The Arora Group has purchased an occupational lease for London Hilton Gatwick, the airport’s largest hotel.
The group will retain a management contract with Hilton, which will continue to oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel.
Set within the airport perimeter, the hotel is the largest in the area, with 821 bedrooms. Situated minutes from Gatwick’s south terminal, the hotel facilities include a restaurant, two bars and a deluxe wellbeing centre.
Constructed in 1980 and refurbished in 2003, the hotel is popular with business travellers and is hosts large conferences throughout the year, possessing 21 meeting rooms.
The purchase reflects the group’s strategy to focus on larger assets with greater revenue potential, and to partner with international brands. With an established expertise in UK airport regions, this property also complements Arora’s existing presence at the airport, which includes the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick’s north terminal and Arora Gatwick Crawley.
With this acquisition, the group will oversee more than 6,364 hotel bedrooms across its 16 hotels in the UK, of which 3,217 bedrooms across eight hotels are operated by Arora Hotels and 1,050 bedrooms across three hotels are under construction (Crowne Plaza, Terminal 4, Heathrow; Holiday Inn Express, Terminal 4, Heathrow; and the Terminal 2 Hotel, Heathrow).
The announcement follows Arora Group’s announcements earlier this month regarding the acquisition of ‘The Office’ development in Crawley and the completion of a smart multi-storey car park at Heathrow.
Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said: “Securing the largest hotel in the area is a hugely exciting achievement for the Arora Group, further augmenting our substantial diverse portfolio in this major UK business hub as part of the group’s long-term strategy. Hilton Gatwick presents a fantastic opportunity to partner once more with a major international brand, building on our existing relationship as a landlord for a number of Hilton-operated hotels.”
Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, operations and managing director, UK, Hilton said: “Hilton pioneered the airport hotel concept, and we’re continuing to provide exceptional service at London Gatwick Airport with Arora Group, a key partner for Hilton in the UK.”
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