Expansion for Legacy Hotels & Resorts

A general recovery and improved performance in the UK regional hotel sector continues to assist the expansion of one of the UK’s leading hotel management companies as it approaches its tenth birthday.

On behalf of a principal investor, Legacy Hotels & Resorts has acquired the BEST WESTERN PLUS Angel Hotel in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

The company’s acquisition of the 50-bedroom hotel market town property includes the facilities of a private members leisure club, conference and banqueting suites and a bar and restaurant which is one of the town’s key meeting, eating and drinking venues.

Andy Townsend, chief executive officer of Legacy Hotels & Resorts, said the venue – which dates back to 1751 – would for the foreseeable future remain known as the BEST WESTERN PLUS Angel Hotel.

“The hotel was previously owned and operated for the past 20 years by two private hoteliers who have carefully built a solid and respected local business and we are delighted to be the proud new custodians of the property,” he said.

“We see opportunities to carefully build on this successful business which is the leading hotel in the area by retaining its premier local position yet assisting it in expanding its commercial and distribution as part of a larger group.”

The purchase of the Chippenham hotel follows hot-on-the-heels of the acquisition of the BEST WESTERN Chilworth Manor Hotel & Spa in Chilworth, Southampton.

The 95-bedroom hotel, which is located within 12 acres of landscaped gardens and adjoining conservation area, has a purpose-built health club and spa and is now under the guidance of Legacy Hotels & Resorts’ regional general manager John Billane.

Andy said over £200,000 has already been spent on the property’s infrastructure to roll out new IT and telecoms to include a full two-way platform with Guestline and an upgrade to its Wi-Fi which will be one of the best free services in the market place.

“The BEST WESTERN Chilworth Manor is particularly popular among event organisers for its country manor house environment, extensive and versatile conference and banqueting spaces, free car-parking and its standalone leisure club and spa which are all within easy access from key motorway hubs to the area and within easy reach of Southampton city centre,” he said.

“Two sample guestrooms have been completed to show to clients, as we embark on a refurbishment programme which will lead to all 95 bedrooms being upgraded and refurbished before the end of this year.

“We are particularly pleased with the scheme we have developed for our Manor House rooms which embrace the heritage of the property while delivering guests with the facilities and services expected today of a modern hotel offer.”

Simon Stevens, Director at Christie & Co, acted for the sellers in both acquisitions at Chilworth and Chippenham.

Andy said: “This has been a busy period of growth for Legacy Hotels & Resorts because, earlier this year, through Branded Hotel Management we opened the new build 30-bedroom BEST WESTERN PLUS Magnolia Park Hotel as part of the Magnolia Golf & Country Club in Boarstall, Buckinghamshire.

“This is an exciting venture since Magnolia Park is set within a sweeping championship 18-hole course of around 7,000 yards and we believe it’s one of the country’s most challenging and picturesque golf courses.

“It has been a very strong start to 2015 with a number of new build projects on site or in the pipeline as well as us being at advanced stages of acquiring more assets across the UK to include a small portfolio, significant single sites and if all goes to plan a new venture in London.”

Source: incentivetravel.co.uk