TOP STORY Operator search imminent for London aparthotel UK: The MRP Group and Saxbury will jointly conduct an operator search for a 93-unit aparthotel in London's Whitechapel. LATEST NEWS FEATURES VIDEOS Editor's comment
26-06-2019
• Although it has been described as London's ugliest hotel, there is something slightly poignant about the fate of the Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum.
The 906-room behemoth is to become a casualty of the relentless and inexorable change of London, the endless renewal of its buildings and their uses. Queensgate Investments and its partner Rockwell have received - after some wrangling over social housing quotas - the backing of London mayor Sadiq Khan to demolish the Holiday Inn and replace it with a 750-bedroom hotel and 340 serviced apartments.
It's a major scheme, and will also include restaurants, bars, a health spa and conference facilities. There has been a lot of press about it this week, both pro and anti - it seems nobody is neutral about the project.
So it was something of a surprise so soon after hearing about the mayor's decision to receive a press release yesterday announcing the Holiday Inn has unveiled "a fresh new look following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme; with significant upgrades to the guest bedrooms, restaurant and lobby".
Patrick O’Connell, head of hotels for Queensgate Investments, says: “Whilst we have long term plans to redevelop the hotel, and indeed have recently secured planning permission, this current refurbishment demonstrates our commitment to continuing to deliver a world-class hotel with exceptional conference facilities in the immediate future. We want to stress that in a time where large scale conference facilities in London are scarce, Kensington Forum is very much open for business.”
Before she makes way for a new chapter for the neighbourhood, including some much needed extra supply for the area's serviced apartment market, at least the old girl will be going out in some style.
George Sell, editor
Katie Houghton
Group head of sales: +44 (0)7535 135 116
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