Hong Kong hotelier invests in hometown
A LANCASHIRE-born, Hong Kong-based hotel operator has purchased a hotel in his hometown.
Andrew Whitaker, who has been working overseas foe 20 years, has snapped-up Mode Hotel in Lytham St Annes.
Located on the South Promenade, Mode Hotel includes 17 bedrooms, some with seafront views, and luxury facilities for visitors. Over the next few years Whitaker plans to complete a series of refurbishment works to improve the hotel, including adding two bedrooms.
As a youngster on the Fylde coast he used to help out at his grandparents’ hotel in Lytham St Annes so the leisure and hospitality industry has always been in his blood.
He said: “I’ve been looking for a hotel to own in the UK for quite some time as my daughter has started school back home. Mode Hotel is a great hotel as it is in an ideal location for visitors to the seafront. I grew up in the area so it’s great to be able to invest in the area.
“I will continue to live in Hong Kong as we are keeping all of the management team at the hotel, led by Lina Kaval. Lina and her team have been managing the hotel for a number of years and bring with them experience and expertise to continue operations in a way customers have come to expect.”
Whitaker’s £735,000 purchase of the hotel, which has seven staff, was supported by a six-figure loan provided by NatWest.
Relationship manager DaleLawrenson said: ” Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge in the hotel and leisure sector, and I wish him and Mode Hotel every success for the future.”
