Duo plan £100million buy-up of hotels

May 19 2008

ENTREPRENEURS Simon Matthews-Williams and Paul Bolton are on a spending spree after teaming up to create a £100m hotels empire.

The pair have just bought the West Tower country house and hotel, in Aughton, from another local millionaire, Mike McComb, and say more purchases are on the agenda.

Two acquisitions, Hoole Hall at Chester and the King's Gap at Hoylake are also to have £25m of cash splashed on them in two major overhauls.

Former Liverpool Crowne Plaza boss Matthews-Williams and property developer Bolton have created the Sanguine Group to focus on specialist country venues with backing from investment group Downing.

Mr Matthews-Williams said: “I have been successful in Liverpool city centre previously, but competition is increasing and we see more value in other areas such as Chester, Wirral and Ormskirk.

“With my hotel experience and Paul’s roots in property, we form a formidable partnership with strong backing from an investment company.We are always open to new opportunities.”

Two recent acquisitions are receiving huge investment. £15m is being spent on Hoole Hall to convert it into a luxury spa retreat with treatment rooms, studios and a swimming pool.

In Hoylake, the King’s Gap is being completely remodelled and will re-emerge as a Ramada branded suites hotel.

Only the original old house, containing 16 rooms, will be retained, and the new-build element will create 96 rooms and suites.

The £10m plan is to encourage longer-stay visitors who may have business in Liverpool. It will also include an underground car park.

Mr Matthews-Williams added: “Spa hotels are big business these days, and Hoole Hall is perfect for developing that kind of product.

“King’s Gap, we think, is a great location with its proximity to Liverpool and is ripe for development. Obviously we are very pleased to have a brand like Ramada involved.”

Other hotels in the group include the Gateway to Wales and the Cadbury Country House and Club in Bristol. The purchases from Mike McComb also includes the Swan at Aughton.