World's first airport hotel bought out of administration

The world's first airport hotel - the 109-bedroom Aerodrome hotel in Croydon - is to be extensively refurbished after being bought out of administration by Hallmark Hotels.

Originally opened in 1928 as an integral part of Croydon Airport, the hotel was sold by PricewaterhouseCoopers, administrators for Mainwalk.

It will now undergo an extensive refurbishment to be upgraded to a four-star hotel.

Hallmark regards the acquisition of the Aerodrome to be strategically important, adding to its portfolio of six four-star hotels in Manchester, Carlisle, Derby, Hull, Gloucester and Bournemouth.

David Creamore, director of Christie + Co, the agent which handled the sale, said: "It proves once again that in a market where the chances to acquire freehold properties of this quality are scarce, operators are keen to make the most of these rare opportunities."

Administrators seek £9m for Croydon's Aerodrome hotel >>

Airport hotel sold for £5.25m >>

Croydon Aerodrome hotel celebrates 75th birthday >>

By Janet Harmer

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