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b.courtin

34 posts

Georges Nagelmackers Founded Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, Launching Orient Express on June 5, 1883

🚄 Georges Nagelmackers, a Belgian engineer, was inspired by George Pullman's sleeping cars during a U.S. visit in 1867. By 1876, he founded the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, launching the first Orient Express on June 5, 1883, from Paris to Constantinople, with King Leopold II's support. The Orient Express became an icon in the 1920s, offering luxurious travel with notable figures like Agatha Christie aboard. The original hotel for travelers is now a future Louis Vuitton palace hotel.
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  • 2 min

Corvex Management Acquires 6% Stake in Whitbread, Presses for Strategic Review of £3.5 Billion Investment Plan

💰 In December 2025, Corvex Management, led by Keith Meister, revealed a 6% stake in Whitbread, urging a review of its £3.5 billion investment plan. Whitbread CEO Dominic Paul plans an update by April's end. Whitbread may sell 20% of its hotel properties, raising £1.5 billion, while a €2.3 billion share buyback is considered. This marks a shift to an asset-light model, differing from its historical approach. Whitbread's strategy may change as it remains an active acquirer.
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Palais Built by Frank Jay Gould in 1929 with 30 Million Francs, Survives Decades of Challenges and Changes

📅 Frank Jay Gould, an American billionaire, launched the Palais in January 1929 on the French Riviera, investing 30 million francs (about €20 million today), just before the global financial crisis. Co-founded with Édouard Baudoin and Joseph Aletti, the Art Deco palace faced stiff competition from the Casino du Ruhl. Despite high-profile acts, financial strains and a 1934 fire plagued operations, leading to its demise and later revival in 2004.
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  • 2 min

The Leela to Expand Luxury Hotel Portfolio with 10 New Projects, Including First International Venture in Dubai

🏨 In 2025, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is a finalist in the Hospitality Awards, marking its place in India's growing luxury market. Founded in 1986, it operates 13 five-star properties across 11 cities, with over 3,500 rooms. Plans include 10 new projects, increasing their inventory to over 5,000 rooms, with three openings set for 2026 in Coorg, Jaisalmer, and Mumbai, plus an international debut in Dubai. The brand emphasizes "True Indian Luxury" to compete with giants like Indian Hotels and Oberoi Group.
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  • 1 min

UnderTheDoormat Raises $7 Million for Expansion After Merging with Veeve, Acquires 200 Homes from Onefinestay

💸 December 2023, UK: Veeve and UnderTheDoormat merged to expand holiday rental portfolios. September 2025: UnderTheDoormat raised $7M for tech growth and expansion in the Middle East and North America. Veeve acquired 200 homes in London and Paris from Onefinestay. Meanwhile, Onefinestay focuses on Southern Europe, the Caribbean, and the US, with Accor and Exclusive Resorts leading management. The new entity, Exclusive Collective, includes Exclusive Resorts, Inspirato, and Onefinestay.
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  • 1 min

Minor Hotels Launches Colbert Collection in London with WestDill Hotel Mayfair Opening in Q4 2023

📰 The Colbert Collection launches with the WestDill Hotel Mayfair opening in London in Q4, transforming a former NatWest bank into a 50-room hotel. Owned by Royal Group of Companies Singapore, it’s part of Minor Hotels' strategy to create a global portfolio of unique hotels. Led by Dilip Rajakarier, the collection emphasizes cultural and culinary experiences. Minor Hotels also owns The Wolseley Hospitality Group, managing several upscale UK venues.
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  • 2 min

French Hotel Sector Shows Resilience in March 2026, with Overall RevPAR Growth of 4.3% Led by Upscale Segment

🏨 March 2026 in France saw the hospitality sector's resilience against economic disruptions, with overall hotel occupancy increasing by 1.7 percentage points YoY. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose by 1.4%, pushing Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) up by 4.3%. The upscale segment led with a 4.1% RevPAR growth, while midscale recorded a 5.0% increase. The budget segment struggled, with a 7.5% RevPAR decline compared to two years prior. Q1 2026 saw a 3.5% RevPAR growth overall.
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  • 2 min

Hilton Paris Hotel Opens in 1966, Introducing Modern American Luxury and Design Near the Eiffel Tower

🏨 April 21, 1966, Paris: Conrad Hilton and Pierre Dumas inaugurated the first major modern hotel in Paris since WWII, located near the Eiffel Tower. The hotel, designed by architect Pierre Dufau, sparked controversy due to its modern, rectangular design contrasting with its surroundings. It featured air conditioning, direct-dial telephones, and remote-controlled TVs. Interior design by Raymond Loewy. This marked a significant shift in the hotel industry, encapsulating American modernity in Paris.
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WorldHotels Launches Backdrop Tier, Expanding to Glamping with Initial Properties in the US and Honduras

🏠 WorldHotels, under BWH Hotels, now includes a fifth tier: WorldHotels Backdrop, focusing on upscale outdoor properties. Launching with Zion Wildflower Resort in Utah, Asheville River Cabins in North Carolina, and The Lodge at Pico Bonito in Honduras, these entries are part of a $4 billion 2025 global glamping market, projected to reach $8 billion by 2033. The segment targets Millennials keen on luxury nature experiences, leveraging a loyalty program with 66 million members.
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