Snaptrip Group expands brand portfolio with…

Snaptrip Group, the UK’s leading online accommodation platform network that includes LateRooms, Snaptrip and Dog Friendly Cottages, has announced the acquisition of international hospitality website The Hotel Guru for a seven-figure sum.

The move sees Snaptrip Group strengthen its position in the market, coming shortly after it relaunched LateRooms earlier this year after it was placed into administration and then acquired by the group in 2019.

Hotel Guru, known for helping travellers who prioritise guest satisfaction, has a strong international presence, particularly in the US, which will help the group expand into new markets and expand its global reach.

“We are pleased to welcome The Hotel Guru to the Snaptrip Group family,” said Matt Fox, CEO of Snaptrip Group.

“This acquisition is a significant step forward in our mission to become the go-to platform for all things accommodation in the UK and beyond.

Hotel Guru’s established reputation as a trusted source of carefully curated hotel reviews, with a team of expert reviewers, perfectly complements our existing offering.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Snaptrip Group and contribute to their continued success,” said Hugh Graham-Watson, who will remain Managing Director of The Hotel Guru.

“This partnership allows us to leverage Snaptrip Group’s strong presence in the UK, while offering our international customers access to a wider range of unique accommodation options.”

Backed by Bestport Private Equity and Forward Partners, Snaptrip Group began its acquisition spree in 2017 with the purchase of Last Minute Cottages Ltd.

It then added LateRooms, Hot Tub Hideaways and most recently Independent Cottages, which has seen “aggressive” year-on-year revenue growth and “very satisfactory levels of profitability”.

Fox added: “The travel sector is a constantly changing and challenging market right now, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changing economic and governmental environment.

The opportunity to expand our business into hotels and self-catering accommodation in towns and villages across the UK, and now internationally (via the acquisition of The Hotel Guru), is a concerted effort on our part and allows us to optimise a range of different channels and growth opportunities.

“Our group will continue to seek acquisitions that will accelerate access to new markets and sectors to expand our customer base and accommodation partners for their mutual benefit.”