A year of bold expansion, asset-light strategies, and lifestyle brand ambitions reshapes the global hospitality landscape
May 27, 2025
The 2025 global hotel group ranking by MKG Consulting paints a vivid picture of a fiercely competitive industry in motion. Hotel giants are turbocharging growth through acquisitions, franchise expansion, and asset-light models, while doubling down on extended stay offerings, lifestyle brands, and geographic diversification. With pipelines bursting and development surging across emerging markets like India, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these players are navigating a fine line between aggressive growth and sustainable scale.
Key takeaways
Marriott leads unchallenged
- Added 123,000 rooms and entered the affordable economy space (City Express).
- StudioRes and luxury residences drive diversification; over 10,000 units added via Sonder.
- Global RevPAR up 4.3%, with international markets leading.
Jin Jiang expands international reach
- Focus on transformation and brand globalization via Louvre Hotels and Radisson.
- Targeted expansion in India, Europe, and China through strategic alliances.
Hilton balances lifestyle & loyalty
- Acquisitions (NoMad, Graduate Hotels), new markets, and 100,000+ rooms added.
- Strong loyalty program growth with Hilton Honors surpassing 210 million members.
H World surges with 170,000 new rooms
- Dominates China, expanding globally via Deutsche Hospitality.
- Cautious push to introduce Chinese brands abroad.
IHG’s global push under new CEO
- Expansion in China, India, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.
- Acquired Ruby Hotels; lifestyle brands now 21% of pipeline.
Wyndham goes global
- 58% of pipeline is now international.
- New builds dominate (78%); infrastructure proximity drives U.S. RevPAR gains.
Accor’s record profit & Africa focus
- Over €1 billion in gross margin for the first time.
- Strong African expansion, premium and lifestyle brands perform well.
Choice Hotels bets big on extended stay
- 515 extended stay hotels, 43,000+ rooms in pipeline.
- Partnership with Westgate adds luxury dimension.
OYO returns with G6 Hospitality acquisition
- 1,500 Motel 6 hotels added in North America.
- Profitability returns, but revenue dipped 15%.
BTG Homeinns moves upscale in China
- Targets business districts and e-sports hotels.
- Launch of luxury division signals high-end ambitions.
Hyatt holds largest global pipeline
- 138,000+ rooms planned, with growth in lifestyle and all-inclusive sectors.
- Acquisitions: Playa Hotels & Standard International.
BWH Hotels diversifies with glamping & residences
- Targeting 850 new hotels in 5 years, focus on emerging markets.
- Expansion of flexible and alternative lodging models like WorldHotels Residences and HOME by Best Western.
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