Starboard Hotels, one of the UK’s fastest growing independent hotel owner/operators, has acquired four Ibis Styles hotels from beleaguered construction giant, Carillion.
The hotels, which will remain as Ibis Styles and be operated by Starboard under franchise from Accor, are a significant addition to Starboard ‘s rapidly expanding portfolio. Located in Barnsley, Birmingham NEC, Crewe and Haydock the hotels work well within the geographical spread of the Starboard portfolio.
This latest raft of acquisitions, the first for Starboard in 2018, increases the company portfolio to 19 hotels with nearly 2,000 rooms across world renowned brands including Accor, IHG, Wyndham and Best Western, as well as their own brand Windermere Manor Hotel in the Lake District.
The shares in the hotel owning companies were purchased from Carillion after being brought to the market by Knight Frank over a year ago for offers in excess of £30m and purchased by Starboard for an undisclosed sum.
Paul Callingham, Managing Director of Starboard Hotels, said, “This is a substantial acquisition for Starboard and an important investment in protecting the future of these hotels and the people who work there. The four hotels fit perfectly within our portfolio and represent a significant investment for our business. Individually, the hotels are in excellent geographic locations and further increase our presence in the UK hotel sector across the country.”
Callingham added, “We are thrilled to be bringing the four Ibis Styles hotels into the Starboard family and provide long term ownership and security to our people. My team and I have many years of experience across all areas of the hospitality sector, combined with a forward thinking approach to ensuring Starboard stays at the forefront of the country’s buoyant hotel market. These are exciting times for the industry and we are on course for continued growth with further acquisitions already in the pipeline for the early part of this year.”
Kerian Barnes, Group Operations Director, added, “The recent introduction of SHAPE, Starboard Hotels Accelerator Programme, a unique new 12-month development project launched across all our brands in February, provides a fantastic opportunity for all our teams, including our latest recruits from the Ibis Styles, to develop their careers and experience of working in the hospitality sector.
“We know from our extensive experience in running multi-branded hotels, that our loyal customers like what we do and appreciate our commitment to providing the best facilities and unrivalled service. Our innovative approach to ensuring our hotels offer accessibility for all will be fully represented at our new properties as we continue to strive to be ‘best in class’ within the UK hospitality sector.”
The 166-bed Ibis Styles NEC Birmingham (pictured) is ideal for visitors to the exhibition centre and travellers using Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International Station, It is headed up by General Manger Alison Harrison.
The Ibis Styles Haydock, with 102 bedrooms, is ideally positioned for Liverpool and Manchester city centres and airports, whilst being a popular accommodation choice for visitors to the world famous race courses at Haydock, Chester and Aintree. General Manager Marie Miller and her team will continue to run the hotel.
Across the Pennines in Barnsley, the 117-bed Ibis Styles, led by General Manager Dawne Carter, becomes the fourth Starboard Hotel property in Yorkshire, joining the Holiday Inn Express Leeds Armouries, the Days Inn Wetherby and sister Ibis hotel in Sheffield. Loaded with character, including intricate lighting riggings, monochrome murals and glass jar walls, this creatively decorated hotel is perfectly positioned for travellers on a northern adventure.
The Ibis Styles Crewe, with 112 bedrooms, is under the wing of General Manager David Tucker and boasts a pleasant terrace for al fresco dining through the day, and expertly shaken cocktails to be enjoyed on vintage Chesterfield sofas.