Member Article

Well-known hotelier closes Cross Lanes to retire after 29 years

A RESPECTED hotelier and tourism leader is closing his hotel and retiring after 29 years in Wrexham.

Michael Kagan is to close the Cross Lanes Hotel, at Marchwiel, on Sunday 17 July.

Built as a private home in the late Victorian era, the property was converted into a hotel in 1959.

Mike bought it in 1987 following a career in management for hotel groups such as Strand Hotels, in London, where his positions included market planning manager responsible for 4,500 beds, Thistle Hotels and Prince of Wales / Heritage Hotels in Liverpool and Chester.

Mike added: “The Cross Lanes was in need of a new direction when we took it over, and our plans were to make it a facility for the local people and businesses of Wrexham. Over the years it has continued to thrive as a first class hotel, restaurant and function venue, becoming especially popular for weddings and family celebrations.

“The hotel worked closely with several companies on the nearby industrial estate, including Portable Foods, Kelloggs and Tetra Pak to name a few.

“We also provided facilities for service clubs such as Round Table, 41 Club, Rotary, Tangent, Soroptimists and Inner Wheel, as well as many local sports clubs and schools over the years.”

A former chair of the British Hospitality Association Wales Committee and a director of North Wales Tourism, Mike has also been a leading member of local tourism operators’ groups.

He added: “Now is the right time for me to retire and my priority is to look after my long serving and dedicated staff.

“I would like to thank all our staff and the many people who have worked for us over the years and contributed to providing a first class facility.

“I would also like to thank the many organisations and people who have used the Cross Lanes Hotel.”

Michael and his family are still strongly committed to Wrexham and will continue to live locally.

The Hotel will remain open and fully operational up to and including Sunday 17 July.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .