Hotel Owner September 2018 | Page 10

MONTH IN REVIEW MONTH IN REVIEW www.hotelowner.co.uk HOTEL OPENINGS NPD opens 32 room mansion Caer Rhun Hall Northern Powerhouse Developments (NPD), has announced the opening of its latest property – Caer Rhun Hall, a three-storey, late-Victorian mansion. The luxury accommodation is set in 20 acres of parkland and gardens and is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio of 18 hotels either open or in development. The grade-II listed building was acquired two years ago and has undergone an extensive, multi-million pound refurbishment, creating 32 bedrooms. NPD said the hotel will add further rooms in the grounds, growing to around 80 rooms by the end of 2019. Richard Lewis, CEO of NPD Hotels, said: “Caer Rhun Hall is a magnificent property in a wonderful location in the heart of the Conwy Valley, bordering Snowdonia National Park. “Our sympathetic refurbishment has created a venue which will initially operate as luxury accommodation with breakfast, and which will also cater for weddings and events.In the next 18 months we will add a restaurant and spa as we develop Caer Rhun into a manor house with boutique feel – a destination hotel and spa.” In May, NPD announced the acquisition of Grade II listed Monk Fryston Hotel near Selby, boosting its portfolio of Yorkshire properties which also includes the Imperial Crown Hotel in Halifax, the Old Golf House Hotel in Huddersfield and Scarborough’s Esplanade Hotel. 10 www.hotelowner.co.uk 1 2 HOTEL OPENINGS Yotel to open second Glasgow hotel Hotel brand Yotel has announced plans to open its second hotel in Scotland and fifth in the UK. The new property in Glasgow’s city centre will open in November 2019 and bring the brand’s key count in the UK to 823 as part of its European expansion strategy. Located in the city centre location opposite Glasgow’s Central Station, the new hotel will see the Westergate building on Argyle Street transformed into a 256-room hotel, and will feature a destination rooftop bar and bowling alley. CEO Hubert Viriot said: “Glasgow is a forward-looking city that has real vibrancy and energy, bolstered by careful planning and investment initiatives. The city is building on its excellent infrastructure and is shaping up to be a world-class business destination. “These were all important characteristics that helped us choose Glasgow as our next UK location and we’re excited to be part of the positive momentum that is driving growth in the city.” Caer Rhun Hall is a magnificent property in a wonderful location in the heart of the Conwy Valley, bordering Snowdonia National Park Richard Lewis, CEO, NPD Hotels 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 APPOINTMENTS New general manager for landmark Manchester hotel The Midland Jens Hallman has been appointed the position of general manager for the four silver AA star, Midland Hotel in Manchester. An experienced hotelier from Cheshire, Hallman will lead the 500 strong team at the 312-bed hotel, which boasts a luxury spa, two award-winning restaurants, bar and lounge as well as 14 conference and meeting rooms. Hallman joins with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, having started his career in Stockholm. He has worked across some of the UK’s most reputable brands, most recently as cluster general manager for Radisson Blu Glasgow, Park Inn Glasgow and Radisson RED Glasgow. Hallman said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to manage this iconic hotel and work with the fantastic team we have here. The Midland is regarded as one of Manchester’s finest hotels and it has long been my desire to oversee the operation here. “The Midland has a long history of evolving to meet the demands of the modern guest whilst delivering the highest levels of service. My focus is to continue this evolution and ensure an outstanding experience is delivered to all of our guests and visitors.” The hotel is part of the QHotels portfolio and operated by the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, RBH. September 2018