Today’s news in brief – 10/1/24
Focus Hotels Management has recently acquired the management contract for the Polo Club Hotel, situated within the 200-acre Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire. This strategic move aligns with Focus Hotels’ ongoing expansion in the upscale hospitality sector. Set to open its doors in 2024, the Polo Club Hotel will be the latest addition to the Focus Hotel Collection, a group managed by Focus Hotels Management. The hotel’s role is pivotal in the broader strategy of the Dallas Burston Polo Club, contributing to its expansion and enhancement plans. With a focus on providing a sophisticated retreat, the hotel will be closely linked to the club’s sports and events facilities, including polo grounds, an equestrian arena, a gastropub, and the IXL Events Centre.
Hilton has unveiled its new extended-stay aparthotel concept, LivSmart Studios, designed for guests with stays lasting 20 nights or more. The first LivSmart hotel, located in Kokomo, Indiana, is scheduled to open in late summer 2024 with 137 rooms. Hilton’s move into the long-stay market reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of travellers. Chris Silcock, president of global brands and commercial services at Hilton, expressed excitement about serving the long-stay guest with LivSmart Studios, highlighting Hilton’s history of brand innovation catering to various guest preferences.
In response to the Welsh government’s plans for regulating short-term lets, UKH Cymru has expressed support for bringing these accommodations up to appropriate health and safety standards. The government’s proposal involves implementing a registration scheme followed by a licensing scheme. UKH endorses the licensing scheme but emphasises the importance of avoiding additional red tape or costs for well-established businesses like hotels and holiday parks. The move is seen as a positive step toward ensuring consumer safety, benefiting hospitality businesses and contributing to the overall improvement of Welsh tourism.
The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that the Twickenham Stadium hotel will undergo a transition, with Aimbridge Hospitality taking over operations and rebranding it as a Radisson Red property. The competitive tender process, assisted by CBRE Group Inc., led to Aimbridge Hospitality securing the operator role from April 1, 2024. The hotel will remain operational during the rebranding process, showcasing Aimbridge Hospitality’s management capabilities. Radisson Red’s unique focus on art, music, fashion, and design aligns with the creative traveller’s mindset, contributing to the growth of Radisson Hotel Group’s brand portfolio in the UK.
