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Eloise Hanson

44 posts

Cain Appoints Ina Plunien as Senior VP for EMEA Hospitality, Managing $10 Billion Portfolio Expansion

🏠 Cain International has appointed Ina Plunien as Senior VP of Hospitality to expand its EMEA presence. Plunien, from Cedar Capital Partners, brings 10 years of experience managing over $3 billion in hotel assets. Cain manages a $10 billion portfolio, including investments in Aman Resorts and Delano Hotels, and partners with brands like Soho House and Rosewood. Arvi Luoma emphasizes the firm's focus on luxury and experiential hospitality growth in EMEA.
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Invel Real Estate Secures €65 Million from UniCredit to Expand YellowSquare Hostels by 2,000 Beds in Italy

🏖️ In 2025, Invel Real Estate partnered with YellowSquare, securing €65 million from UniCredit to expand the hostel operator in Italy. Currently running 1,200 beds in Italy and Greece, they aim to add 2,000 more in key Italian cities, emphasizing urban regeneration and sustainability. Managed by Castello SGR, the investment vehicle Fondo Yellow drives this growth. The initiative qualifies as a green loan, reflecting confidence in hybrid hospitality's asset potential across Southern Europe.
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Starhotels Promotes Alexandro Della Croce to Chief Commercial Officer, Overseeing 34 Properties Worldwide

🏨 Italy: In 2026, Starhotels promoted Alexandro Della Croce to Chief Commercial Officer. He will manage sales, revenue, distribution, and events for Starhotels' 34 properties. Della Croce joined Starhotels in 2019, having previously held leadership roles at Starwood and IHG. He will collaborate with sales directors Diego Rumazza and Davide Ballardini. Della Croce expressed gratitude to President Elisabetta Fabri and co-CEOs for their support and looks forward to driving Starhotels’ growth.
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Advantage Utilities Wins Consultancy of the Year at 2025 TELCA Awards for Impact on UK Hotel Energy Costs

📈 Advantage Utilities won Consultancy of the Year at the 2025 TELCA Awards for aiding UK hotels with energy strategies. The firm enabled Grantley Hall, a luxury hotel in North Yorkshire, to cut electricity usage by over 25% and save £500,000 annually. Their approach includes procurement, validation, analytics, and sustainability, addressing up to 60% of hidden costs. The focus is on reducing carbon emissions and improving ESG credentials, which are increasingly vital in the hotel industry.
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COMO Group Launches Global E-Commerce Platform for Resort Wear, Homeware, and Wellness Products with Worldwide Shipping

🛍 COMO Group launched "Shop by COMO" in 2026, offering resort wear, homeware, and wellness products, available for worldwide shipping. The platform debuts four strands: COR, COMO HOME, COMO Shambhala, and COMO Signature. Currently, there are eight physical boutiques at COMO Hotels and Resorts, with more openings planned in 2026 and beyond. Christina Ong, founder-owner, emphasizes the evolving, curated selection inspired by global creativity.
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Opally Founder Highlights AI Solution Reducing Hotel Email Handling Time by 70% to Boost Direct Bookings

📈 Marriott acquired citizenM for $355 million; IHG bought Ruby Hotels for $116 million. Edinburgh is introducing a 5% room charge from July. The European hospitality workforce gap is 10%. Hotels face a 12-hour average email reply time, while guests expect responses within an hour. Opally decreases email handling time by 70% by providing instant drafted replies using live data. With a chatbot and voice assistant, Opally also covers after-hours inquiries in over 50 languages.
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Leonardo Hotels UK to Reopen Manchester's Hotel Gotham as The Rex on April 23rd, Following Rebranding

🏨 Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland will reopen the 60-room Hotel Gotham as The Rex on 23rd April on King Street, Manchester. Acquired in May 2024, the rebranding includes upgraded restaurant and bar spaces. The Rex retains its Reserve private members club on the seventh floor, featuring three rooftop terraces and event space in original bank vaults. General Manager Jenny Oh emphasizes the upgrade while maintaining the hotel's cherished character.
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The NICI to Open Hotels in Newquay and Lymington on June 15, 2026, Expanding Luxury Portfolio

🏨 The NICI will open two hotels in Newquay and Lymington on June 15, 2026. The NICI Newquay offers 82 rooms with a spa, indoor pool, and a cliff-top pool club, transforming the former Hotel Victoria. The NICI New Forest in Lymington will feature 118 rooms on 23 acres, including a spa, tennis courts, and outdoor pool, repurposing the former Elmers Court Hotel. Both locations provide unique leisure experiences without international travel.
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