Valor Hospitality Enters Partnership to Operate the Historic Scores Hotel

Valor Hospitality has partnered with the Links Collection and Wirefox to operate the Scores Hotel in St Andrews. An 18-month renovation has been planned to improve the experience for visitors to the hotel, while also maintaining the historical character of the building. Valor Hospitality Partners is a global hospitality management company, specializing in the management, development, refurbishment, and investment of hotels and resorts. Their website states that, as part of their mission, they “plan and oversee the refurbishment and renovation of existing properties and assist ownership in positioning.” It continues, “With extensive experience in independent and branded hotels, we can provide the best approach to the merits of remaining independent, finding and securing a brand, or re-branding and re-positioning. “Valor is also uniquely qualified to develop a property revitalization strategy to deliver maximum operating performance while considering/proposing the optimal financial structure to maximize return on investment.” Valor has seen rapid growth in recent years, with its UK portfolio doubling in size in 2021, largely due to a partnership with IHG properties, which saw Valor agree to manage an additional 17 properties for the company. The Scores Hotel, formerly known as the Best Western Scores Hotel, is made up of an 1864 Victorean structure known as Seaton House and St Salvatore’s, and 1880s boys’school, with the two buildings being formally joined together in 2012 to facilitate the creation of new suites.

The hotel closed for refurbishment in October 2021 after its acquisition in June 2021. It was operated for 34 years by the Mann family and was then bought by the Links Collection and Savillis, acting on behalf of Wirefox.

The property spans 3,000 square feet with 36 rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and an events venue. The newly renovated Scores Hotel is expected to open in 2023, meaning the hotel will not be finished in time for the 150th Open Championship. The renovation of the Scores Hotel also includes a complete overhaul of food and drink, with numerous dining experiences being added including a restaurant, bar, café, garden patio, and outdoor terrace. The redesign will be headed up by Valor Hospitality’s global restaurant team. The team is headed by Chris Martha, Michelin Star chef Matt Gray, and London based interior design firm Goddard Littlefair. The chef patron of Ondine in Edinburgh, Roy Brett, will also be involved in the process of rejuvenating the restaurant through new food and beverage concepts. A seafood restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Ondine opened in 2009, and has since been named the best restaurant in Scotland by the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards. CEO and global co-founder of Valor Hospitality, Euan McGlashan, said, “Our team is thrilled to begin operating and overseeing the Scores Hotel amid its

much-anticipated refurbishment. Valor Hospitality's deep understanding of the hotel industry will ensure the property is set up for nothing but success.” He continued, “It was an ideal fit to partner with Robert, Jonathan and Wirefox for this venture, and the Scores property in St. Andrews was the natural next step in our global portfolio expansion. We look forward to bringing our unique luxury experience to every aspect of the property as we have done in our safari lodges in Africa, as well as some of our bigger golf projects such as Fancourt golf resort in South Africa and McLemore in the US.” The project is also designed to support the local economy. The hotel aims to employ about 70 staff members from the local popula- tion, as well as source local produce to be used in its restaurants. Brian MacCarthy, managing director at Valor Hospitality Partners, said, “We are beyond excited to be working with local professionals to make our Scores Hotel vision come true. “After a few tough years, we are thrilled to bring life back to St. Andrews and share this incredible property with visitors and locals alike.”