One of the UK’s top hotel bosses has told industry leaders that Aberdeen is “hot” – and urged luxury brands to consider a move to the north-east
Buchan-born entrepreneur Robert Cook – chief executive of De Vere Urban Village Resorts – told 600 delegates at a conference in Manchester that his company was one of a few which recognised the Granite City’s potential.
Mr Cook, originally from Peterhead, has picked the Prime Four business park at Kingswells for Scotland’s first De Vere Urban Village Resort.
Work has begun on the £25 million 148-bedroom complex that includes business and leisure facilities.
Mr Cook, who grew up in the north-east and went to Peterhead Academy, said the loss of the Marcliffe – Aberdeen’s only five-star hotel – would leave a gap at the top end of the market.
He believes the gap can be exploited.
“I see Scotland as a growth market – we are opening in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow,” he told the Annual Hotel Conference.
“Glasgow I look at as a conference market. It has two global events coming next year and will host the 2015 World Gymnastics, so we had to get to Glasgow, and get there now.
“Aberdeen is hot and those who are not there already, I urge you to get there. Anybody with a luxury hotel brand that is looking for a home in the UK could do well in Aberdeen.
“It’s a fantastic city, it’s a centre of excellence for oil and gas exploration innovation, and this brings a lot of potential.”
De Vere Urban Village Resort in Kingswells will have 148 bedrooms, business and conferencing facilities, a Starbucks coffee shop, restaurant, bar and luxury health spa and leisure club.
It is expected to open during the fourth quarter of 2014 and create about 120 jobs. Mr Cook said the site, which covers around 100,000 square feet, was the ideal location.
Another luxury hotel is also on the verge of opening its doors in Aberdeen.
Hoteliers Gillian and Graham Wood – son of oil tycoon Sir Ian Wood – have announced that the former Simpson’s Hotel on Queen’s Road will reopen as the Chester Hotel in January.
The couple, who also own the luxury Chester Residence in Edinburgh, hope the refurbished establishment will become the city’s top wedding and conference venue. Once open, it will feature 63 classic, grand and loft rooms and two suites – combining “a feel of contemporary luxury” with the original features.