Turkish hotel group Kaya Tourism Group has acquired the historic Great Northern Hotel in King’s Cross, marking its first property in London and signaling the start of its expansion into the UK and Europe.

The Great Northern Hotel, an 88-room property, is a Grade II-listed building with a rich history dating back to 1854. Designed by architect Lewis Cubitt, who also designed King’s Cross and London Bridge stations, the hotel underwent a £40 million renovation in 2013. Known for its prime location next to St. Pancras station, the only railway link from the UK to Europe, the hotel is strategically positioned in one of London’s most successful regeneration areas.

Kaya Tourism Group, part of Kaya Holding, operates 13 hotels in Turkey and Cyprus under the Kaya Palazzo Hotels & Resorts and Kaya Hotels & Resorts brands. The group plans to enhance the Great Northern Hotel’s food and beverage offerings, which currently include the Rails restaurant and Little Bar, to better serve the needs of King’s Cross and St. Pancras passengers as well as local residents.

Burak Kaya, Chairman of the Board at Kaya Holding, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition. "We are delighted to have made our first international hotel investment in London. Great Northern Hotel is located in one of the capital’s most successful regeneration developments and is right next to St. Pancras station, the only railway connection from the UK to Europe. We are proud to be the first Turkish tourism company to make such a significant hotel investment in the UK and believe this investment will strengthen mutual tourism relations between Turkey and the UK. We are actively considering next options for further expansion into Europe." he said.

Kaya also highlighted the group’s broader expansion plans, stating that they are actively considering additional opportunities for growth across Europe. This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Kaya Holding, as it becomes the first Turkish tourism company to make such a substantial investment in the UK hospitality sector.

The Great Northern Hotel has a storied past and architectural beauty that complements Kaya’s vision of high-quality hospitality. Previously managed by Kew Green and most recently by Marugal Distinctive Hotel Management, the hotel has maintained its reputation as a top destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Kaya Tourism Group’s acquisition of the Great Northern Hotel is a strategic move that underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in the global hospitality market. By integrating Turkish hospitality with the historic charm of the Great Northern Hotel, Kaya aims to attract a diverse range of travelers and strengthen tourism ties between Turkey and the UK.