Posts by author

b.courtin

19 posts
View Post
  • 2 min

Hotel Asset Prices in Spain Surge, With RevPAR Growing 5% to 15% Despite High Real Estate Costs

🏨 Hotel asset prices in Spain have risen significantly, with RevPAR growing between 5% and 15% in 2026, particularly in Madrid. The geopolitical situation in the Middle East benefits Spanish destinations. To create real estate value, investors should consider locations like Seville, Valencia, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands. These areas offer opportunities due to their stable climates and strong resort performance.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 2 min

Kempinski Acquires Augustine Hotel in Prague, First Acquisition in Over 50 Years, Plans 2026 Rebranding

🏨 In 2009, St. Thomas Augustinian Monastery in Prague was converted into a luxury hotel by Waldeck Capital and Raiffeisen Evolution. Managed by Rocco Forte's group until 2012, ownership later shifted to Raiffeisen, then GledenInvest under Marriott's Autograph Collection. Kempinski acquired the hotel, marking their first purchase since 1970, aligning with a new capital-intensive strategy. The 101-key hotel, nestled in Malá Strana, will undergo refurbishment and be rebranded under Kempinski by 2026.
View Post
Share

Arsenale Group Disrupts Luxury Hospitality with 10 Iconic European Assets and Expands Luxury Train Portfolio to 11 Trains

🛡 Arsenale Group, led by partners Nicola Bulgari (85), Luca Rovati (66), and Paolo (40), owns iconic hotels and trains across Europe, with 10 assets primarily in Italy. Their strategy diverges from the asset-light model, preferring ownership to align vision and service. They own 11 of 30 luxury trains globally, including the Golden Eagle and La Dolce Vita. Arsenale partners with Accor for Orient Express hotels in Rome and Venice. Expansion targets include Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus on cultural alignment.
View Post
Share

Marriott International Launches Lefay as Its First Wellness-Focused Resort Brand with Expansion Plans

🏨 Lefay Resort becomes Marriott's 39th brand, focusing on wellness. Owned by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay operates two Italian resorts at Lake Garda and the Dolomites. Plans include three new locations in Tuscany, southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps. The partnership involves Marriott's global development platform, highlighting wellness and eco-friendly designs. Marriott aims to expand its luxury wellness presence, leveraging Lefay’s holistic approach to integrate movement, nutrition, and health.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 2 min

Eterniti Secures €30 Million Investment, Boosting Total Funding to €50 Million for Luxury Rentals Expansion

💸 Eterniti raised €30 million through Amethyst III, managed by Limestone Capital, totaling €50 million since inception. Eterniti operates 800 properties across 25 destinations with brands like Bo House, Verbier Exclusive, and Emerald Stay. The group has doubled revenue annually for four years. Funds will enhance tech, expand destinations, and target acquisitions, especially in areas with stringent short-term rental regulations. Eterniti employs up to 200 staff in peak seasons for luxury management and hospitality.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 3 min

Accor Group Undertakes €38 Million Restoration of Belle-Île Citadel, France's Largest Private Heritage Project

🏖 Built in the 17th century, Vauban's Citadel housed up to 3,000 soldiers by the 18th century and was sold for less than €50,000 in 1960. In 2008, Philippe Savry's Les Hôtels Particuliers transformed it into a hotel. By 2020, Accor Group took over, planning a 10-hectare restoration. The 2025 Choose France Summit spotlighted it as a heritage tourism project. Local jobs and museum integration are planned, with €38 million invested in total.
View Post
Share

Travelodge Closes 2025 with £1.044 Billion Revenue, 1.8% UK RevPAR Increase, and 22% Growth in Spain

🗺 Travelodge ended FY2025 with revenue rising 0.7% to £1,044.3 million (€1.2 billion) and UK RevPAR up 1.8%, boosted by a strong events calendar. Gross profit was €205 million. The chain expanded by adding 21 UK hotels, including 12 freeholds, and signed two freehold projects in Spain. Spanish operations saw 22% revenue growth, generating €12 million EBITDA with a 29% margin. Early 2026 shows a 3% revenue increase, driven by new openings and strong Spanish performance.
View Post
Share