Swiss Centre hotel seeks operator
London's landmark Swiss Centre in Leicester Square is looking for an operator to run a new 220-bedroom upmarket hotel scheduled to open in 2008.
McAleer and Rushe, developer at the mixed-use site, has engaged property agent Jones Lang LaSalle to find a four-star or lifestyle operator to run the hotel on a long leasehold.
An industry insider said high rents could deter budget operators, but suggested the US Hilton Hotels Corporation might introduce a US brand such as Double Tree or Hilton Garden Inn. Other operators thought to be in contention include the Morgans Hotel Group, Hotel du Vin, GuestInvest, Malmaison, MyHotel and Swissôtel.