Boutique brand Hallmark Hotels has acquired a new hotel in the Cotswolds, and is set to begin a £3 million refurbishment later this month, BigHospitality understands.
The new acquisition, which was announced to staff at the former Ramada hotel on Tuesday, marks Hallmark's sixth hotel since the company formed in October 2007.
Speaking to BigHospitality, a spokesman said that the 98-room hotel will continue to run throughout the refurbishment, and a launch of the new look is expected in the Spring of 2011.
The purchase comes as the group prepares to launch its newly upgraded site in Hull next month.
Located two miles from Gloucester city centre, the new hotel includes a pool, health club and beauty salon as well as corporate and events facilities.
Four stars
Hallmark Hotels said this week that the refurbishment will aim to upgrade the hotel from its current three stars to bring the property in line with the rest of the four-star Hallmark collection.
Managing director, Arnold Schnegg said: “Hallmark Gloucester is a fantastic property in a great location and will make an excellent addition to the Hallmark portfolio. We will be bringing the service and standards up to the level our customers expect from our hotels.”
All 75 current staff will be retained by Hallmark and it is hoped that further jobs will be created as the hotel is re-launched.
Hallmark which already operates sites in Bournemouth, Manchester, Derby and Carlisle as well as Hull, recently rolled out plans to double its estate over two years. Schnegg, a former Paramount and Q Hotels manager, is believed to be looking for more sites in the South of England.