Member Article

London hotelier has added Southampton's Highfield House Hotel to its portfolio

Ashley Hotels, the family-run hotel business, has acquired Highfield House Hotel in Southampton as it looks to further expand across the UK.

Located two miles from Southampton city centre, the 71-bed hotel is popular with both business and leisure travellers, and benefits from its close proximity to Southampton University.

The deal, which is for an undisclosed amount, has been supported with funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland, and adds to the group’s portfolio of hotels in locations as varied as Salisbury, Farnborough, Swansea and Central London.

All staff will be retained at the Highfield House Hotel following the deal while a new general manager has been appointed following the voluntary departure of the venue’s previous GM.

Following the acquisition, Alim Hirji, director of Ashley Hotels, said: “The Highfield House Hotel represents a strategic acquisition for the group and we very much see this being a profitable business given the location attracts both the business and leisure market with Southampton University contributing to all year round sales.”

Graham Pither, Relationship Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “I’ve been working with the Hirji family for a number of years and supported many of their acquisitions.

“This latest purchase in Southampton is a profitable opportunity for them with bookings looking strong for the rest of the year ahead.

“They are an experienced hotel group and we wish them all the very best as they enjoy the opportunities this reputable hotel will bring.”