Spanish chain outlines UK expansion plans

Spanish chain Barcelo Hotels & Resorts is to establish itself in the UK through the management of four-star hotel group Paramount Hotels.

The group plans to introduce its brand into the UK from January with the conversion of Paramount properties into Barcelo hotels.

Barcelo Group took on the operation of the 20 hotels in September under a 45-year lease deal with owner Dawnay Shore Hotels.

The hospitality giant plans to manage a total of 40 hotels in the UK within three years. The group already manages 160 hotels in 14 countries on three continents.

Further acquisitions are to be targeted, strengthening the group’s positioning as a key player in the UK hospitality sector, the company said.

A new UK Hotel Directory will be available in January together with Barcelo’s worldwide directory. The company’s website www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk is being updated to incorporate the changes.

Paramount Hotels CEO Charles Prew will continue in the role, responsible for the UK operation.

Barcelo CEO for EMEA Raul Gonzalez said: “We are excited to be entering the UK market after attaining the lease and management control of the Paramount Hotel Group. The introduction of the Barcelo brand in the UK is part of the company’s broader strategic plans to establish its position as a global hospitality company and gain increased recognition.”

The hotels to be renamed to incorporate the Barcelo brand are:

Scotland:

Barcelo Troon Marine Hotel *

Barcelo Stirling Highland Hotel

Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel

Northern England:

Barcelo Blackpool Imperial Hotel

Barcelo Shrigley Hall Hotel Golf & Country Club *

Barcelo Redworth Hall Hotel *

Barcelo Harrogate Majestic Hotel

Barcelo Buxton Palace Hotel

Central England: