UK-based hospitality firm Arora Group has signed a new agreement with global hotel operator Hilton for the operation and development of hotels at London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Arora’s latest development, a new 360-room hotel at Heathrow Terminal 2 (T2), will now open as a Hilton Garden Inn. The new hotel is scheduled for completion in 2018 and will be the only hotel with direct links to T2, the Queen’s Terminal.
Additionally, the Arora Hotel Gatwick Crawley will undergo an extensive refurbishment ahead of re-opening next winter as DoubleTree by Hilton, a brand recognized for offering upscale comfort and services to business and leisure travelers.
Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said, “It is a pleasure to work with Hilton, and we are honored that our track record for delivering premium service for hotel guests as a trusted partner has been recognized in this agreement.
“We take utmost care in ensuring each of our hotels is branded appropriately for the asset, in line with our strategy to partner with world-leading hotel brands under a franchise model, and so we are delighted to announce the refurbishment and re-branding of the Arora Hotel Gatwick/Crawley to DoubleTree by Hilton Gatwick, and that our newest hotel development, at Heathrow T2, shall be opening under the Hilton Garden Inn brand, which is particularly popular with time-pressed travelers seeking an inviting atmosphere with great service.”
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said, “Hilton’s continued partnership with Arora Group at the UK’s two busiest passenger hubs solidifies our position as the fastest growing hotelier at European airports, with 50 hotels trading or under development at key transport centers. Having pioneered the concept of the airport hotel, we are pleased to be working with Arora Group to grow our portfolio, giving guests even more choice when planning their stay.”
The Arora Group is the UK’s largest privately owned operator of hotels, with more than 4,000 bedrooms under management and 2,300 employees.