Castlebridge Hospitality has added another property to its growing portfolio of hotels, taking over management of the Courtyard by Marriott Keele in Staffordshire as of 1 January 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for the privately-owned hotel management company, which is based in Leamington Spa. Not only is the Courtyard by Marriott Keele the company’s first Marriott-branded property, but it also represents Castlebridge’s first third-party management contract—a strategic move as the group accelerates expansion in this area of the business.
The 150-bedroom hotel is located on the campus of Keele University in Newcastle-under-Lyme, surrounded by Staffordshire countryside yet just minutes from Stoke-on-Trent and easily accessible from the M6. Built in 2020 and opened in February 2021, the property features Scholars Bar and Restaurant, a Starbucks Campus Coffee House, two meeting rooms accommodating up to 20 people, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
“Everyone at Castlebridge Hospitality is delighted by the trust shown in us by the owners, KHT, and honoured to have been awarded the management contract for the Courtyard by Marriott Keele,” said Craig Patterson, Managing Director at Castlebridge Hospitality. “It is a fantastic hotel with an exceptionally engaged team, and it has been a privilege to welcome them into the Castlebridge family. We are confident that Castlebridge is the right partner to unlock the asset’s full potential.”
Patterson added that the partnership represents a major milestone for the company. “Not only is it our first Marriott-branded hotel, but it is also our first third-party management contract—an important step as we accelerate a core growth area for the group. We have worked incredibly hard to build a central support platform with a wealth of skill and experience, and this appointment is a strong validation of that work.”
Scott Randall, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Keele, welcomed the new partnership. “We’re delighted that Courtyard by Marriott Keele is joining Castlebridge Hospitality, which has a track record in delivering first-class hotel management services with operational excellence and heartfelt hospitality with a relentless focus on results. I know that Courtyard by Marriott Keele will be safe in the hands of Castlebridge Hospitality, who will ensure the hotel is renowned as being the best place to stay, drink, eat and relax in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Castlebridge Hospitality already manages an impressive portfolio of properties across the UK and Europe, including Hotel Indigo Coventry, Hotel Indigo Bath, Hotel Indigo Chester, Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon, voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, and Holiday Inn Express Campo de Gibraltar – Los Barrios in Spain.
The company operates and invests across a range of hospitality assets, focusing on creating sustainable value through strategic partnerships, strong brands, and a hands-on approach to management.
More information: castlebridgehospitality.co.uk | Courtyard by Marriott Keele
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