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Eloise Hanson

88 posts

Queensway Group Secures Planning Permission for Two Central London Hotels, Adding Nearly 350 Rooms to Point A Portfolio

🏨 Queensway Group secured planning permission in April 2026 for two Point A hotel developments in Central London, totaling nearly 350 rooms. A 236-room hotel near Monument in the City of London and a 105-room hotel on High Holborn in Camden will convert existing office buildings. Ryan McWaters noted these projects aim to unlock value through strategic location and planning-led repositioning.
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HotelREZ Appoints Frank Fuentes as Senior VP to Expand Operations Across North and Latin America Markets

🏨 Frank Fuentes appointed as Senior VP for The Americas at HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts. With over 15 years at IHG, Fuentes will drive HotelREZ's expansion in North and Latin America. HotelREZ supports 2,500+ hotels globally, covering 222,500 rooms. This appointment is part of a leadership expansion, alongside hires like John Seaton and Hadley O’Dwyer. The focus is on strengthening partnerships and distribution to support growth in culturally rich destinations.
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Primestar Group Launches June Lux, Expanding Luxury Hospitality with Digital Innovation Across Europe

🏨 Primestar Group launched June Lux, its fourth brand, expanding into luxury hotels with digital customer experiences via WhatsApp check-ins and AI concierge services. This extension of the June Hotels platform, which includes June SiX, June Stay, and WorX, supports modular hospitality solutions. Operations span Berlin, Hannover, Lake Garda, and Salzburg, with plans for further European expansion. The initiative reflects industry shifts toward digitalization and flexible, integrated hospitality solutions.
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MCR Property Group Invests £150 Million in London Hospitality Portfolio, Aiming for £500 Million Expansion

🏠 MCR Property Group has invested £150 million into a central London hospitality portfolio, aiming to expand to £500 million. On April 14, 2026, they acquired four assets—Ashburn Hotel, Ashburn Court, Chesham Court, and Claverley Court—for £123 million. The company plans a full refurbishment under a new brand. Led by Edmund Kissner, their strategy includes expanding across the UK with additional hotel acquisitions, focusing on a design-led identity and operational depth.
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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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