The Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate in Aberdeen has been brought to the market for the first time in 35 years. The retirement of much-respected hotelier and partner in the business, Gordon Sinclair (69) offers a unique opportunity for new hotel owners to acquire an ‘Aberdeen institution.’ The hotel’s price tag is expected to be in the region of £3.5million.
The Atholl, which has 34 ensuite rooms to accommodate up to 62 guests, consistently outperforms average occupancy rates across Scotland. The current occupancy rate is 90%, which is above the average rate in April across the country of 70%. [RMS Hotel Tracker*]
The hotel also boasts two function rooms, a restaurant, bar and lounge area which collectively seat 129 guests along with a car park for up to 64 vehicles.
The Atholl Hotel partners Richard Nicoll and Gordon Sinclair are placing the hotel on the market as Gordon aims to retire and Richard will focus on his other business interests which include The Dutch Mill Hotel and The Broadstraik Inn.
Gordon Sinclair has been a hands-on partner at the hotel since 1996, however, his links to the hotel go further back. He began as a hospitality trainee at The Atholl Hotel from 1974 to 1978 under the guidance of Stewart and Sheila Spence. Despite brief spells working in other local hostelries such as Charlies, The Palm Court and The Craighar as operations director alongside owner Ricky Simpson, The Atholl has been a part of Gordon’s professional life for more years than not.
Gordon says, “The Atholl is much-loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s been the highly enjoyable backdrop to the majority of my working life. It will be a wrench to leave, but the time is right for me to retire and spend more time with family and friends.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team of dedicated hospitality professionals, many of whom have worked here in excess of 30 years. We’ve spent good times and more recently during the pandemic, some very challenging times together and throughout the consistent guest feedback has been heavily weighted towards comments about how special the staff are.”
The Aberdeen institution, currently number two on Trip Adviser for hotels in the city, is described by guests on the review platform as ‘faultless’, ‘amazing’, ‘warm and friendly’ with ‘unbelievably cheery and helpful staff’.
The visitor mix at the hotel includes leisure and business from the UK and overseas, and due to its proximity to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), many patients, family visitors and medical professions.
Partner Richard Nicoll says, “One of the unexpected consequences of the pandemic is that, as the hospital works through the back log of cancelled appointments and operations, there’s more call for accommodation close the ARI complex. We’ve seen a significant rise in occupancy from this source.
“The hotel is uniquely positioned in a quiet, west end location, yet within easy reach of the city centre and visitor attractions. The extensive car parking means that it’s an extremely attractive and popular option for business meetings in the function rooms.
“Gordon and I are confident that new owners will be taking on a thriving business which will continue to benefit from the lively mix of local diners, leisure and business guests and that The Atholl Hotel will remain the focus of family gatherings for Aberdonians.”
Richard plans to focus on his other business ventures; The Dutch Mill Hotel in Aberdeen’s Queen’s Road and The Broadstraik Inn in Elrick, which he acquired earlier this year. The Broadstraik is currently being refurbished and will reopen in autumn.
The Atholl Hotel is being marketed by Bruce and Co. More information about the hotel sale is available from Bradley Wilson, sales negotiator at Bruce and Co by emailing bradley.wilson@altiusgroup.co.uk or calling 01772 376556.