Hilton sells up in Aviemore
Hilton UK & Ireland is continuing its consolidation programme in the UK regions with the sale of two more hotels.
The group has sold the 88-bedroom four star Hilton Aviemore and the adjoining 62-bedroom three star Aviemore Inn in Inverness-shire to Macdonald Hotels. Hilton acquired the two properties when it bought the Stakis brand in 1999. MacDonald will take over ownership on October 1.
MacDonald is hoping to cash in on the destination’s appeal as a leisure and conference destination. In Cctober the Aviemore Highland Conference Centre will open and next year a championship golf course will open in Spey Valley, as well as a five star hotel and spa at Dalfaber.
Hilton UK & Ireland president, Wolfgang Neumann, said: “Following the recent sale of the Hilton Keswick Lodore, the disposal of the Aviemore properties underlines Hilton’s commitment to streamline our UK portfolio. This includes the disposal of certain non-core properties to allow us to strengthen the Hilton brand and focus on the on-going programme of expansion in the region.”
Expansion has focussed on the UK’s larger cities, with Hilton signing five new properties in recent months. These are the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Hilton London Canary Wharf, Hilton London Tower Bridge, Hilton Dublin Airport and Hilton London Euston. These bring the UK & Ireland portfolio will stand to 81.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
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