UK: Snaptrip Group, a collection of accommodation marketplaces [including LateRooms, Snaptrip and Dog Friendly Cottages], has announced the acquisition of international hotel website The Hotel Guru for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.
The strategic move strengthens Snaptrip Group’s position in the hotel sector and significantly expands its reach across the globe.
Snaptrip Group CEO Matt Fox said: “We are thrilled to welcome The Hotel Guru to the Snaptrip Group family. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to become the go-to platform for all things accommodation in the UK and beyond.
“The Hotel Guru’s established reputation as a trusted source for curated hotel reviews, with its team of expert reviewers, perfectly complements our existing offerings,” he added.
As an international curated hotel reviews platform, The Hotel Guru has become a go-to resource for travellers seeking hotels that prioritise guest experience in recent years. The platform has a large international presence, particularly in the United States, which presents an opportunity for Snaptrip Group to enter into new markets and capture a wider audience.
Hugh Graham-Watson, who will remain MD of The Hotel Guru, said: “We are excited to join forces with Snaptrip Group and contribute to their continued success. This partnership allows us to leverage Snaptrip Group’s strong UK presence while offering our international customer base access to a wider range of exceptional accommodation options.”
Backed by Bestport Private Equity and Forward Partners, Snaptrip Group began acquiring businesses in 2017 with the purchase of Last Minute Cottages Ltd. Since then, it has added LateRooms, Hot Tub Hideaways and Independent Cottages to its portfolio, all contributing to year-on-year top-line growth and profitability.
The addition of The Hotel Guru expands the Snaptrip Group’s footprint in the hotel sector, following the acquisition of the LateRooms assets after it fell into administration in 2019. Snaptrip Group relaunched LateRooms earlier this year.
Fox said: “The travel sector is a constantly changing and challenging market to be in at the moment, especially post Covid, and with economic and governmental volatility. Being able to spread our presence around hotel and self-catered urban and rural accommodation offerings in the UK, and now abroad with the acquisition of The Hotel Guru, is a determined effort on our part and allows us to optimise many different channels and growth opportunities.
“Our group will continue to be on the lookout for acquisitions that fast-track access to new markets and sectors, to both broaden our customer base and accommodation partners for their mutual benefit,” he added.
