Follow RIU Hotels & Resorts in one feed. This hub gathers the latest news and openings across the Spanish resort group, curated from trusted sources. Stay on top of a leader in beach and city resort hospitality.
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Cottage Hotel in South Devon sold in multimillion-pound deal
21 August 2026Beach Barefoot Hospitality acquires 45-bedroom Hope Cove hotel with plans to reposition it as a luxury waterfront venue
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Aiden® Accelerates Global Growth with New Openings and More Than 20 Hotels in Development
21 August 2026BWH ® Hotels , the leading hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies including WorldHotels™ , Best Western ® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay ® Hotels , today announced continued global expansion of Aiden, its bold, contemporary and design-driven boutique hotel brand. The growing Aiden portfolio reflects sustained demand for the brand’s flexible development model, design-led positioning and locally inspired guest experience, while providing guests access to the award-winning Best Western Rewards® loyalty program. Recent openings across Asia-Pacific, North America…
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BWH Hotels Expands Aiden Brand with New Openings in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America in 2026
20 August 2026📍 Aiden, a boutique hotel brand by BWH Hotels, is expanding globally with recent openings in 2026: Velbert, Germany (January); Bangkok, Thailand (May); Sacramento, USA (May); Kansas City, USA (June). Upcoming projects include Denver, Tempe, Toronto Airport (Fall 2026), and Pullman (Summer 2027). Each hotel reflects local culture, offering unique designs and experiences. Notable features include a rooftop destination in Denver and a jazz-inspired lounge in Toronto. The Toronto opening also marks Aiden’s Canadian debut.
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European Hotel Transactions in H1 2026 Total €9.4 Billion, Down 10% From 2025 but 11% Above Decade Average
20 August 2026💰 European hotel transactions reached €9.4 billion in H1 2026, 10% lower than H1 2025 but 11% above the ten-year average. The €36.7 million average price per hotel rose by 12%, while the average price per room hit €268,000, up 18%. The UK led with 32% of transactions. Real Estate Investment Companies were the largest buyers, acquiring €4.1 billion. Private Equity firms shifted to net sellers, disposing of €1.3 billion.
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The Luxury Collection Launches ‘Expeditions’ Offering Cultural Journeys Across 10 Global Destinations
19 August 2026📍 The Luxury Collection launches “The Luxury Collection Expeditions,” with journeys across 40 countries. Key trips include Japan’s 10-day Imperial Journey and Italy’s 6-night Grand Italia Rally. Greece’s 9-day Aegean Odyssey connects Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. “Day Discoveries” offer single-day cultural experiences like Kyoto’s Farm to Fermentation. “Residencies & Collaborations” involve marine conservation in South Caicos. Inaugural Expeditions span North America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, with more to come this fall.
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The Savoy in London Unveils Refreshed Interiors by G.A Group, Preserving Historic Charm with Modern Comforts
19 August 2026🏨 The Savoy, a London icon for over 135 years, recently underwent a design refresh by G.A Group. Electric lighting and Britain’s first electric hotel lifts marked its history. Positioned between the Strand and the Thames, it offers easy access to London’s attractions. The Grand River View Suite boasts views of the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Luxurious facilities include a spa, the River Restaurant, and historic bars. The hotel preserves its legacy while embracing modern comforts.
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Motel One Appoints Jérôme Lassara as Head of Development for Southern Europe, Targeting Italy, Spain, and Portugal
17 August 2026📈 Jérôme Lassara named Head of Development for Motel One in Southern Europe, focusing on Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In April 2024, Dieter Müller regained control of Motel One; PAI Partners acquired an 80% stake by Q2 2025. Revenue reached €980 million in 2024 with 99 hotels across 13 countries. Motel One’s “The Cloud One,” launched in 2022, expanded to several cities with a new Lisbon opening planned. Lassara’s career spans roles at Accor and an MBA from Cornell/ESSEC.
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Goldman Sachs-IGIS Consortium Wins Bid for Timewalk Myeongdong in Seoul with KRW535 Billion Proposal
17 August 2026💰 Goldman Sachs and IGIS Asset Management were selected as the preferred bidders for Timewalk Myeongdong in Seoul, South Korea, with a bid of KRW535 billion. The property spans 37,286 sqm over 19 stories. In Sydney, Australia, BreakFree on Broadway was acquired for AUD19 million. The Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit was acquired by the Savetsomphob family. In Japan, the Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka was sold by ICHIKEN Co., Ltd. South Korea designated Gyeongju and Haeundae as Global Tourism…
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Tan France Unveils 18-Piece Cross-Cultural Furniture Collection with Castlery Incorporating British and South Asian Heritage
14 August 2026📚 Tan France launched an 18-piece furniture collection with Castlery, featuring lighting and furniture inspired by his British and South Asian roots. The Internationales Congress Centrum (ICC) in Berlin, opened in 1979, is undergoing redevelopment by nine firms to emerge as a cultural hub. Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin now hosts glass office pods repurposed as cabins. The BDNY Power Players women’s event returns on November 9, 2026, at the Javits Center, New York.
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Architecture Association Launches Extensive Digital Archive for Department of Tropical Architecture Documenting Projects and Global Impact
14 August 2026📚 The Architecture Association (AA) unveiled its Department of Tropical Architecture Archive, a digital platform documenting projects from 540 alumni. Over 2.5 years, the archive digitized numerous drawings and photos, including works by Dr. Otto Koenigsberger (1957-71). Projects from 1927-2012 across Sri Lanka, India, and other regions demonstrate climate-responsive design. Koenigsberger’s pedagogical focus on climate and context influenced notable alumni, shaping global architecture. The project is ongoing, serving as a resource for researchers worldwide.
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European Hotel Investment Reaches €11.7 Billion in H1 2026, Despite 9.5% YOY Decline, Report Says
13 August 2026🏨 European hotel investment reached €11.7 billion in H1 2026, 19.5% above the 10-year average but 9.5% down YOY. Major transactions over €100 million increased 30% YOY. Asian investment surged 86% YOY, countering drops from the Americas and Middle East/Africa. Average room price rose 9% to €228,416. UK led by volume at £3.22 billion, with London at €2.3 billion in transactions. Europe-wide RevPAR was €101, up 3% YOY. Hotel supply in Europe expanded 2.9% YOY.
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UK leads Europe in hotel investment as deal activity surges 74%
13 August 2026London remained Europe’s most active hotel investment market, while transactions above €100m increased 30% year on year
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Mandarin Oriental Features Yuja Wang and Charlotte de Witte in Latest Fan Campaign Launching August 2026
11 August 2026🎤 Grammy-winning pianist Yuja Wang and DJ Charlotte de Witte headline Mandarin Oriental’s new Fan Campaign, launched globally on August 4, 2026. Filmed in London and Bodrum, it highlights their preparation rituals. The campaign offers guest experiences: “In-Room Dining: At Full Volume” at select hotels like Dubai and New York, and “Intelligent Movement: At Full Volume” worldwide. For over 25 years, the campaign has celebrated excellence, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on personalized service and care.
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The Atterbury, Autograph Collection Opens in Pittsburgh with 300 Rooms After Extensive Renovation by RLJ Lodging Trust
10 August 2026🏨 The Atterbury, Autograph Collection, opened in June 2026 in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Located in the historic Fulton Building, originally constructed by architect Grosvenor Atterbury in 1906, the hotel features 300 rooms. RLJ Lodging Trust owns the hotel, which is operated by Sage Hospitality Group. The design includes a refreshed skywell, grand rotunda, and marble interiors. Amenities include a club lounge, fitness center, and marketplace, with nearby attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.
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Global Luxury Hotel Market to Reach $196.7 Billion by 2033 as New Assessment Framework Fosters Brand Distinctiveness
10 August 2026🏨 The global luxury hotel market, valued at $110.9 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $196.7 billion by 2033. The Global Luxury Hospitality Hierarchy evaluates brands on five criteria including philosophy, service, and emotional experience. Brands like Aman and Cheval Blanc lead as World Builders, while Four Seasons and Rosewood are Masters of Luxury. The hierarchy focuses on a brand’s distinctiveness, offering a new way to assess luxury beyond price and stars.
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Hotel Lobbies Prioritize Unique Design and Functional Furniture for Enhanced Guest Interaction and Memorable Experiences
9 August 2026🏨 Ace Hotel Seattle, opened in 1999, transformed a 1909 halfway house with vintage touches, becoming a 28-room hotel. Frank Gehry’s Marqués de Riscal in Spain features 3,000 square meters of titanium, creating a unique entrance experience. Zaha Hadid’s Morpheus hotel in Macau showcases a 40-meter atrium within a 40-story tower. Innovative lobbies are key, enticing guests with bold design and modular furnishings, fostering an environment where guests linger and contribute to increased food and beverage revenue.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Announces 50 Policy Changes to Support 180,000 Small Businesses
7 August 2026💸 Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor, announced 50 policy changes to ease financial burdens on NYC’s 180,000 small businesses by waiving fees and expediting inspections. 📈 Gen Z alcohol consumption rose from 66% in 2023 to 74%. 🎸 The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music opened at Monmouth University, NJ, featuring 30,000 sq ft of exhibition space. 📅 Today, August 7th, is the deadline for Gold Key Awards submissions, with winners announced on November 9th in New York.
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Shangri-La Group Opens 10th JEN Property with JEN Hangzhou by Shangri-La in Gongshu District, Hangzhou
6 August 2026🏨 Shangri-La Group debuts its 10th JEN property with the soft opening of JEN Hangzhou by Shangri-La in the Gongshu District. The hotel features 176 guestrooms and suites, with deluxe rooms offering double bathtubs and suites having private outdoor terraces. It offers over 330 square meters of event space, including a 240-square-meter ballroom. Wellness amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool, sauna, and spa. The hotel is located near the Grand Canal and Qiaoxi Historic District.
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Booking.com Holds $8.2 Billion in Hotelier Funds Under Merchant Model, Impacting Cash Flow and Financial Planning
6 August 2026💸 $8.2 billion in hotelier funds are held by Booking.com under its merchant model, impacting hotels’ cash flow and financial planning. Kempinski CEO Bernold Schroeder advocates for less excess in luxury hospitality. RevPAR in the U.S. increased by 7.3% as of August 1. The Middle East’s tourism GDP is projected to grow annually by 6.3% until 2036. Travel and tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025. New hotel openings include Kimpton Quinta da Marinha in Portugal and Zamara Private in…
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Nine Architecture Studios and Engineering Firms to Redevelop Berlin’s ICC, Aiming for Completion in 2026
6 August 2026🏢 In 1979, Berlin’s ICC, designed by Ralf and Ursulina Schüler-Witte, was completed. The building features auditoriums seating 5,000 and 2,000 people, plus 80 smaller spaces. Operating until 2014, it was deemed inefficient. In 2022, architects proposed 24/7 cultural use. By 2024, a competition sought redevelopment ideas. Nine architectural firms, led by Max Dudler, aim to revitalize the structure over 2.5 years. Proposals include bike paths, high-rises, and flexible spaces for concerts and exhibitions.
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Chapitre Six Expands with New Openings in Courchevel and Cannes Planned for 2026 and 2027
5 August 2026🏨 Founded by Nicolas Saltiel, Chapitre Six offers boutique hotels in Paris, the Riviera, Barbizon, and Megève, with new locations in Courchevel and Cannes planned for December 2026 and Summer 2027. The Bus Palladium Hôtel Club in Paris, a 5-storey, 35-room hotel, retains its rock & roll legacy with a subterranean club. Highlights include the Dalí Suite and a signature Palladium 65 cocktail. Other properties feature unique designs that reflect their neighborhoods.
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U.S. Hotel Sector Sees 26% Increase in Sales Transactions in H1 2026, Totaling $3.8 Billion in Q2
5 August 2026📈 Q1 2026 U.S. GDP expanded by 2.1% after 0.5% in late 2025. Full-year GDP growth is expected between 2.2% and 2.5%. The Fed, led by Kevin Warsh, maintains a policy rate of 3.6%. Inflation pressures persist with oil prices over $100/barrel, raising gasoline to $4/gallon. Hotel sales in Q2 2026 included 107 transactions totaling $3.8 billion, with California, Florida, and New York accounting for 50% of national activity. Major events like the FIFA World Cup boost hotel demand.
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Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor Completes First Phase of Multi-Million Dollar Renovation, Upgrading 523 Guestrooms
3 August 2026🏨 Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards has completed phase one of its renovation, updating 523 guestrooms and the concierge level. Phase two begins in Q1 2027, focusing on the lobby, restaurant, and meeting spaces. Operated by HEI Hotels & Resorts and owned by SC Baltimore Hotel LLC, the property offers modernized rooms with a 55-inch Smart TV and high-speed WiFi. Located near key attractions, the hotel features 18,400 sq ft of event space.
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Thirteen Aalto Projects in Finland Added to UNESCO World Heritage List During 48th Committee Session in South Korea
31 July 2026📚 In 2026, UNESCO added 13 projects by Alvar, Aino, and Elissa Aalto to the World Heritage List during the 48th session in Busan, South Korea. The projects span Finland, including the Sunila Pulp Mill and Finlandia Hall. Minecraft, used by over 30,000 players, helps redesign urban areas in 55 countries via the Block by Block Foundation and UN-Habitat. Dua Lipa launched a library of 100 banned books in Porto, Portugal’s Livraria Lello. The Gold Key Awards deadline is August…
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Designers Integrate Hospitality, Wellness, and Entertainment in Hybrid ‘Third Spaces’ to Enhance Community Engagement and Interaction
30 July 2026🏠 The Willow Play Cafe in Toronto’s Junction district, designed by Denizens of Design and DS Studio, transforms a former dive bar into a family-friendly destination combining café atmosphere with play areas. London’s Everyman at the Whiteley, revamped by Fusion Design & Architecture, offers six auditoriums and vibrant bar spaces. Mason & Fifth in Westbourne Park, by AHMM and TiggColl, integrates wellness, coworking, and social spaces. Moments Tirol in Austria, by Büro Schmücking, merges café, bar, and store into a…
