Today’s news in brief – 16/1/24
Malmaison, the lifestyle hotel brand, is set to open Malmaison Manchester Deansgate on February 1, 2024. The 4-star property, located near Deansgate thoroughfare, will feature 70 rooms and suites with views of Albert Square. Inspired by Manchester’s industrial heritage and artistic contributions, the hotel’s interiors blend retro designs from the 60s and 70s with nods to the building’s brutalist façade. The signature restaurant, Malmaison Bar and Grill, will offer a fusion grill menu, while the rooftop bar and restaurant, Sora, will provide a Pan-Asian fusion experience. Jonathan Livesey, Group Development Director, emphasises the unique design reflecting Manchester’s essence.
Whatley Manor Hotel has announced its status as the first Climate Positive hotel and spa in the UK. Over five years, the hotel focused on sustainability, achieving EarthCheck Silver Certification in 2022. To further offset emissions, it joined the NOW Climate Positive Programme, investing in a Cookstove Project in Kenya and purchasing carbon credits. The outgoing general manager, Sue Williams, played a key role in spearheading the sustainability initiatives. Hotel owner Christian Landolt expresses the commitment to ongoing climate-positive efforts, aligning with the hotel’s dedication to luxury without compromising the environment.
Graham and Sibbald’s hotel and leisure division has listed Friars Wynd Hotel in Stirling for offers of £50k for the ingoing premium and £45k for annual rent. The fully-renovated Victorian townhouse offers 10 bedrooms and a thriving food and beverage business. Positioned at the foot of the castle hill, the hotel presents an opportunity for the right tenant to run a character-filled establishment in the popular tourist area. Peter Seymour, a director at Graham and Sibbald, highlights the hotel’s blending of traditional and modern features, making it an attractive prospect for potential buyers.
Accor, the hospitality group, has appointed Silvia de Candia as the director of media relations and PR for Northern Europe. Based in London, she will oversee the positioning of Accor and its Premium, Midscale, and Economy division across 30 countries. With over a decade of PR and communications experience, de Candia joins from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. The appointment is part of Accor’s 2022 restructuring, focusing on distinctive expertise within the Premium, Midscale, and Economy division, housing brands like Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis. Silvia de Candia takes over from Sarah Wilson, who remains with Accor as VP, Global Commercial Communications.
