Sir Rocco Forte has revealed plans to include more managed and smaller properties in the Rocco Forte Hotels portfolio following the signing of the group's first management contract.
"As my brand develops it becomes more attractive to hotel owners," said Forte. "There's no reason for me not to take on management contracts. I haven't till now because the right opportunities haven't been available and the properties haven't lent themselves to our brand."
The management contract for the 21-bedroom Château de Bagnols, near the French city of Lyons, brings the group's portfolio of properties to nine. Forte would not disclose the terms of the contract but said it would last for an initial period of 15 years.
Although considerably smaller than the rest of the group's five-star properties, Forte said the château was a good fit for both the brand and its customer base. "We'll see how this goes. It could lead to opportunities for doing more smaller properties," he added. Room costs will be similar to "top London prices", starting at about £400 a night. Initially the group will focus on increasing occupancy rates through improved sales and marketing.
The 13th-century château is owned by Lady Hamlyn, who bought the property in 1987 and turned it into a luxury hotel following an extensive restoration project. It has 12 bedrooms, nine suites and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Salle des Gardes. It is a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World consortium.
Work is scheduled to begin on Rocco Forte Hotels' upcoming Frankfurt property later this year. Other locations the company is looking at include Moscow and Brighton.