Colliers calls hotel trade to hit back over Airbnb ’ s ‘ unlevel playing field ’
Mandarin Oriental expects ‘ partial reopening ’ after hotel blaze
Loganair and Macdonald Hotels and Resorts announce partnership
MONTH IN REVIEW
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AIRBNB
Colliers calls hotel trade to hit back over Airbnb ’ s ‘ unlevel playing field ’
The latest research concerning the rise of Airbnb “ must galvanise traditional hoteliers to fight back against the unfair advantage ” whereby the new “ disruptors ” do not pay business rates according to Colliers International .
Recent figures from Colliers International and Hotelschool in The Hague have shown that nights booked with Airbnb in London rose by 45 % in 2017 . This amounts to 6.7 million overnight stays , compared with 4.62 million in 2016 and just over 2 million in 2015 . By contrast hotel stays only grew 4.6 % ( 91 million ).
Colliers said the rise in volume of Airbnb lettings should therefore be seen as a “ material change ” to the hotel industry and hotel owners in areas where Airbnb has a strong presence , who should use this factor to appeal their business rates valuations .
The Valuation Office Agency , which undertakes business rates appeals , normally looks favourably on businesses that can show a “ material change in their circumstances ” and by definition Colliers believes hotels in areas where Airbnb is strong and growing should be included in this policy .
Colliers also found that in 2017 , around 62 % of Airbnb listings were offered by hosts with more than one listing , up from 54 % the year before and 48 % in 2015 . Over 45 % of units in London were provided by multilisters and the percentage of landlords with more than 10 properties listed in London rose to 23 %, an increase of 8.4 % since the previous year .
HOTEL FIRES
Mandarin Oriental expects ‘ partial reopening ’ after hotel blaze
The Mandarin Oriental hotel by Hyde Park is anticipating a partial re-opening of the property in the fourth quarter of the year .
Following a fire which broke out on 6 June 2018 the hotel currently remains closed , but the group said the fire damage had mainly been confined to the exterior courtyard of the property with limited impact on the interiors .
A statement made on the website read : “ Repairs are well underway and we anticipate a partial re-opening in the fourth quarter of the year . We will continue to provide updates on a regular basis .”
The fire is thought to have been caused by arc welding landing on the felt lining of a planting facade , which caused damage to the roof and plant machinery on the roof .
Pam Oparaocha , the station manager who was at the scene , said at the time : “ The smoke from this large fire was very visible across central London and we received a number of emergency calls .
“ Firefighters worked extremely hard in exceptionally hot conditions to bring the fire under control . Crews wearing breathing apparatus carried out search and rescue operations throughout the inside of the building .”
The property recently completed the most extensive restoration in its 115- year history . As part of the renovation , the five-star hotel ’ s façade was revitalised , and designer Joyce Wang had transformed the lobby lounge and reception area .
PARTNERSHIPS
Loganair and Macdonald Hotels and Resorts announce partnership
Scottish companies Loganair and Macdonald Hotels and Resorts have partnered to provide benefits for customers .
Scotland ’ s airline Loganair announced the partnership with the brand ’ s famous bear couple Logie and Lotti appearing at the four-star Macdonald Holyrood Hotel , where the two teddies tried the beds , went for lunch and exercised in the gym at the Edinburgh-based hotel .
Loganair commercial director Kay Ryan said the two companies shared a passion to be the best in their industries and “ to give exemplary service to their customers ”.
He added : “ They have hotels in many of our key locations and destinations , and we know our customers will be delighted with this great inaugural offer of 10 % discount in Macdonald Hotels & Resorts for all customers , with an even better 15 % off for the 30,000 members of our Clan Loganair frequent flyer programme .
“ We believe this will be the first of many schemes to the mutual benefit of our businesses and our customers , which can be accessed via our website .”
Lyn Macdonald , group marketing director at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts , said : “ By teaming up with Scotland ’ s original airline , we are able to introduce the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts ’ brand to a whole new audience , while offering exclusive benefits to thousands of Loganair customers .
“ With 48 Macdonald hotels and resorts across the UK , there is so much for people to explore , from the peaceful Scottish Highlands , to bustling city centres such as Manchester and we are excited to be a part of the journey .”
14 www . hotelowner . co . uk August 2018