The Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate in Aberdeen has been brought to the market for the first time in 35 years.
The retirement of hotelier and partner in the business, Gordon Sinclair, means the property has been listed for offers over £3.5m.
The Atholl has 34 ensuite rooms to accommodate up to 62 guests. The current occupancy rate is 90%, which is above the average rate in April across the country of 70%, according to the RMS Hotel Tracker.
It also has 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 other hotel partner Richard Nicoll plans to focus on his other business interests, which include The Dutch Mill Hotel in Aberdeen’s Queen’s Road and The Broadstraik Inn in Elrick, which he acquired earlier this year and is currently being refurbished ahead of reopening this autumn.
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 from 1974 to 1978, under the guidance of Stewart and Sheila Spence.
Despite brief spells working in other local hostelries, such as The Charlies, The Palm Court and The Craighar, as operations director alongside owner Ricky Simpson, the Atholl has been a part of his professional life for more years than not.
“It will be a wrench to leave, but the time is right for me to retire and spend more time with family and friends,“ commented Sinclair.
“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.”
Nicoll said: “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.
“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.”
The hotel is being marketed by Bruce and Co.
It was built in 1880 as a private residence for a local businessman who extended the property in 1890, doubling its size.
A hotel first opened in the building in 1958, with a full licence to serve food and drink granted in 1963. Between 1972 and 1989, the hotel was owned by Stewart Spence MBE and his wide Sheila, who built a 20 bedroom extension in the early 1980s.
Separately, Gifford House at 103 Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh, has been brought to the market for the first time in more than 34 years.
The Victorian terraced property on the capital's southside is an established guest house with seven ensuite bedrooms, a breakfast room, living room and owner's accommodation with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private rear garden.
Gifford House is being sold by David and Margaret Dow, who are currently operating on a very limited occupancy and trading period, ahead of retirement from the trade.
Alistair Letham, hotel and leisure consultant with Graham + Sibbald, which is selling the property, commented: “The availability of Gifford House is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a quality small guest house business in a prominent position and close to city centre location.
“As retirement approached, the hotel has purposely traded at below the VAT threshold level; but there is undoubted scope and potential to expand and grow the business trading on a full 12-month annual period and full occupancy.”
Offers around £1.2m are being invited.
Meanwhile, Graham + Sibbald has also announced that the Royal Hotel on Garve Roadin Ullapool, has been sold.
Set in a position overlooking Ullapool Harbour and part of the North Coast 500 route, the former coaching inn has 54 bedrooms over two floors.
The hotel also includes a restaurant, public bar and ballroom, as well as a four-bedroom manager’s flat.
The Royal Hotel was marketed on a confidential basis, with the sale price and details undisclosed.
Peter Seymour, a director with Graham + Sibbald, commented: “This is one of a number of hotel sales we have completed under a confidential marketing campaign recently.
“The buyers are a local operator who we know intend to invest in the hotel and drive the business to new highs.
“The deal was financed by RBS, which marks a return to the deal market for mainstream lenders.”
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