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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Jon Robinson

The Lowry Hotel battles back from £3m Covid losses to return to profit

The Lowry Hotel has said it's returned to profit following the end of Covid-19 restrictions after losing more than £3m during the pandemic.

The five-star hotel racked up the pre-tax losses in 2020 and 2021, according to recently-filed documents with Companies House, having made a profit of £545,000 in 2019.

Its turnover also recovered from £4.1m in 2020 to £8m last year after a "very strong" recovery period once restrictions had eased and concern over the Omicron variant had dissipated.

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The hotel turned over almost £13m in the year before the pandemic struck.

Over the two years the Salford hotel received more than £1.5m in furlough payments from the government while the number of employees dropped from 207 in 2019 to 183 at the end of 2021.

The hotel added that after the end of 2021 it has returned to profitability.

Over the years the hotel has hosted the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Chinese President Xi Jinping and football teams including Manchester United. Jose Mourinho lived in the hotel during his time as manager.

The Lowry Hotel in Salford (Manchester Evening News)

A statement signed off by the board said: "The hotel reopened in May 2021 and the recovery period for the last six months of 2021 was very strong.

"The pent-up demand for celebrations and leisure stays was very evident and this resulted in good occupancies, improved average rates and good spend in the spa, restaurant and bar.

"The onset of the Omicron variant impacted the end of the year and the early part of 2022 with a lower level of business evident in January and February 2022 as a result of the cautious nature of business following the advice from government.

"However since the lifting of restrictions in March 2022, the confidence levels from guests and event organisers has improved and business levels have increased significantly for the spring season and onwards for the remaining months of year 2022."

It added: "The hotel has a superb reputation within the Manchester hotel market and occupies a leading position within the city.

"Over many years of successful operation it has firmly itself as a preferred destination for celebrities, sports teams, top-end corporate guests and for celebrations and special occasions.

"The hotel has been completely refurbished including lobby, bar, restaurant and all bedrooms and suites in the hotel.

"The whole hotel is now well positioned to complete effectively for the years ahead in a very competitive market."

In May 2017, Singapore-based CDL Hospitality Trusts acquired the hotel from North Low SARL for around £53m.

The Lowry Hotel opened in 2001 and has 165 bedrooms.

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