Hotel Verta becomes a Crowne Plaza
Located adjacent to London Heliport on the south bank of the River Thames, the 78-bedroom property, which is owned by Fabiano Hotels, will be managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
The hotel was bought out of administration by Woodlon - whose parent company is Fabiano - in December 2011 off a guide price of £20m, following the collapse of Von Essen with debts of nearly £300m. Following the sale, the property was initially managed by Hong Kong-based Rhombus International Hotel Group.
Hotel Verta opened in 2010 after being developed for £50m as Von Essen's first London hotel, with a view to provide a base in the capital for the collection of 26 country house properties.
Paul Watson, general manager of the newly renamed hotel, which incorporates the Riverside Grill restaurant, Terrace bar, Verta Spa and gym, said he is looking forward to welcoming guests to the hotel in what he describes as "a bustling hub of London".
Harry Mohinani, director of Fabiano Hotels, said: "We're thrilled to open up our first property with one of the most reputable hotel companies in the business. Crowne Plaza London - Battersea is the perfect location for guests travelling to London on business or leisure."
At the time of the sale of Verta in 2011, property developer Nicholas Cowell, the brother of Simon Cowell, was a director of both Woodlon and Fabiano. However, he resigned from both companies in December 2012.
Crowne Plazas Hotels & Resorts is one of IHG's upscale brands, with around 400 properties in 60 countries worldwide.
Simon Cowell's brother is new owner of Hotel Verta >>
