Killeavy Castle Estate in South Armagh, Northern Ireland, is to undergo a £10 million restoration that will transform it into a 40-bedroom luxury hotel and spa.

Completion of the work and hotel opening is expected by late 2018.

The Grade A-listed castle will become Killeavy Hotel and Wellness Centre.

In addition to 40 boutique bedrooms, the hotel will also include meeting space both in the castle as well as in a planned permanent marquee adjacent to the castle for special events.

The now derelict former walled garden on the estate will also be restored to contain a café, with nature treks and walks in the nearby Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

Killeavy Castle Estate is set in a 330-acre estate on the Ballintemple Road in South Armagh.

Details: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/10m-plan-to-turn-derelict-killeavy-castle-into-top-hotel-35556700.html


The new Holiday Inn Express Manchester TraffordCity opens May 2017 adjacent to Event City in Manchester.

Holiday Inn Express Manchester TraffordCity will have 220 Holiday Inn new ‘Generation 4’ air-conditioned guest bedrooms - with the focus on technology.

Holiday Inn Express Manchester TraffordCity will include a lobby and bar area plus a mini-gym. A buffet breakfast will be available.

Holiday Inn Express Manchester TraffordCity will have three air conditioned meeting rooms which will accommodate up to 40 delegates. AV equipment and a full catering service will be available. There will be complimentary high-speed internet access throughout the hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Manchester TraffordCity is located adjacent to EventCity, close to intu Trafford Centre and Old Trafford. It is nine miles from Manchester International Airport and five miles from the centre of Manchester.

There is good access to the M60 and the hotel will offer complimentary parking.

Details: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/manchester/manmw/hoteldetail#scmisc=nav_hoteldetail_ex


New owners of Leasowe Castle on the Wirral in Cheshire have completed a £3million refurbishment with the opening of Brasserie 1593, the hotel’s new all-day diner.

Brasserie 1593 joins The Star Chamber, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.

All 47 bedrooms at Leasowe Castle as well as the public areas have also been revamped. 

All bedrooms have complimentary wi-fi, a flat-screen television plus a selection of Freeview channels.

Leisure options at Leasowe Castle include a gym.

Meeting facilities feature the ground floor Castle Suite which will seat up to 350 delegates theatre style with the Turret and Tower Suites on the first floor seating 75 and 60

delegates theatre style respectively.

Leasowe Castle is a Grade II-listed hotel set in its own gardens. It overlooks the Wirral coastline and Leasowe golf course.

There is good access from the M53, Liverpool and Chester.

Details: http://leasowecastle.com/


Plans have been published to build a new 140-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn in Stoke on Trent.

Hilton Garden Inn Stoke on Trent will be located in the Smithfield development in Hanley within walking distance of the main retail area, museum and theatres, and within a short drive to national attractions such as Alton Towers and Trentham Gardens.

Hilton Garden Inn Stoke on Trent will be delivered and owned by Genr8 and the city council. It will be managed by Redefine BDL Hotels.

A planning application is to be submitted in the near future. If all goes to plan Hilton Garden Inn Stoke on Trent is expected to welcome its first guests in 2019.

Details: http://www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/content/council-and-democracy/communications/2017-press-releases/03-march-2017/049-2017.en


The Holiday Inn Harrogate has just undergone a total refurbishment and has now been rebranded the Crowne Plaza Harrogate.

All 214 bedrooms as well as the restaurant, bar and public areas at the Crowne Plaza Harrogate have been upgraded and enhanced.

Crowne Plaza Harrogate has six flexible, air-conditioned meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 320 delegates theatre-style, with free wi-fi.

There is free access to the nearby Academy Health Club which includes a gym and a full-size swimming pool.

Crowne Plaza Harrogate is linked by a pedestrian bridge to Harrogate International Centre, which is also rebranding and will shortly become the Harrogate Convention Centre. It is a major venue for Yorkshire conferences and shows.

It is around a 10-minute walk from the hotel and convention centre to Harrogate station.

Details:  https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/harrogate/hrtuk/hoteldetail