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Eloise Hanson

79 posts

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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Patel Family Office and ATQ Launch $1 Billion AYARA Platform to Develop 50 Hotels in Saudi Arabia by 2029

🏨 Patel Family Office and ATQ Hospitality Group formed a $1 billion joint venture to launch AYARA in Saudi Arabia, targeting 50 hotels. By 2029, AYARA aims to deliver 5,000-7,000 rooms in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, NEOM, and the Red Sea region. The platform integrates land acquisition, modular construction, and hospitality management to expedite development. Patel leads strategy, while AHQ supports development, focusing on business travelers and regional headquarters.
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European Branded Residences to Grow by 113% by 2032, with Turkey Leading in Project Numbers

🏠 At IHIF EMEA in Berlin, Savills forecasts 1,850 branded residence projects by 2032 in Europe, a 113% growth. Turkey leads in project numbers. Non-hospitality brands like Pininfarina and Nobu are rising, increasing brand premiums from 29% to 38%. Standalone projects will rise to 34% globally but stabilize at 29% in Europe. Resort pipeline in Europe will reach 65% over six years. The Global Branded Residence Awards open April 13th.
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Zedwell Expands London Portfolio with Hotel Signings in Bank and Spitalfields, Targets 9,000 Rooms by 2028

🏨 In March 2026, Zedwell expanded in London, signing two properties in Bank and Spitalfields. The Grade II-listed 1 Princes Street, built in 1929, will transform into a hotel, preserving historical elements. Zedwell plans 9,000+ rooms by 2028, addressing accommodation needs in supply-constrained cities. The Spitalfields project features a 143-unit hotel with 7,500 sq. ft. of workspace. Zedwell's expansion includes upcoming projects in Oxford and York.
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Hideaway Inns Opens Third US Hotel in Lenox, MA, Launching First Franchise Agreement with 24-Room Boutique Property

🏨 Hideaway Inns opened its third US hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts, marking its first franchise. The 24-room property, developed by Hideaway Inns and managed by Revival Hotels, uses the Invisible Hospitality™ model for direct check-in. Amenities include Crosley record players, rainfall showers, and the HI Innsider Guide app. Social spaces include The Living Room and The Commons, with coworking available at Work From Hideaway. Six more properties will open by year-end, with 30 planned in five years.
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