IHG opens third UK Voco in Oxford

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has relaunched a second Principal hotel under its Voco brand, its third Voco hotel in the UK.

The 104-bedroom, 15th century property, formerly the De Vere Oxford Thames, has been rebadged the Voco Oxford Thames under the upscale brand which was launched last year.

The property also features the Conservatory restaurant offering seasonal British cuisine, the Crusaders bar and lounge and a leisure club with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.

General manager Elle Garner said: "We are incredibly excited to be the third hotel in the UK to join the Voco family. My team is thrilled to bring this new brand to life in Oxford and look forward to welcoming guests, new and old, with a warm welcome."

The news follows the rebrand of the Principal Hotel Cardiff in November last year as Voco St David's, and the relaunch of the independent St John's hotel in Solihull as the Voco St John's in February.

Sustainability is a big part of the Voco brand, with all bedding at Voco hotels made from 100% recycled materials, glass water bottles replacing plastic and aerated shower heads reducing water usage. In addition, miniature toiletry bottles have been replaced with large-format Aveda bottles.

Covivio acquired the Principal portfolio last May for £858m from Starwood Capital in partnership with IHG.

IHG has 349 hotels operating under eight brands in the UK, with a further 26 in the pipeline.

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Second Voco for UK from IHG opens in Solihull >>

Principal hotels to split between three brands following sale by Starwood Capital >>

IHG launches new upscale brand Voco >>