Mergers & Acquisitions

📈 Hilton Hotels & Resorts remains the top luxury hotel brand with a brand value up 28% to USD 19.2 billion. Hyatt is second, despite a 6% decrease to USD 7.5 billion, while Marriott, third, sees a 23% increase to USD 4.6 billion. Taj Hotels is the strongest brand with a BSI score of 93.5/100 and a brand value up 32% to USD 878 million. Marriott Bonvoy has 271 million members, while Hyatt's loyalty program boasts 63 million members.

🏨 Alpine Realty Capital successfully facilitated the purchase of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City—Riverfront in Bay City, Michigan, located on the Saginaw River. This hotel, a significant part of Michigan's lodging industry for over 20 years, was acquired with Alpine's assistance in negotiations, due diligence, appraisal, and legal coordination. Ed Walsh, Alpine Realty Capital's president, praised the successful transaction and its addition to the buyer's portfolio.

🏨 Safestay sold its Glasgow Charing Cross hotel for £5.1m. The property, acquired in 2019, was sold to an investor with similar hospitality ventures in Glasgow city. This sale, along with previous ones in Edinburgh and Brighton, aims to strengthen Safestay's balance sheet for future growth. Led by Christie and Co, the deal highlights Glasgow's hospitality market appeal. Chairman Larry Lipman emphasized the transaction's role in increasing portfolio flexibility and shareholder value.

💰 Accor will sell its 30.7% stake in Essendi to a Blackstone and Colony IM consortium for up to €975 million. The sale includes €675 million upfront and a potential €300 million earn-out. Hotels will transform to 20-year franchise contracts under Accor brands. This transaction, consistent with Accor's EBITDA trajectory, will finalize in Q4 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Accor plans a €500 million share buyback following the sale.

🏨 Knight Frank, a global real estate advisor, is marketing Norton Grange Hotel & Spa, located eight miles from Manchester city centre, for £9.25 million. The 4-star Mercure-branded hotel boasts 81 bedrooms, a restaurant, bar, event spaces, and extensive leisure facilities with over 1,200 members. Set on six acres, it offers easy access via the M60 and M62 motorways and is 22 miles from Manchester Airport. Recent refurbishments and planning approval for 22 additional rooms highlight potential for future growth.

🏨 Starhotels’ revenues rose 8.7% to €340m (£286m) in 2025, with EBITDA increasing 4.9% to €108m (£92.2m). The group invested over €64m (£54m) in acquisitions and refurbishments, including the Hermitage Hotel in Forte dei Marmi and Hotel Gabrielli in Venice. Employing over 1,700 staff, Starhotels secured 10-year financing for these expansions. CEO Elisabetta Fabri emphasized strategic growth aligning with the company’s identity, contributing to record-breaking results.

🏨 Studio Stays Eastbourne acquires The Langham Hotel, Eastbourne, planning a £1.2m refurbishment in January 2027. The hotel, with 77 guestrooms, has been operated by Neil and Wendy for 21 years. The refurbishment will enhance the outdoor terrace, reception area, and bar. General Manager Simon Brown remains, collaborating with chef Michael Tiverington on a seafood-focused menu. The hotel, open since 1913, transitions from a family-led business to Studio Stays' first hotel venture.

🏨 McKeever Hotels invests £1.8m in The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, acquired in 2024, for a full refurbishment of its bedrooms. The initiative enhances guest comfort and integrates the hotel with the McKeever portfolio standards. The hotel partners with Causeway Loneliness Network to introduce the borough’s first Chatty Hotel, fostering community interaction. Managing director Eddie McKeever cites strong demand for quality accommodation post-The Open, aiming to offer a modern, welcoming space for guests.

🏨 Buzzworks acquired South Beach Hotel in Troon, marking its second hotel purchase in a month. Following a seven-figure refurbishment, the hotel will become part of the Buzzworks House Collection. Renovations led by designer Jim Hamilton aim to retain the building's heritage while updating interiors and food services. Current employees will transfer to Buzzworks in October and be offered roles during renovations. The Watt family, owners for 45 years, express pride and support for the hotel’s new chapter.