Three northern hotels have been acquired by Shearings Holidays as part of a £25 million investment in its property portfolio.
The operator. the UK’s ninth largest hotelier, has added the St George Hotel in Harrogate, the George Hotel in Chollerford near Hexham, Northumberland and the Eden Arms Hotel in Rushyford near Durham.
The move to expand the hotel estate reflects an investment plan of almost £25 million in Shearings’ hotel business including the rationalisation of its hotels into a three-tiered structure – Coast & Country, Classic Collection and Value Collection.
Traditionally known for its leading position in the coach holiday sector, chief executive Denis Wormwell said the development reflected changing market demand.
“Increasingly our hotels are attracting more independent travellers who are looking for quality and value for money.
“In an economic climate where the strength of the euro puts people off travelling abroad it makes sound commercial sense to commit our resources to expand our hotel portfolio.â€
The St George Hotel and the George Hotel have been categorised as part of the premium Coast & Country range. The Eden Arms has been added to the Classic Collection.
by Phil Davies
