Reading hotel gets fresh and funky

The most talked about subject in hospitality circles in Reading, England is the rebranding and refurbishment of the former Renaissance Hotel to the fresh and funky pentahotel.

Penta today announced the team that will be leading the several million pound development.

Philip Cox has been named General Manager and will lead the operation. Cox plans to inject a bit of fun back into the hotel market with Penta, which will be positioned as a lifestyle brand. He was most recently Regional General Manager for Golden Tulip UK, having successfully launched and opened their Leeds hotel whilst also taking responsibility for an additional six new development locations across the country.

Cox has a strong track record in hotel growth and development, spotting opportunities, making it happen, whilst at the same time delivering on the bottom line. He understands every aspect of the hotel business, having worked across food and beverage, front of house, sales, marketing and operations throughout his career.

“Our plan is to create a totally unique destination venue with pentahotels,” said Cox. “It’s a challenge to change what was already a highly established hotel, but I think the evolution will make it more iconic.”

Sales Manager Jo Stevens joins Cox following an impressive three year stint with Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin Group where she was Regional Business Development Manager. She opened both the Oxford and Reading locations and oversaw ten of the Group’s national accounts. Stevens will be responsible for ensuring a smooth transition of Renaissance clients to pentahotel and driving accommodation and event business.

For more information, log on to Pentahotels.com.