InterContinental Hotels Group(IHG) is set to become largest luxury hotel operator in the UK in a deal which will also bring the Kimpton Hotels brand to the UK.
A portfolio of 13 hotels currently operated by Principal Hotels are to be rebranded by InterContinental Hotels Group(IHG).
The move follows the acquisition of Principal Hotels by the French group Foncière des Régions, which in turn has agreed with IHG to operate the properties going forward.
Principal Hotels portfolio comprise 12 hotels with 2200 bedrooms plus one hotel in development with 185 rooms.
This deal will enable IHG to launch its luxury boutique brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, in the UK, in prime locations in major city centres, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
It will act as a catalyst for Kimpton’s growth in Europe.
This agreement will also strengthen IHG’s position in the upscale hotel segment in the UK.
The hotels currently operating under the Principal Hotels and De Vere Hotels brands include:
The Principal London
The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square
The Principal Edinburgh George Street
The Principal Met Hotel (Leeds)
The Principal York
De Vere Oxford Thames
The Grand Birmingham (pipeline)
The Principal Manchester
The Principal Blythswood Square (Glasgow)
The Principal Grand Central (Glasgow)
The Principal St David’s (Cardiff)
The Principal Oxford Spires
De Vere Wotton House