Thistle confirms takeover of Cumberland

The Thistle hotel chain will next month launch an upmarket hotel brand at the same time as reopening the 1,020-bedroom Cumberland Hotel in London.

Thistle, which is owned by Singapore-based BIL International, took over the management of the hotel today.

The Cumberland is the last of the 11 former Le Méridien properties taken back under the control of owner Royal Bank of Scotland.

The new brand is to be called Guoman and, said Thistle chief operating officer Beverly King, the Cumberland should be the first of many to carry the branding.

"With the Guoman brand, it is our intention to create a collection of outstanding upscale hotels in major gateway locations and to become the discerning traveller's first choice whether travelling on business or leisure," he said.

The chain's "gateway" locations in London are understood to include the Thistle Tower, Thistle Marble Arch, Thistle Victoria, Royal Horseguards and One Whitehall Place, and Thistle Charing Cross.

Thistle admitted in August that it was in talks to take over the lease of the hotel, which is one of London's largest.

A £95m refurbishment and renovation programme has been carried out and its restaurants will be operated by Compass fine-dining division Restaurant Associates.

by Nic Paton

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