Starboard Hotels acquires first Scottish hotel

The latest property - the 71-bedroom Holiday Inn Express in Greenock - is the second acquired by Starboard this year, following the purchase of the Best Western Carlton Hotel in Blackpool last month. 

Starboard Hotels managing director Paul Callingham said the company was 'actively looking' for new hotels and sites at the small and midmarket hotel level in the UK and was pleased to be extending into Scotland. 

"Scotland's tourism industry has also been consistently strong, with the volume of trips, and spend, increasing year on year," he said. "Our appetite for growth remains strong in other major UK cities too.

“The Greenock property is in a popular location, on the Clyde Coast, and it holds a high reputation amongst its guests. We believe we can add significant value to Greenock’s hospitality offering and we look forward to exploring our options in Scotland.” 

Expansion and rebrand​

Starboard Hotels, which also owns and operates Days Inn in Wetherby, the Holiday Inn Express in Burnley and Smart City Hostels in Edinburgh, has also undergone a rebrand to coincide with its expansion plans. 

Its new anchor logo has been designed to reflect the company's key values which are unity, stability and progressive. 

Callingham said: “We’re moving into a very exciting period with new opportunities taking us all over the UK which is why we will also strengthen our company’s philosophy through a brand makeover.”