Aston Hotels brand unveiled

A new independent hotel group Aston Hotels, has been launched to "bridge the gap between luxury and budget for business and leisure travellers".

The group, which already manages and owns a property in Darlington, will add two hotels in Wales and Scotland to its portfolio within the next year.

The Scottish property is a two-storey 71-bedroom townhouse hotel in Dumfries which is due to open in September after an investment of £4.5m.

The Welsh hotel will be a £5.6m new-build property with 75 bedrooms in the Baglan Energy Park in Neath, near Swansea and is scheduled to open in early 2007.

The group was founded by Paresh Kotecha, and Nallan Rangesh.

Kotecha, who was previously involved with Baron hotels and Slayley Hall in Northumberland, said: "This is a really exciting venture for us. We strongly believe there is a gap in the market between the traditional overpriced luxury accommodation and the more basic alternative."

By Emily Manson

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