Hotel Openings

🏠 Finalized: The sale of Parisian department store walls to Brookfield fund, a major Experimental hospitality partner, leads to plans for an upscale hotel on the upper floors.

🏨 Frédéric Merlin, after acquiring BHV Paris, lost his buyer, Caisse des Dépôts, by continuing to sell Shein products, resulting in a multi-million euro fallback deal with Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield, represented by Vincent Kerboull in France, bought BHV for €300 million. The deal includes transforming the top floors into a luxury hotel managed by Experimental Group, featuring a chic-and-fun concept, near Le Grand Mazarin and another Experimental hotel in the Marais district.

🏨 Newport Hospitality Group has added Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites Columbus Easton, Ohio, to its portfolio. Opened in December 2021, these dual-branded hotels have 240 total guestrooms, including 144 rooms and 96 suites, and over 6,000 sq ft of event space. Located near Easton Town Center, they cater to both business and leisure travelers. This addition brings Newport's Hilton-managed portfolio to 14 hotels, enhancing their operations in the high-growth Columbus market.

📅 Founded in 1961, Four Seasons, led by CEO Alejandro Reynal, emphasizes service excellence. The brand stays focused on hotels, residences, aviation, and yachts. Ownership includes Bill Gates, Prince Alwaleed, and Isadore Sharp. With 135 hotels and 61 residences in 47 countries, expansion plans include Cartagena, Venice, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and others, totaling 60 projects. Four Seasons Yachts launches in 2026. The Private Jet Experience continues, with new itineraries in Bali, Spain, and Mexico.

🏨 City of London, 2025-2028: Ibex House, a Grade II-listed Art Deco building, will be transformed into a 382-room hotel after acquisition by Dominus and Cheyne Capital in December 2025. The project, retaining 90% of the superstructure and 100% of the substructure, will open in late 2028. It includes a conference centre, café, and pub expansion, employing 160 people. Partnering with The Springboard Charity, an on-site academy will offer local resident training.

🏨 Louis Vuitton will open a hotel on the Champs-Élysées in 2026, marking a shift in luxury hospitality. This full hotel, not just a collaboration or pop-up, reflects the demand for culturally authentic experiences. Guests seek distinct stories tied to each location, and Louis Vuitton aims to provide personalized services understanding diverse cultural expectations. As the industry evolves, traditional hotels must focus on cultural intelligence, moving beyond standard amenities to win over luxury travelers. #LuxuryTravel

🏨 In Makkah, on October 2023, Hilton announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah. Located in Al Aziziyah, it's five minutes from Masjid Al Haram and near Hira Cave. The hotel features 381 rooms and offers dining options, a fitness center, and meeting facilities. It is part of Hilton Honors, providing member benefits like discounts and free Wi-Fi. For reservations, call +966 55 660 7594 or visit their website.

🏨 Hilton announced the opening of Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Makkah. This marks the brand's debut in the city and is its largest globally, featuring 1,386 rooms and suites. Located near Hira Cave and 15 minutes from Masjid Al Haram, it offers amenities like an all-day dining restaurant, coffee shop, two ballrooms, eight meeting rooms, a fitness center, and a kids club. The hotel is part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

🏠 Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota, developed by Jebcore Companies and WMG Development, launched sales today. Situated in downtown Sarasota, Florida, the 18-story tower offers 86 residences ranging from one to five bedrooms, priced from $2.2 million. With interiors by Workshop/APD, amenities include a 25,000 sq. ft. rooftop garden. Construction starts in 2026, completing in 2029. Sarasota, noted for Siesta Beach, ranks as a top U.S. city for desirability and lifestyle.