The contemporary upper upscale hotel brand Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, operated in Europe by PPHE Hotel Group, is increasing its portfolio, revealing plans for a string of new openings and developments across London over the next few months. The significant multi-million pound investment will see almost 300 jobs created for the hospitality industry in the capital. The new openings and the completion of an extension and reconfiguration project will increase the brand’s room count to 3,158 within the M25, making it one of the largest international upper upscale hotel brands in the capital.
Park Plaza London Waterloo, positioned as a sanctuary for those seeking a London adventure, will be the first new hotel to open and is located on the bustling South Bank. It will be closely followed by the launch of Park Plaza London Park Royal, a centrally located property within one of London’s largest business hubs which will have convenient quality at its core. Furthermore, the completion of major refurbishments at Park Plaza London Riverbank and Plaza on the River will see PPHE Hotel Group’s London portfolio grow to a total of eight properties.
Park Plaza London Waterloo
Park Plaza London Waterloo is expected to open its doors late 2016 and will feature 494 contemporary new hotel rooms, a new destination restaurant and bar, café, spa and gym with swimming pool, providing the ideal South Bank base for exploring the city. Converted from its former premises housing the Central Office of Information, the new state-of-the-art building has been designed by architecture and interior design practice Digital Space. Also responsible for the award-winning Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, the design team will bring a fresh energy and innovative vision to this sought-after space which will act as the perfect haven for those seeking to enjoy the adventures this great city has to offer, be that work or play.
Located a short walk from Waterloo and Lambeth North underground stations, Park Plaza London Waterloo is expected to attract business travellers and tourists from around the world looking for sanctuary as they enjoy a break in the capital. Axel Krueger will lead the team as General Manager bringing with him over 20 years industry experience and six years within the PPHE Hotel Group including senior positions at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, Park Plaza London Riverbank and Plaza on the River.
Park Plaza London Park Royal
Hot on the heels of Park Plaza London Waterloo will be the launch of Park Plaza London Park Royal, located close to Wembley. A newly built 212 bedroom property providing a gateway to central London and international locations, the hotel will offer easy access to London Heathrow airport, as well as direct access to the Piccadilly line, placing guests at Piccadilly Circus in approximately 30 minutes. Offering a range of facilities including a restaurant and bar, gym, meeting rooms and secure parking, this new hotel is conveniently located opposite Park Royal underground station. It will be the ideal location for business travellers and value-conscious leisure guests, as well as for those visiting Wembley Stadium and Westfield London Shopping Centre. Run by General Manager Richard Clogg, another PPHE Hotel Group senior professional of two years, this new hotel will result in an expected 90 additional jobs in the city.
South Bank renovations
Major renovations and extensions to existing South Bank hotels, Park Plaza London Riverbank, a property that takes your experience to an entirely new level and Plaza on the River, with unrivalled views, complete the development pipeline. The result; an additional six floors of guest accommodation and 155 new bedrooms, which in turn takes the total new room count of both hotels combined to 616 and firmly positions PPHE Hotel Group as a leading operator in London. Rob Flinter will start his new position as General Manager of Park Plaza London Riverbank and Plaza on the River following the completion of the renovation programme. He joins from Park Plaza Victoria London having been with the company for over two and a half years.
Recruitment
Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts held a number of recruitment days to ensure the best team members in the industry are recruited to deliver the highest of service standards. The company’s new Employee Value Proposition, promoted under the strapline Park Plaza. Be part of it will also launch next year, with an objective for new and existing team members to let their individuality and passion shine through.
Greg Hegarty, Regional General Manager UK, PPHE Hotel Group, comments: “We are delighted to announce these new additions to the Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts portfolio. It follows a strong development year for the brand, which has also seen investments in Croatia and Nuremberg in Europe, and marks a huge boost to the London market. Our PPHE Hotel Group talent management programme has meant that we have secured some of the best team members from within our business to provide a solid skill base. They are joined by a host of newly recruited talented individuals who complete the team in readiness for the opening programme.”
Hegarty added: “As London’s tourism industry continues to attract many visitors, and business travellers are being drawn to the Capital, we look forward to catering to popular demand while providing the contemporary design and exceptional service that is synonymous with the Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand.”
Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of British Hospitality Association, a partner of PPHE Hotel Group, adds:
“London is a global travel destination with some of the best accommodation in the world. Its hospitality and tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the economy and is an increasingly competitive global market. Continued investment by hotels such as Park Plaza is critical to the UK’s ability to outpace international rival destinations and to ensure that London remains a world class destination.”