SOL Melia has acquired its first UK property as part of a plan to expand into the British market and reach its goal of controlling 10 UK hotels by 2002.
Following its merger with Inmotel, the Spanish company says the purchase of The White House Hotel near Regents Park for £52m is just the start of strides into Britain and the UK.
Sol Melia vice-chairman Sebastian Escarrer said: “We are the second-largest European chain and we cannot afford not to be in the UK market. We are also seeking properties in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin. By 2002, we want to have 10 hotels in the UK.”