LONDON, UK (Dec. 01, 2014) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company with approximately 7,590 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced the signing of a development agreement with Lester Hotels Group Limited, which will see 20 Ramada® hotels open across the UK over the next ten years.
Ramada grows in the UKThe first two hotels, Ramada Resort Cwrt Bleddyn and Ramada Leicester Stage, are expected to begin welcoming guests from next month, taking the number of Ramada properties open across the country to 40. A third hotel, in Finchley, north London, is already planned to open next year as part of the deal, which also saw the licence agreement for the existing Ramada Hatfield hotel renewed for a further 20 years.
All properties will be managed by Lester Hotels, who have become a preferred management partner for Wyndham Hotel Group in the country.
“We look forward to working with Lester Hotels Group Limited to aggressively accelerate the growth of the iconic Ramada brand in the UK,” said Nima Davoodzadeh, vice president of development, UK and Europe for Wyndham Hotel Group. “With a 60 year heritage that has seen the brand grow to over 820 locations across more than 50 countries, Ramada offers guests a welcoming environment for work or rest, as well as significant development potential for owners looking for a renowned brand, award-winning marketing and an extensive global distribution system.”
Nestled in the picturesque Monmouthshire countryside, the 45-bedroom Ramada Resort Cwrt Bleddyn, in Usk, Wales, offers complementary Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, indoor pool, luxury spa and treatment rooms as well as function rooms including the hotel’s Crystal Suite catering for up to 200 guests. Ramada Leicester Stage offers 79 standard and executive rooms, five meeting rooms, indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre as well as food and beverage outlets including the Lester’s Bar and Restaurant.
“We are delighted to extend our association with Wyndham Hotel Group and become a preferred management partner and have already developed an excellent working relationship with their UK team,” commented Simon Lester, chief executive officer and chairman, Lester Hotels Management Services Limited. “The diversity and appeal of the Ramada brand in the UK perfectly complements both our own portfolio and a number of current opportunities and we look forward to opening more Wyndham Hotel Group branded properties in the UK over the next few years.”
In addition to the Lester Hotels development agreement, 2014 has seen Wyndham Hotel Group take over the management of Ramada Encore Leicester and extend the brand’s franchised presence with a new hotel in Oxford. Additional Ramada properties are anticipated to open in Wakefield and Hounslow before year end. This year marks the Ramada brand’s 60th anniversary.
All Ramada hotels in the country participate in Wyndham Rewards®, parent company Wyndham Hotel Group’s free-to-join guest loyalty programme, which allows members to earn valuable points during their stay. Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.
