Peckforton Castle and Thistle Kensington appointments

Hanna, who joined the luxury venue in September, will bring his experience from a management trainee programme at Forte Hotels, as well as managerial positions at The Palace Hotel in Manchester, the Thistle Haydock, Ramada and The Wild Boar in Cheshire.

Peckforton Castle managing director Chris Naylor said: "Simon's appointment is a key element of our continued growth and success. We already demand the highest standards and Simon is pushing those boundaries even further. 2010 has been an exceptionally busy year for us with the launch of the additional 10 bedrooms, the 2010 Brasserie and the Tranquility beauty rooms. The extra pair of expert hands is invaluable."

The appointment comes as Peckforton Castle reported its "best sales figures ever" with growth noted across all markets and particularly the conference and corporate events markets.

Thistle Kensington​

Meanwhile Thistle Hotels today announces the appointment of Paul Knightley as general manager of the four star Thistle Kensington Gardens.

Knightley makes the move from Thistle's Hyde Park property to oversee the multi-million pound refurbishment and relaunch of Thistle Kensington Gardens, expected to be completed in August 2011.

Knightley has worked for Thistle for over 10 years and progressed through several roles in the business, starting as a trainee in the finance department and working his way up to his current role as general manager.

He said: “This is an exciting time for Thistle Kensington Gardens and I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to oversee the hotel’s transformation into a contemporary base for visitors to London. I’m looking forward to catapulting the hotel into a new chapter and revealing its new identity to guests.”

The enhancement will include all of the hotel’s public rooms – the entrance, restaurant, bar and reception – and its 175 bedrooms.