Swasti Sharma

🏠 Peachtree Group and Merritt Development Group have initiated a 480-room dual-branded hotel construction in downtown Austin, Texas, at Fifth and Lavaca streets, expected to open in early 2029. The 30-story project features Embassy Suites and Tempo by Hilton, with amenities like a rooftop bar and fitness center. Austin's five-county region, housing 2.6 million people, could grow to 3.23 million by 2035. Key developments nearby include a $1.6 billion Austin Convention Center expansion.

🏖 Ennismore and Central Group Capital will launch Rixos Water World Phuket in Thailand in early 2028. Located in Mai Khao, Thalang District, the resort will have over 600 guestrooms and villas, five dining venues, and an integrated waterpark. Facilities include a Kids Club, Teens Club, Exclusive Sports Club, and a large banqueting and MICE facility. This expansion continues Rixos’ growth in Asia, with more than 70 all-inclusive resorts globally.

🏖 Shangri-La Group plans to open Songtei Kyoto in late 2026 within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan. The 77-room hotel, located on the historic site of Kyoto Shoshidai, will fully unveil in early 2027. Designed with views of Nijo Castle, the property will offer art, wellness, gastronomy, and storytelling experiences. Facilities include a spa, baths, pool, gym, dining lounge, Chinese restaurant, kappo-sushi counter, and evening bar.

🏖 Canopy Deer Valley, Utah's first Canopy hotel, opened at Deer Valley Resort’s East Village, developed by Extell Development Company. The 180-room hotel, part of the Hilton portfolio, features interiors by DLR Group | BraytonHughes, inspired by local mining history and natural landscapes. Culinary offerings, led by Chef Scott Rackliff, include four dining concepts: Tavolona, Fornetto, Mountain Provisions, and Alpine Attic. Access to the Jordanelle Express Gondola enhances the guest experience.

🏝️ Naples Grande Beach Resort, with 474 rooms including 50 villas, will join Signia by Hilton in January 2027. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, it's undergoing its most significant renovation in nearly 40 years. This transformation adds redesigned rooms, new dining options, and wellness facilities. It will be the brand's third property in Florida. Guests booking three-night stays from January 15 to July 15, 2027, will earn 5,000 Hilton Honors Points.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts and ALAND inked a deal to launch Staybridge Suites in Australia. ALAND will build at least 15 hotels, totaling 2,000 rooms. Initial locations: Parramatta (130 rooms) and Leppington (112 rooms) in Greater Western Sydney. Managed by Signature Hotel Management Group, these are the first of a national expansion. Staybridge Suites boasts 355 hotels and 152 more planned globally. This long-term partnership aims to strengthen IHG's Australian presence in the extended-stay market.

🏠 Strategic Property Partners appointed Hoar Construction as the general contractor for the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Charleston, South Carolina. Groundbreaking is planned for late 2023, with completion aimed for 2030. The project will include 139 guestrooms and 36 private residences. Hoar Construction, with over 85 years of experience, will collaborate with local firm Iskagna. This initiative is anticipated to boost Charleston’s economy, create jobs, and enhance local business opportunities.