Arora Hotels, a subsidiary of property investment firm Arora Group, has acquired an occupational lease for Gatwick Airport’s biggest hotel, the London Hilton Gatwick. Arora will retain a management contract with Hilton, which will continue to oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel.
Set in a prime location within the airport perimeter, the upscale hotel is the largest in the vicinity with 821 guest rooms. The hotel also boasts a direct connection to the South Terminal via a link bridge and possesses a restaurant, two bars and a deluxe Wellbeing Centre. Originally constructed in 1980 and refurbished in 2003, the hotel is popular with business travelers and hosts several large conferences throughout the year via its 21 meeting rooms.
The purchase reflects Arora’s strategy to focus on larger assets with greater revenue potential and to partner with major international brands. The property also complements Arora’s existing presence at the airport, which includes the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick’s North Terminal and Arora Gatwick Crawley. The announcement also follows Arora Group’s recent acquisition of a smart multistorey parking lot at London Heathrow Airport.
Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said, “Securing the largest hotel in the area is a hugely exciting achievement for the Arora Group, further augmenting our substantial diverse portfolio in this major UK business hub as part of the group’s long term strategy. Hilton Gatwick presents a fantastic opportunity to partner once more with a major international brand, building on our existing relationship as a landlord for a number of Hilton-operated hotels.”
Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president operations and managing director, UK, Hilton, said, “Hilton pioneered the airport hotel concept, and we’re continuing to provide exceptional service at London Gatwick Airport with Arora Group, a key partner for Hilton in the UK.”