Chequers hotel to relaunch as UK’s first Four Points by Sheraton

The Nine Group is set to relaunch the Chequers hotel near London Gatwick airport under Marriott’s Four Points by Sheraton brand, the first one in the UK.

Nine Group announced in 2017 that it would undertake a multimillion-pound renovation of the 110-bedroom property in Horley, Surrey, after acquiring it for more than £5m, to transform it into a four-star hotel with an international brand.

The hotel has been closed since 2013 when parent company Cordial Hotels went into administration. It was one of 15 hotels that operated under the Menzies banner, but when the brand was sold to Topland it was among three hotels not included in the sale.

Oaknorth Bank has provided Nine Group with a £9m loan towards the development of the property, which will have 131 bedrooms and operate under Marriott’s brand geared towards business travellers. The hotel is also set to include a restaurant with a local pub attached and eight events rooms.

Vivek Chadha, managing director and founder of Nine Group, said: “The Menzies Chequers Gatwick building has a long history dating back to the 1500s when it was a coaching inn during the Tudor period. It was serving travellers all that time ago, so we’re excited to be restoring it to its former glory and bringing the unique Nine Group approach to the design. The new hotel will boast premium facilities for guests travelling to and from Gatwick Airport, whether that be for business or pleasure.”

Deepesh Thakrar, senior director, debt finance at Oaknorth Bank, added: “Vivek and his senior team have an extensive track record and a fast-growing portfolio with some of the most recognisable brands in the world. We look forward to watching the new hotel in Horley prosper and look forward to working with the team on future developments.”

Nine Group has 11 hotels in its portfolio, including the Novotel Heathrow Airport, the Holiday Inn at Watford Junction and the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading, and is developing a Radisson Red next to the O2 in London’s Greenwich.