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IHG recently inked a deal with Foncière des Régions to rebrand and operate 12 hotels and put one in the pipeline throughout the United Kingdom. Currently, they’re branded and operated by PHGroup, and look very impressive. If you like the United Kingdom ( which I do ), love luxury hotels ( OMG I do ), especially ones that are historic and newly renovated ( I do! I do! ), and you’ve got yourself some IHG points, THEN you’re gonna love this deal. In fact, it’ll make IHG the #1 operator servicing the luxury/upscale market with more than 2200 rooms.
I have history with one of the hotels on the list.
The Principal London is a drop dead gorgeous hotel located in central London near Russell Square. When I was in college I was lucky enough to study abroad in London, and our housing was off Russell Square. I’d see the hotel and always think…one day I will stay there. While I’ve been really fortunate to stay at a number of incredible hotels in London, I’ve never checked that hotel off my bucket list.
Since I lived in London, the hotel changed hands and was renovated by the PH group, and after this deal closes, will become the first Kimpton hotel outside the USA. Honestly…I think this hotel will smash the current Park Lane Intercontinental out of the park, and I can’t wait to redeem my last IHG credit card night here. ( I still have the legacy Select which has granted me one last free night at any hotel in their steed). Otherwise, I’d expect it to hit 70k a night, 60k if we’re lucky.
Here’s a list of all the hotels which will be folded into IHG
The Principal London
The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square
The Principal Edinburgh George Street
The Principal Met Hotel (Leeds)
The Principal York
De Vere Oxford Thames
The Grand Birmingham (pipeline)
The Principal Manchester
The Principal Blythswood Square (Glasgow)
The Principal Grand Central (Glasgow)
The Principal St David’s (Cardiff)
The Principal Oxford Spires
De Vere Wotton House
*images courtey of PHGroup.com
Of all the bloggers in Boarding Area you are always the nicest (along with GSTP) about the UK and it is noted! Miles is always welcome here.I’m guessing you lived in International Hall as a student?
I think you are right – this will make IHG by far the strongest upscale brand throughout the UK. I hope the old Hotel Russell is rebranded as the Kimpton Russell because it’s very sad that the name was dropped by the Principal chain.
Thank you!