Global investment giant Blackstone has acquired UK mid-market hotel chain Village Hotels for GBP 850 million (INR 10,200 crore). This acquisition, which includes 33 hotels across regional cities and suburban areas, reflects increasing investor interest in the recovering hospitality sector. Village Hotels offers amenities like fitness centres, restaurants, and co-working spaces, catering to business and leisure travellers. This purchase adds to Blackstone's UK hospitality portfolio, including the 2021 acquisition of Bourne Leisure. With over 80 hotels now under management, Blackstone aims to leverage its expertise to further develop Village Hotels and capitalise on the sector's growth as travel demand rises.
Global investment giant Blackstone has acquired Village Hotels, a popular mid-market hotel chain in the UK, for a reported GBP 850 million (INR 10,200 crore). This move highlights the growing investor interest in the hospitality sector, which is experiencing a faster recovery than other commercial properties.
Blackstone has added Village Hotels to its growing portfolio of hospitality assets in the UK. Village Hotels operates 33 hotels across various regional cities and suburban areas in Britain, offering a convenient and comfortable option for business and leisure travellers. The chain boasts features like fitness centres, restaurants, and co-working spaces, catering to a wide range of guest needs.
Blackstone sees strong potential in the hospitality sector, particularly in comparison to the broader commercial property market. The hospitality industry is experiencing a faster recovery as travel restrictions ease and pent-up demand for travel increases. While Blackstone did not disclose the official deal value, industry reports suggest the acquisition price was around GBP 850 million (INR 10,200 crore).
This is not Blackstone's first investment in the UK leisure sector. In 2021, they acquired Bourne Leisure, a company that owns and operates over 50 holiday parks and the Warner Hotels chain, which has 14 locations across the UK. The addition of Village Hotels further strengthens Blackstone's presence in the UK's hospitality market, bringing their total number of hotels under management to over 80.
Blackstone's acquisition of Village Hotels reflects the growing confidence in the UK's hospitality sector. With travel restrictions easing and demand rising, the hospitality industry is poised for continued growth. It will be interesting to see how Blackstone leverages its expertise and resources to further develop Village Hotels and contribute to the recovery of the UK's hospitality sector. Blackstone may look to expand the Village Hotels brand geographically or introduce new amenities to enhance the guest experience.