Hotel Owner May 2018 | Page 16

York Holiday Inn sold for £ 15.3m
AccorHotels to remove plastic straws by June
IHG adds 13 upscale hotels to UK portfolio
MONTH IN REVIEW
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M & A

York Holiday Inn sold for £ 15.3m

Real estate and investment management firm Colony Northstar has purchased a Holiday Inn hotel in York for £ 15.3m .
The purpose-built hotel includes 148 bedrooms and is situated in next to York Racecourse .
The hotel which is operated by Kew Green under a Holiday Inn franchise agreement , has recently undergone a significant refurbishment . Kew Green is a UK-based operator and the principal franchisee of Holiday Inn in Europe .
Marc Nelson , director of CBRE Hotels , said : “ This transaction underpins the positive sentiment among investors in the UK ’ s regional hotel market and the appeal of longterm lease .”
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Together with the recent addition of Regent Hotels & Resorts to our portfolio , we are building real momentum behind our plans to deliver industry-leading net rooms growth
Keith Barr , chief executive officer for IHG
ENVIRONMENT

AccorHotels to remove plastic straws by June

AccorHotels UK and Ireland has pledged to discontinue the use of plastic straws in its restaurants , cafes and bars by June 2018 .
The commitment will initially take effect across the 125 hotels it manages in the UK , with AccorHotels also working with its franchise partners to implement the initiatives as widely as possible across its franchised estate of 113 hotels .
The group is asking its bars , restaurants and cafes to consider their drinks menus and go completely strawfree where possible , ordering alternative paper biodegradable straws sourced by AccorHotels ’ procurement services team where absolutely necessary or specifically requested by guests .
The move comes ahead of a government consultation that will begin later in 2018 and will consider a potential ban on cotton buds , plastic drinking straws and other single-use plastics .
Shane Munro , vice president food and beverage , AccorHotels UK and Ireland , said : “ The recent public attention on the impact of single-use plastic on the environment has clearly demonstrated the importance of this issue and our shared responsibility to minimise its usage .
“ We are constantly looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of our hotels and stopping the use of plastic straws in our cafes , bars and restaurants represents another significant step in this direction .”
STRATEGY

IHG adds 13 upscale hotels to UK portfolio

InterContinental Hotels Group ( IHG ) has announced it is to expand its luxury and upscale estate in the UK by 13 hotels .
IHG has entered into a conditional agreement with Foncière des Régions (‘ FdR ’), to rebrand and operate 12 high quality open hotels and one pipeline hotel ( 185 rooms ) into its portfolio across the UK . This deal will establish IHG as the leading luxury hotel operator in the UK , taking its offering to more than 2,200 rooms .
The hotels will be rebranded under its leading luxury boutique brand , Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants , with hotels located in major city centres , including London , Manchester and Edinburgh .
The agreement forms part of IHG ’ s plans to take the brand global , building on the first signings for Asia and China last year , and is aimed to be a catalyst for Kimpton ’ s growth in Europe .
The brand will offer consumers an “ informal but differentiated experience in the upscale segment , whilst offering owners a strong return on investment ”.
These hotels will provide representation for the brand in IHG ’ s largest market within the Europe , Middle East , Asia & Africa ( EMEAA ) region , where it will initially be launched .
Keith Barr , chief executive officer for IHG , said : “ We are focused on continuing to expand our leadership in luxury and upscale , which are both high-value segments with significant growth potential .
“ Bringing Kimpton to such an important market as the UK is a key part of our plans , as is the introduction of our new upscale brand , which will provide an exciting , differentiated offering to both guests and owners .“
END : THAT ’ S ALL . YOU ARE NOW UP TO DATE
16 www . hotelowner . co . uk May 2018