KE Hotels has acquired The Queens Hotel Cheltenham, from its administrators, Crowe. The move sees KE Hotels invested in five UK properties, as they expand their offering across the UK’s hospitality sector. The deal increases KE Hotels’ portfolio to eight properties, comprising five owned and three managed properties. The managed-hotels segment represents hotels operated under franchise agreements with brands such as IHG and Marriott.

The Queens Hotel Cheltenham – An Historic Account

Since 2017, The Queens Hotel Cheltenham was owned alongside The Francis Hotel Bath and The Castle Hotel Windsor for Sutton Hotel Collection. Sited in a prime location in Cheltenham, the hotel was built on a 1-acre plot adjacent to Imperial Gardens. Thanks to its well-preserved history and its convenient position, the hotel has enjoyed guests in holidays and business parties for long years.

Statements from KE Hotels Leadership

Josh Watts, the COO of KE Hotels, expressed his excitement about bringing the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea into the KE portfolio. He mentioned that acquiring such a historically significant hotel in the heart of one of the UK’s most famous spa towns had been a privilege. Watts emphasized that the company’s primary focus would be to enhance the guest experience through a partnership with the hotel’s current team, all while preserving its heritage and ensuring exceptional services for guests.

Anil Khanna, Managing Director of KE Hotels also gave his thoughts to the acquisition by saying that the deal is an important milestone for KE Hotels in its expansion strategy. Khanna added that the purchase of The Queens Hotel Cheltenham would not only increase their owned portfolio, but was in line with their strategy to acquire and manage quality properties in key UK locations. He expressed pride in the accomplishments of the company and the team pushing the company forward.

Leadership Changes Post Acquisition

Its sale resulted in the departure of cluster general manager Shaun Bowles, who joined the hotel in November 2021. It had been reported that Bowles would be stepping down amidst the transition caused by the ownership change.

The management of The Queens Hotel for a number of years had been provided by Sutton Hotel Collection, a business owned by the Sutton family established by the late Sir Richard Sutton. The company had also operated The Athenaeum in London. Recent developments at Sutton Hotel Collection include a reorganization, which commenced in February 2025. There were many staff who left too in a re-structure which saw well-respected general manager Joanne Taylor-Stagg (six years in situ) go too. Several other roles in departments such as HR and finance, among others, were cut as the restructure unfolded.

Continued Commitment of The Sutton Family

Despite recent developments, the Sutton family remains committed to the properties they still own. Sutton expressed that the family has no intention of giving up their holdings, including The Athenaeum. However, recent changes suggest that the family might be focusing on their core assets and contemplating their next steps in the hospitality industry. The departure of William Gibbs, a former hotels director at Sutton Hotel Collection, in November 2024, further indicates a shift in the company’s direction.

The growing reach of KE Hotels in The UK

The company is now a player focused on strategically purchasing buildings in prime spots and scaling up its portfolio. The acquisition of The Queens Hotel represents an important part of their portfolio offering and they are committed to provide a mixture of products for their diverse customer base.

The owners of KE Hotels pledged to honour the legacy of The Queens Hotel and not only maintain the heritage of the hotel, but add new facilities to ensure their guests have the very best 21st century experience. KE Hotels expanding portfolio establishes the business as a dominant player within the UK hotel market.

Conclusion

The sale of The Queens Hotel Cheltenham reflects a new era for both the Sutton Hotel Collection and KE Hotel Group. As Sutton Hotel Collection changes direction, The acquisition of The Queens Hotel is a reflection of KE Hotels continued expansion and adherence to maintaining the unique heritage of their hotels whilst providing the best possible stay for their guests. The USP Offering a memorable stay in the iconic spa town of Cheltenham, the property will remain a key part of the hospitality scene in Cheltenham.