DUSIT THANI BANGKOK REOPENS: Dusit Thani Bangkok, the flagship hotel of Thailand-based Dusit International, has reopened following a landmark transformation as part of the upcoming Dusit Central Park project opposite Lumpini Park. Originally opened in 1970, the luxury hotel now offers uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park and houses bigger meeting and events space, consisting of one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok with a 55-meter panoramic window. Besides the two existing dining concepts, Dusit Thani Bangkok will be opening four more venues including a multi-level rooftop bar situated along the hotel’s spire. The hotel is also expected to open a spa. The hotel forms the centerpiece of the THB46 million mixed-use development of Dusit Central Park, which will also have ultra-luxury residences, an office tower, retail center and an 11,200-square-meter Roof Park. The other components will open gradually in 2025.
WALDORF ASTORIA TO OPEN IN ABU DHABI: Hilton is bringing Waldorf Astoria to Abu Dhabi. Hilton and Aldar have signed Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi near the Mangrove National Park, which is home to more than 60 bird species and wildlife. The hotel will feature 167 luxury rooms and suites, many with views of the mangroves, as well as a brasserie, rooftop specialty restaurant, pool lounge, three pools, a fitness club, spa, two ballrooms and five meeting rooms. The hotel will be situated close to cultural attractions and the Abu Dhabi corniche, downtown Abu Dhabi and Zayed International Airport.
$25M LOAN FUELS MARRIOTT ACQUISITIONS IN FLORIDA: BridgeInvest, the Miami-based asset manager and direct lender, has closed on a $24.5 million loan to support the acquisition and renovation of two Marriott hotels in Ocala, Fla. The hotels include the 169-room Courtyard by Marriott and the 87-key Residence Inn by Marriott. The Sponsor, Harborview Capital Group, acquired the portfolio from American Hotel Income Properties for $26.5 million and will renovate both properties. Renovations are expected to be completed by 2025. BridgeInvest plans to close up to $1.2 billion in transactions over the next 24 months.
IHG SIGNS GARNER IN TURKEY: IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed its first Garner hotel in Turkey in a franchise agreement with FRT Turizm and support by AB Consulting (led by Ahmet Bilgin). The 126-key hotel will comprise four separate buildings and is scheduled to open in 2025. The signing comes a month after IHG introduced the Garner brand, IHG’s latest midscale conversion brand, in Turkey at an event. Located close to the new International Istanbul Airport, the hotel aims to serve transient guests. This is the second hotel that IHG will be opening in Turkey next year with FRT Turizm and AB Consulting, alongside the Holiday Inn Express Istanbul Airport Arnavutkoy district. Since its launch in August 2023, Garner has signed 79 properties and opened four properties. With a “competitive conversion cost per key”, flexible design standards and ability to reduce pre-opening operating costs, the brand allows investors to generate stronger returns, IHG said in a statement.
