Guoman plans £100m expansion
Plans to expand the Guoman brand of hotels in the UK and internationally have been unveiled as pat of a £100 million investment.
The company, which operates The Cumberland, Charing Cross and Tower hotels in London, aims to add three more properties in the capital.
The Royal Horseguards, Victoria and Marble Arch hotels will all be rebranded as Guoman hotels over the next three years.
There are also plans to expand the brand internationally with openings in China during 2008/09 and further sites in Asia also being considered.
The historic Charing Cross hotel is having £6 million spent to re-establish its reputation as one of London’s most elegant hotels, according to the company.
Following an initial spend of £1 million, the former 239-room Thistle hotel, has been refurbished to reflect its Victorian glory.
A new executive club lounge has been added and all bedrooms have new 26” plasmas TV’s with satellite viewing.
The refurbishment will continue in 2008 with the refurbishment of 83 bedrooms in the Buckingham Wing.
The company’s chief operating officer Sanjay Nijhawan said: “Our aim is to establish the brand in the UK as a collection of exceptional deluxe hotels. We have major investment plans for this brand and each hotel’s refurbishment will be inspired by all the unique aspects of the hotel including its heritage and location.
“There are also plans to expand the brand internationally with a new hotel opening in Asia in the next 18 months.
“The Guoman brand will allow us to compete at the top level of hospitality, offering business and leisure travellers guaranteed quality with an inspiring, individual twist. Our properties are iconic buildings in the best locations in London.
“A key brand value is service excellence, delivering first class service in exceptional surroundings. We aim to give the customer a uniquely Guoman experience with great facilities including executive lounges, wireless access throughout, fine dining and fantastic meetings and events facilities.
“Each hotel will offer a range of apartments and suites as well as contemporary bedrooms with the ‘Guoman’ bed for the ultimate in comfort. Multi-lingual staff will be on hand to help international travellers.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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