Luton Hoo hotel to join the Fairmont brand

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa in Bedfordshire is to become the sixth property under Accor's luxury Fairmont brand in the UK.

The deal will build on the existing partnership between Arora Group, which bought Luton Hoo in 2021, and Accor.

It will see the five-AA-star hotel undergo a multi-million-pound redevelopment over the next few years, which Fairmont said would introduce "new levels of luxury" to the hotel.

Fairmont previously partnered with Arora on the launch of the 251-room Fairmont Windsor Park in January 2022. Its luxury UK portfolio includes the Savoy in London, which it has managed since 2005, and the Fairmont St Andrews golf resort.

Luton Hoo's 1,100-acre estate dates to 1601 and hosted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their honeymoon period.

The property includes an 18th century Mansion House and restaurant, a Country Club with spa and golf facilities, and the Warren Weir lakeside venue for weddings and events.

Mark Willis, chief executive of Fairmont, said the company was "excited to see the property's transformation unfold over the coming months and years".

Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of Arora Group, added: "Over the last decade, our estate has grown significantly, and we are excited to have this historic hotel join our other flagship properties.

"[We] cannot wait to commence the redevelopment and bring this stunning hotel back to is full glory and potential."

Arora Group acquired Luton Hoo in 2021 from Elite Hotels, who had owned the property for 22 years.

In May, it was announced that the Mere hotel and golf resort in Cheshire would relaunch under the Fairmont banner in 2024 following a major refurbishment.