SLH announces Palé Hall as its first Welsh member
Palé Hall, an 18-bedroom hotel due to launch in a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion next month, is to become the first property in Wales for sales and marketing consortium Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).
Located on a 50-acre estate in Llandderfel, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, the hotel will join 33 other members of SLH in the UK. Globally, SLH has more than 520 hotels across 80 countries.
Palé Hall is owned by telecoms entrepreneur Alan Harper and his wife Angela, a former head teacher. The property, which once played host to Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill, was previously on the market for four years, variously priced at between £2.45m and £2.95m, before the Harpers' acquisition and extensive renovation.
Michael Caines, formerly executive chef of Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon, will oversee the food and beverage operation at the hotel, while one of his former protégés, Gareth Stevenson, will run the kitchens on a day-to-day basis as head chef.
Caines will launch Palé Hall alongside working on the development of his own personal luxury hotel project, 21-bedroom Courtland House with a 60-seat restaurant in Lympstone, Devon.
Daniel Luddington, vice-president of development at SLH, said Palé Hall was a perfect match for the ethos of the consortium, which prides itself on "independently-minded owners who have poured their heart and soul into creating their dream hotel.
"The hotel's rich history, passionate owners and stunning Snowdonian setting gives it a fascinating story to tell. Palé Hall is a true Welsh gem that we are very much looking forward to promoting."
The Harpers added: "We are delighted to have been welcomed into the Small Luxury Hotels fold. Small and independently owned luxury hotels with their own character is their speciality and we feel we fit perfectly within their portfolio."
Palé Hall will open on 1 September.
Michael Caines to head relaunch of North Wales hotel >>
