Wrexham hotel attracts new owners and over £250k planned investment #Blog

Victoria Hayes
10th June 2024

From Tuesday 28 May 2024, Holt Lodge Hotel is under new ownership. Experienced hotelier Steven Hesketh comes together with Daniel Gillon, cofounder and managing director of Onyx Real Estate Liverpool to take over the hotel, with plans for a £250,000 programme of investment over the next few months.

Holt Lodge Hotel is a 37-bedroom roadside hotel, set in approximately 7.18 acres of land. It is situated on Wrexham Road, between the village of Holt and the city of Wrexham. With the previous owners planning on embracing retirement, the hotel went on the market in summer 2023.

Initial activity planned at the hotel by the new owners includes a significant £250k+ investment, with all 37 rooms being upgraded with a full refurbishment within the first six months. Following that, the focus will move on to the 120+ people function suite and its use – with hopes to work closely with local businesses and sports clubs to run networking and events, including sportsmen’s dinners and other functions. The hotel is also keen to offer off-site hospitality facilities for pre-match dinners and packages.

One of the lead investors, Steven Hesketh, is already the owner of The Chester Townhouse, a family-run business, and is heavily involved in the hospitality industry. He is excited to focus on what can be done to support, protect and grow the visitor economy, through the development of Holt Lodge Hotel.

Steven says: “This week, as Wrexham continues to be celebrated for its winning streak under Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – who regularly help the city make headlines – the stars have aligned within the region’s hospitality scene, to create waves around the future of another iconic Wrexham landmark – Holt Lodge Hotel.

“The award-winning hotel has been run by husband-and-wife team Andrew and Alexandra Smeaton and their family for over 25 years. It is recognised as being a part of the region’s history and known lovingly for its warm hospitality, excellent dining and comfortable accommodation. However, the time has come for new owners to map out the hotel’s future and we are excited to take on that challenge.”

Dan added: “We are really honoured to be taking on a venue that has been a part of so many local peoples’ lives – speak to anyone in the area and they, or someone they know, has worked here, got married here, or been to a wedding here. We are proud to be here in Wrexham and look forward to developing events that bring the community together.”

Joe Bickerton, destination and tourism manager for Wrexham County Borough, said: “Holt Lodge has been part of the fabric for Wrexham for many years and people have been hoping that something like this would happen, as there is a fierce loyalty to the place. Plans to breathe new life into it will help Wrexham. I am excited about the enthusiasm and expertise these guys bring and this is why we are so happy to support it.”

Holt Lodge Hotel remains open, and the team plan to relaunch the hotel fully at the end of June, with an opening party to celebrate and share the future plans. You can keep up-to-date with the latest news and refurbishment updates via the hotel’s Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TheHoltlLodgeHotel/