why guests are increasingly seeking flexible and locally connected stays, how Native by Numa sites root themselves in their local neighbourhoods, and Philip’s plans for growing the Numa brand.

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The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen has completed a £1.1m refurbishment across its collection of suites and superior rooms. 

The investment has transformed 13 guestrooms in total, all individually styled around a local heritage theme and named after “iconic” castles in the North East of Scotland.

The redesign integrates a “couthie” aesthetic inspired by the “calming” tones of the Scottish landscape, utilising “soft” greens, “warm” blues, and bespoke Balmoral tartan. 

To capture a growing demographic of family travellers, the project also introduced two new Superior Family Rooms, which feature custom-built children’s cabin beds with individual wall-mounted TVs, alongside spacious king-sized parent lounges.

The asset management programme is delivering immediate commercial results under the hotel’s new leadership.

Jordan Charles, managing director, who joined the business in March 2026 after a successful tenure at Meldrum House, noted that the initial rooms released at the end of last year, including the Balmoral Suite, generated immediate occupancy and a “very strong” average daily rate (ADR).

The room upgrades follow a transformative period for the luxury estate, which was acquired by Sir Jim Milne’s Balmoral Group in 2024 after 45 years of family ownership, subsequently securing a prestigious AA five-star rating in 2025.

Earlier this year, the hotel launched its Skylark Brasserie following a separate £5.5m expenditure, which included the installation of a high-specification commercial kitchen.

Looking ahead, Charles is directing the integration of Woodbank, a neighbouring 14-acre estate formerly owned by Shell. 

A multi-million-pound developmental pipeline has been earmarked for the site to significantly expand the Marcliffe’s physical bedroom capacity and establish comprehensive, luxury health and leisure facilities.

Jordan Charles, managing director of the Marcliffe, said: “Marcliffe is going through a multi-year transitional investment programme which began last year and is already delivering tangible results, with an ambitious growth strategy to follow. 

“This latest renovation marks an exciting chapter for the hotel. With six Superior rooms, two Superior Family rooms and two more Suites now complete, we very much look forward to a busy season ahead.”

Previous investments at Marcliffe Hotel

In Context

In June 2024, the Marcliffe Hotel was acquired by the Balmoral Group, prompting plans for a significant refurbishment aimed at modernising its systems and guest experience while preserving the hotel’s heritage. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the hotel, which had been in family ownership for 45 years.

By October 2024, the hotel announced a multi-million-pound upgrade aimed at enhancing facilities and guest satisfaction, responding to feedback from a recent survey. The investment was seen as crucial for maintaining Marcliffe’s status in the competitive hospitality market of Aberdeen.

In February 2025, the hotel revealed further plans for renovations that included a new dining space as part of an extensive upgrade strategy. This project, detailed in a major investment announcement, aims to significantly expand the guest offerings and modernise the luxury experience provided at Marcliffe.

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