Legacy Hotels expands UK portfolio

Legacy Hotels & Resorts has acquired two Best Western properties and revealed plans to expand its UK portfolio.

The hotel management company is to operate the 50-room Best Western Plus Angel Hotel in Chippenham, and the 95-room Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel & Spa in Southampton.

And Townsend, chief executive officer of Legacy Hotels & Resorts, said both venues represented a strong development opportunity for the group.

“The [Chippenham] hotel was previously owned and operated for the past 20 years by two private hoteliers who have carefully built a solid and respected local business,” he said.

“We see opportunities to carefully build on this successful business, which is the leading hotel in the area, by retaining its premier local position yet assisting it in expanding its commercial and distribution as part of a larger group.”

Over £200,000 has been invested in new IT and telecoms facilities at the Southampton site, including a two-way Guestline platform and upgraded wifi.

“We are particularly pleased with the scheme we have developed for our Manor House rooms which embrace the heritage of the property while delivering guests with the facilities and services expected today of a modern hotel offer," said Townsend.

Looking ahead

2015 has been a busy period of growth for the company, which also took over management of the 30-room new build Best Western Plus Magnolia Park Hotel at the Magnolia Golf and Country Club in Boarstall, Buckinghamshire earlier this year.

Townsend confirmed that there were further plans in place to expand Legacy's UK portfolio.

“It has been a very strong start to 2015 with a number of new build projects on site or in the pipeline as well as us being at advanced stages of acquiring more assets across the UK to include a small portfolio, significant single sites and if all goes to plan a new venture in London,” he said.