The Hot.E event is Europe’s most focused hotel investment conference, and has become the “must-attend” networking event for Europe’s top hotel investment leaders.

Reviewing the overall performance of UK hotels this year, Robin Rossmann of STR presented data summarising the phenomenal June, July and August enjoyed by London hotels. This was attributed to the weak pound and the timing of Ramadan, ‘stay-cations’ and the record-breaking hot summer.

However, there is still caution around the fact that supply continues to outstrip demand. With continuous development, another 7,500 rooms are due to enter the London hotel market in the coming 12 months.  Regionally Liverpool, Edinburgh and Manchester are the top locations currently attracting investors.

Also discussed was the impact the Russian World Cup had on hotel room sales, which was truly fascinating.  In 2010 Johannesburg experienced growth of 78%; likewise Rio had growth of 95% in 2014. During the World Cup in Moscow this year there was a whopping 225% increase. In actual hotel room numbers this represented an additional 28,538 rooms sold during this summer’s event in Russia.

The 2018 Hall of Fame Award, established to recognize an investor, developer, or hotel leader whose career has had a profound impact on the European hotel industry, was presented to Kit and Tim Kemp, co-founders of Firmdale Hotels. They are pioneers of luxury hotel design and service, and they gave a fascinating and insightful interview about their vision of taking overlooked inner city sites and turning them into world-renowned luxury hotels.

It was a great opportunity to hear valuable insights from some very engaging speakers, and to meet with inspirational people from within the Hotel industry. I look forward to attending next year.