What does Cheltenham think about the new owner of its most iconic hotel?
The new owner of one of Cheltenham’s most iconic buildings, The Queen’s Hotel, has revealed itself. Two of the town’s most influential business groups tell us what they think of the news.
Dear readers,
Welcome to Thursday’s story. Just a quick one (did I hear you say ‘phew!’?) - and we’ve kept the paywall off today, partly because we expect a version of this news to go everywhere.
Saying that it’s doubtful anyone else will have also spoken to those who live in the town to ask what they think. Which, after all, is what matters, and is what Raikes is here for: to do some journalism, to give the town a voice. So, that’s what we’ve done, albeit briefly.
You’ll see some of what was said to us below, and there is little reason at this stage to present the story as anything but a positive.
But for those who care about such things, and there are many, some anxiety remains about just what the future holds for a landmark building.
One of the downsides to revealing your news bite-size on social media, I might suggest, rather than speaking to a journalist.
You’ll see what we’re getting at if you read the article. I would be interested to know your thoughts (my email is below), as ever.
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Best regards,
Andrew.
Andrew Merrell (editor).
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What does Cheltenham think about the new owner of its most iconic hotel?
The new owner of one of Cheltenham’s most iconic buildings, The Queen’s Hotel, has revealed itself. Two of the town’s most influential business groups tell us what they think of the news.
By Andrew Merrell.
After more than eight months of waiting we now know the name of the new owner of what is possibly Cheltenham’s most iconic buildings - The Queen’s Hotel.
The Raikes Journal broke the news it had gone on sale at the very end of October last year, and since then the future of the hotel that overlooks Imperial Gardens has been up in the air.
But now the new owner of the Grade II listed, four-star, 84-bedroom building, once declared ‘one of the noblest buildings in Europe’, has revealed themselves on LinkedIn.
KE Hotels, a small but fast-expanding group, took to the social media channel to announce its news.
And Raikes duly went to Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and Cheltenham BID, which represents businesses in the town centre, to ask what they thought.
Lindsey Holland, of Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is great to see a new owner step forward to take on the hotel. It is the backdrop to so many of our visitor photos and it is an important part of the story of Cheltenham.
“It is good to see investment coming into the town centre and into what is such an important part of the town’s economy.”
She added: “We probably have just under 900 or so official rooms on offer in the town for visitors, but when you think we have a racecourse that can host 40,000 people and a conference centre, it suddenly puts in perspective the demand.”
Alex Rose, from the powerful business group Cheltenham BID, said: “We’re delighted that KE Hotels has chosen to invest in such an iconic Cheltenham landmark.
“Their strong track record in hospitality and commitment to guest experience align perfectly with our vision for a vibrant, resident and visitor-focused town centre.
“We look forward to them welcoming more guests and celebrating this next chapter for The Queens Hotel.”
In its social media statement the new owners said: “We’re thrilled to share that KE Hotels has acquired The Queens Hotel Cheltenham, expanding our UK portfolio to eight properties – five owned and three under HMA.”
Anil Khanna, KE Hotel’s managing director, said: “The Queens Hotel Cheltenham is a natural addition to our growing portfolio of distinctive, strategically located properties.
“We’re proud of the momentum we’ve built and the incredible team driving our vision forward.”
That “momentum” includes last year’s purchase of three Hampton by Hilton hotels, announced in December last year, and the growing group’s recent planning permission to expand its Holiday Inn hotel at Luton Airport from 124 to 213 rooms.
Josh Watts, chief operating officer for KE Hotels, said: “To own a hotel of such historic standing in one of the UK’s most iconic spa towns is a real privilege.
“We look forward to working with the on-site team to build on its legacy and deliver an exceptional guest experience.”
Elsewhere the jury remains finally balanced on the deal. While there is near unanimous approval for a new owner, some are apprehensive about what will happen to the flagship hotel under the ownership of a group synonymous with the Hampton by Hilton and Holiday Inn brands.
Raikes has tried reaching the group for more detail about its plans, any impact on jobs, the scale of investment, and how it might brand and position its new business, but is yet to hear back.
So in the interests of at least some kind of balance, hotels by both Hampton by Hilton and Holiday Inn do achieve four-star status, which is The Queen’s current ranking.
Watch this space.