Akkeron to open £8m Ramada Encore Leicester

The seven-storey Ramada Encore Leicester hotel will be operated by Akkeron Hotels Group under the Ramada Encore brand, after £8m was invested by site owner and businessman Indi Johal to completely overhaul the 1970s building.

“The hotel is at the heart of Leicester city centre’s regenerated cultural quarter, ideal for business travellers as well as leisure visitors to the area’s tourist attractions and sporting venues,” said Akkeron’s sales and marketing director Nick Greaves.

The hotel offers 95 double and 20 twin bedrooms, plus six with full disabled access. All are fitted with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, contemporary furnishings and full en-suite wet rooms.

“The design and quality of the bedrooms rivals anything in the city already, and the coffee bar, restaurant and bar facilities will also boost the options available to local residents and commuters,” added Greaves.

Ramada Encore Leicester will also offer The Hub, an all-day restaurant and bar open to non-residents, and two large meeting rooms.

Continued expansion​

Just two weeks ago, BigHospitality reported that Akkeron added Coombe Abbey Hotel near Coventry to its portfolio ​that comprises three and four-star standard properties across the UK. The group is increasingly working with partners to continue its expansion.

Akkeron’s managing director Matthew Welbourn said: “Our continued expansion in the branded hotel sector is a key part of our growth strategy.

“We already work with Best Western, Ramada Encore and Holiday Inn Express and we expect to push the expansion of this partnership approach with other value accommodation partners that dovetail with our brand and growth strategies.”

Employing 1,630 people and with a combined annual turnover of over £60m, Akkeron now plans to grow its business into the leading provincial UK hotel business with a portfolio of up to 150 regional hotels across the UK.

The latest hotel is located on Charles Street and will be open from 1 November. Rates start from £59 during weekends and £69 Monday to Thursday.