Member Article

London sees rise in hotel development as global brands expand in the city

The number of hotel rooms in London is expected to grow by 12 per cent over the next three years, according to new data.

Research from the Mayor of London’s promotional company, London & Partners and AM:PM highlights the increase in budget and five star hotel accommodation across the capital.

These new properties and hotel extensions will add 17,769 more rooms across the capital over the same period, up from the current figure of 138,769.

The data shows that 43 budget properties are expected to open by the end of 2018, with low-cost accommodation in the city predicted to increase by 29 per cent over the next three years. Over the coming three years, 19 five star properties will also open in the capital, increasing the hotel stock in this category by 22 per cent.

Tracy Halliwell MBE, Director of Business Tourism and Major Events at London & Partners, said: “With the rising number of business and leisure visitors to London and strong occupancy levels across the city, it is great to see that a range of hotel companies are investing in new properties, catering for the demand for both low-cost and high-end hotels.

“With properties right next to many tourist attractions, these investments will help to attract more visitors to London as well as provide new facilities for both local and international businesses to host meetings and conferences across the city.”

Rising business and leisure visitor numbers for London have been reflected in record occupancy levels across the city’s hotels, says London and Partners.

London occupancies have averaged 80 per cent or above since 2006, according to PwC and their UK hotels forecast 2016 predicts a decade high of 84 per cent this year, with the Rugby World Cup having provided a further boost. PwC projects a further increase to 85 per cent occupancy for London’s hotels in 2016.

Alan Gordon, Director of AM:PM said: “London has absorbed significant new hotel supply in recent years and continues to attract serious attention from UK and international hotel groups looking to enter or extend their presence.

“Alongside wider infrastructure and real estate investment in the capital, the footprint of the hotel market in London continues to expand and this has opened up new opportunities in many locations. Aldgate, Shoreditch, Vauxhall and Whitechapel are just a few areas that are witnessing exciting change that includes new hotels, many of which are from brands making their UK debut.”

Between 2010 and 2014 there was a 18.9 per cent increase in room supply in London and the city continues to see increasing hotel openings to cater for this strong demand. New luxury hotels opening their doors in 2016 will include the InterContinental London – The O2, the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square and The Curtain Hotel and Members Club Shoreditch.

Featuring 453 bedrooms, a dedicated conference centre with 20 multifunctional meeting rooms and a 3,000sqm ballroom, which will hold up to 3,000 delegates the InterContinental London – The O2 is due to officially open its doors in January.

Also in east London, the Curtain Hotel and Members Club Shoreditch, which will feature 120 guest rooms including six suites. Nobu’s first London hotel will house 143 bedrooms and a statement restaurant: a dramatic five metre high space in the basement.

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, an exhibitor on London & Partners stand at IBTM World in Barcelona this week, will open two London properties in 2016. Park Plaza London Waterloo will have 494 rooms and offer a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar. Opening in early 2016, the Park Plaza Park Royal hotel in west London will offer four star accommodation over six storeys, with a bar, restaurant, gym and conference facilities on the ground floor.

“Our development pipeline continues to focus on opening contemporary hotels in vibrant destinations.” comments Greg Hegarty, Regional General Manager UK, PPHE Hotel Group. “As London remains extremely popular with business and leisure guests, we have directed investment in to the capital so that we can continue to offer a greater choice, excellent service and value to our guests in key locations throughout the city.

“In addition we have just confirmed the signing of a hotel management agreement with Battersea Power Station Development Company to open a new hotel under the art’otel brand; so the new openings come at a very positive time for PPHE Hotel Group and our ongoing development pipeline”

New budget accommodation for the city will include eight new Travelodge hotels including London Richmond Central and London Finsbury Park. Premier Inn is also expected to open three properties during 2016, including London Sidcup, London Archway and the hub by Premier Inn at London Spitalfields, Brick Lane Hotel.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .