Overview

The hotel industry is highly diversified and faces some unique challenges. Whether they be commercial, regulatory or tax-related, these issues need specialist legal advice from experts who understand how hotels function and how they are financed, acquired and developed.

Our team of experienced hotels lawyers are well-known for their combination of broad commercial expertise and deep hotel industry knowledge. The team has significant experience in advising on hotel transactions and operational matters, including management agreements, licensing and employment issues, mergers and acquisitions, disposals and restructurings.

Our strong industry links mean we also provide clients with valuable insight, opportunities and innovative ideas.

Areas of focus

Our expertise in hotels includes the following:

  • Acquisitions and disposals.
  • Cross-border investment.
  • Management agreements, operating agreements and franchising arrangements.
  • Development.
  • Real estate investment and real estate finance.
  • Regulatory issues.
  • Licensing.
  • Employment and pensions.
Experience

Advising Brownsword Hotels on the acquisition of a portfolio of four luxury country house hotels from von Essen (including deal structure).

Advising on the acquisition, and subsequent development, of various operations for YTL Hotels, including The Gainsborough Hotel, Bath and Monkey Island Hotel.

Advising a number of institutions on hotel restructures, particularly Propco/Opco structures.

Advising the lenders in respect of numerous acquisitions, including Halcyon Hotel’s acquisition of a portfolio of hotels from von Essen, the acquisition of Cadbury House, Radisson Bristol and Novotel and Ibis acquisitions.

Advising in relation to operating agreements in respect of numerous hotels, both in a recoveries context and for hotels such as Bowood House and Sydney House.

Advising on hotel developments in Kensington, Chester, Tewkesbury and Salisbury.

Meet the team
Rupert Weston

Rupert Weston Partner

  • Corporate
  • Hotels
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
Richard Read

Richard Read Partner

  • Head of Real Estate
  • International Real Estate
  • Hotels, Leisure and Tourism
Matthew Sims

Matthew Sims Partner

  • Real Estate Services
  • Retail
  • Real Estate
Headshot of Chris Seaton

Chris Seaton Senior Partner

  • Senior Partner
  • Employment
  • Partnerships
Helen Scott-Lawler

Helen Scott-Lawler Partner

  • Head of Food and Drink
  • Commercial
  • Intellectual Property and Media
Gary Soloman

Gary Soloman Partner

  • Head of Planning and Compulsory Purchase
  • Regeneration and Highways
  • Compulsory Purchase and Compensation
Katie Allen

Katie Allen Partner

  • Real Estate Finance
  • Hotels
  • Banking and Finance

What others say...

Its strength lies in the high degree of professionalism, expert legal knowledge and pragmatic approach combined with exceptional client care, back-up and resources.

Legal 500 2024

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