Sanguine hires hotel manager from Albert Dock rival

Hotel operator Sanguine Hospitality has appointed David Hughes from Whitbread as general manager of Hotel Indigo Liverpool, the forthcoming 151-bedroom boutique hotel on Chapel Street.

Hughes spent five years as general manager of Premier Inn Albert Dock in Liverpool, where he led the hotel to five awards including Whitbread Business of the Year.

Sanguine Hospitality chairman, Simon Matthews-Williams, worked with Hughes at Crowne Plaza hotel in Liverpool before he sold the business to Centre Island Hotels Group.

Hughes said: "I'm really excited to be on board. Hotel Indigo is a fantastic product that will change the way hotels and restaurants are run together in Liverpool. With Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse, Bar and Grill, we have a destination restaurant within a destination hotel, which will definitely help drive bookings.

"Also, as an InterContinental Hotel Group brand, Hotel Indigo will allow guests to enjoy the individuality of a boutique hotel with the reassurance and benefits of being part of a large international group."

Matthews-Williams said: "There is plenty of scope to be imaginative and creative with Hotel Indigo. It's a fantastic product to be working on as it allows us to combine both brand and boutique. The design will be eclectic and in keeping with the location and its cotton heritage.

"David's ambition, drive and enthusiasm for the brand along with his experience and local knowledge made him the ideal choice to help us bring Hotel Indigo to Liverpool."

Hotel Indigo Liverpool is due to open in June 2011.