The John Lewis Partnership is preparing to sell its Bala Lake Hotel in Eryri, a property it has owned since 2008. The employee-owned retail group, which operates Waitrose supermarkets and John Lewis department stores, purchased the hotel for approximately £2m.
The hotel is one of five the partnership owns across the UK, offering employees exclusive access to holidays at subsidised rates. It is now to be listed for sale through property agents Savills, a decision that has left staff and guests "gutted", with many employees having used the hotel for family getaways over the years.
Reasons behind the sale
In a statement, the partnership said: "We want to share the update with our Facebook community that we've made the really tough decision to put Bala Lake Hotel up for sale."
The statement continued: "Our partners and suppliers have worked incredibly hard to make this such a special place over the last 18 years, where we know many guests have made lifelong memories. We are working closely with property agent Savills to secure a new owner who will maintain the hotel's legacy and continue attracting visitors to this spectacular area."
Explaining the reasoning, the partnership added: "Bala Lake Hotel is one of five hotels owned by the John Lewis Partnership, which are used primarily by our partners as a benefit of working at the partnership. Higher partner usage of our other hotels, as well as higher running costs at Bala Lake relative to its current usage are the key drivers behind our decision to sell."
Reaction from partners and guests
The announcement was met with dismay from partners. One commented: "Such sad news, my boys grew up using all the partnership holidays and have fantastic memories of them all. Was hoping to revisit Bala."
Another wrote: "I am so gutted to read this. The staff have seen my little girl grow from newborn to age 10. It's always been our absolute favourite partnership hotel and I send my heartfelt thanks to every one partner that has made us feel so welcome for the last decade."
Many praised the hotel's staff. One said: "This is so sad. Bala is such a beautiful place and you all work so hard to make all guests feel special. A group of us ex-partnership councillors meet up every year at our different hotels. We had the pleasure of staying with you in 2020 when COVID had just started and then again last year. I'm gutted for you all and I'm not at all surprised at your professionalism in keeping things running as usual. I'd personally like to thank you for helping us make memories in an unforgettable place. Take a bow Bala. You're all fabulous. Thank you."
Business as usual for now
The partnership reassured guests that operations will continue as normal during the sale process. "We want to reassure you that for now it is very much business as usual - we're continuing to fulfill all existing bookings and accept future reservations."
