Park Plaza Hotels has announced plans to more than double its room portfolio by 2012, with new signings in eastern Europe and the UK.

In Russia the group has signed an agreement with Ferens Management Ltd to develop 15-20 new hotels in Russia’s “premier business travel destinations” by 2012, with Moscow and St Petersburg among the planned destinations.

Meanwhile a long-term management agreement in Croatia will see several of the hotels and apartment complexes owned by the Arenaturist Group bearing the Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts flag. There are also plans afoot to upgrade conference and leisure facilities within the portfolio.

And the UK is due to get its first Art’otel property, following a joint-venture agreement to introduce the boutique brand in London’s Hoxton area. The hotel will offer guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, two auditoriums and an art gallery.

Park Plaza recently announced the debut of the Art’otel brand in Marrakech (see online news March 18), while in London the Park Plaza County Hall opened earlier this year near the South Bank (see online news February 2).

For more information visit parkplazahotels.net.

Report by Mark Caswell