The first six months of 2017 has seen the largest opening of guestrooms in the UK since 2012. More than 7,500 rooms have debuted so far this year—a 40-percent increase from last year, according to the Hotel Bulletin Q2 2017, published earlier this month from HVS, AlixPartners, STR, and AM:PM.
The UK saw RevPAR growth in all but two cities. Double-digit growth was reported in markets such as Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and London, and is reflective of travelers continuing to maximize the weaker pound sterling and various high-profile events.
The budget brand Premier Inn continued to expand during the second quarter of this year with two new hotels and its fifth hub by Premier Inn at London’s King’s Cross. Major properties including the Ned, the 252-room concept from Soho House, have arrived, while Hoxton Hotels will introduce its third London outpost in Shepherd’s Bush. A number of designer hotels have also opened in Shoreditch, such as the high-end Curtain Hotel and the Nobu Hotel, a first for London.
“A recognized brand name is less important in London as it’s a strong market. The new, independent hotels emerging like the Hoxton benefit from their association with Soho House for their restaurants and bars; and the Ned benefits from its co-ownership by Soho House,” says HVS London chairman Russell Kett. “This activity confirms that London is still a magnet for high-end global hotel brands and demonstrates that the hotel sector is adapting to customer demand and the need to stay ahead of the game by offering something on-trend and edgy.”
