Harbour Hotels has acquired the Rothay Garden hotel in Grasmere, previously managed by Bespoke Hotels. Now rebranded as Rothay Garden By Harbour Hotels, the property will undergo a non-intrusive refurbishment while continuing normal operations. Situated within two acres of riverside garden, the boutique countryside hotel offers 32 bedrooms and suites with Lakeland views and features a two AA Rosette restaurant, a bar, lounge, and the Riverside Spa. CEO Mike Warren expressed delight at this acquisition, expecting it to be popular with both guests and locals.
Forest Pines Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort has named Jamie McDonald as its new general manager. McDonald, who has 20 years of experience in managing golf-focused properties, previously contributed significantly at The Telford Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. The Forest Pines Hotel includes 188 bedrooms, a health club with spa, a restaurant, lounge bar, events centre, and a 27-hole golf course. McDonald emphasised the importance of team development and is committed to fostering growth within the QHotels Collection, aiming to enhance guest experiences and community engagement.
Caledonian Leisure has purchased the New Southlands Hotel in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The hotel, now part of the Caledonian Hotel Collection, features 58 bedrooms, substantial food and beverage spaces, and its own car park. Known as a popular choice in Scarborough, this acquisition is part of a broader trend of strong demand for hospitality properties in tourist and leisure areas. Mark Worley of Christie and Co highlighted this trend, while David McDonald, Caledonian Leisure’s finance director, expressed delight at adding their fourth hotel in the past year to their portfolio.
InterContinental London Park Lane has appointed Sarah Borges de Sousa as the new director of sales and marketing. With over 24 years of experience in luxury hotels, Borges de Sousa previously held similar roles at top hotels including Nobu Hotel London and South Place Hotel. She will lead strategic sales plans and creative initiatives to enhance the hotel’s performance. Borges de Sousa is excited about her new role and aims to drive growth during the busy holiday season and beyond. General manager Sholto Crawford-Smith welcomed her, anticipating her positive impact on the hotel’s sales strategy and guest experiences.