Independent ditches Macdonald Hotels to go it alone

Macdonald Hotels has had its contract to run two independent hotels terminated after the properties’ owners decided they could do a better job themselves.

Anderbury, the owner of the four-star St George’s hotel in Llandudno, North Wales, and Hatherley Manor Hotel in Gloucester has decided to take on the running of the sites directly.

The decision to terminate a new five-year contract with Macdonald Hotels after two years was made in October this year, ending a seven year partnership between the two.

Tony Burns, chief executive of Anderbury, said: “There was disappointment from Macdonald, excitement from us.”

He added: “Our judgement told us we were going to get a better return and better value for money if we left. It is much cheaper to be independent if you’ve got a strong management team.”

Anderbury will manage the hotels directly, with Burns as chief executive and Peter James as chairman.

Burns said their hotels, especially St George’s which had a £4m refurbishment this year, have the strength and resources to succeed independently.

He said: “We can really tune into the strength of the properties and the possibilities in the regions now. We intend to grow as a group, and will hopefully see another hotel on board next year.”

Macdonald Hotels declined to comment.

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By Tom Howard

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