Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 IHG's CEO Elie Maalouf announced a +4.1% RevPAR growth in the first half of 2026, with an earnings per share increase of 13%. Nearly 200 hotels opened, contributing to a 5% net system growth in a global portfolio of 7,100 hotels. The pipeline now includes 2,400 hotels, with 352 signings planned. Revenue hit $2,650 million (+6%), and the shareholder program aims for $1.2 billion in returns. The asset-light model boosts profitability.

🏨 Trinity Investments will sell the Grande Lakes Orlando Resort to Ryman Hospitality Properties for $1.38 billion, marking the largest non-gaming U.S. resort transaction. Located on 409 acres, the resort includes a 582-key Ritz-Carlton and a 1,010-key JW Marriott. Trinity acquired it in December 2018 for $870 million. The resort features 320,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a 40,000 sq. ft. spa, and hosts the PGA Tour’s PNC Championship. The deal closes in Q3 2026.

🏨 Huff, Niehaus & Associates announced the sale of Quality Inn & Suites in Horse Cave, Kentucky, via a court-ordered public auction. This hotel, located along the I-65 corridor between Louisville and Nashville, is near Mammoth Cave National Park. The sale indicates robust hotel investment activity in the area. Huff, Niehaus, celebrating 51 years in hospitality real estate, has completed over $1 billion in transactions since 1975.

🏨 The Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham, Mid Devon is listed for sale at £3.25 million as owner Claire Carter retires after 20 years. Christie and Co markets the 26-room boutique hotel, which includes a restaurant, event facilities, gardens, and Spa Maroc, set on a two-acre plot near Tiverton. Stephen Champion from Christie and Co highlights its character, reputation, and prime location. Carter, wishing to retire, has enjoyed her tenure and plans to spend more time with her family and six grandchildren.

💰 In 2023, Arsenale Group secured financing linked to the 3-month Euribor plus a 7% margin, listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. It fuels Arsenale's 2026-2030 plan, including a buyback from Oaktree Capital. Key projects include luxury hotels in Italy and luxury trains like La Dolce Vita in Italy, Dream of the Desert in Saudi Arabia, and Samarkand Express in Uzbekistan. Last year, Arsenale acquired Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd.

🏨 The historic Shaven Crown hotel in Shipton-under-Wychwood is up for sale at £950,000. Situated in Oxfordshire, this Grade II listed inn has been licensed since 1384. The property offers eight guest rooms, a Great Hall, and a three-bedroom owner’s suite. Previously sold in 2019 for £1.1 million, the current price is 13.6% lower. Managed by Colliers, Peter Brunt highlights its heritage and commercial potential.

🏨 StudioStays acquired the 77-bedroom Langham Hotel in Eastbourne, Sussex, for a guide price of £3.7 million. The 113-year-old hotel, located on Royal Parade Promenade, features a 120-guest restaurant, a bar, boardroom suites, and two terraces with 55 and 60 covers respectively. Former owners Neil and Wendy Kirby, retiring after 21 years, expressed gratitude to their staff and loyal patrons. The sale was completed for an undisclosed sum.

📈 Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles platform is valued at $30 billion, and Marriott Bonvoy at $25 billion. Airbnb is developing a loyalty program to capitalize on the financial potential seen in these platforms. In the "Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast," experts Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane discuss Airbnb's strategy. They highlight that Short-Term Rental (STR) hosts stand to gain the most, unlike hotels listed on Airbnb, which may see limited benefits.

📈 Hilton reported a Q2 net income of $482m (£363m), with RevPAR up 3.9%. Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.05bn (£790m), and diluted EPS rose to $2.29 (£1.70). Over 200 hotels were opened, adding 24,100 rooms. The company approved 42,900 rooms, bringing the pipeline to 541,300 rooms, up 6% YOY. Hilton launched the Graduate brand targeting universities. Capital returns hit $966m (£717.3m) for Q2, with 2026 projections of $3.5bn (£2.6bn) in returns.