Mergers & Acquisitions

💸 Sonnenblick-Eichner Company secured a $26 million, five-year, interest-only, non-recourse loan to refinance the Residence Inn by Marriott in Walnut Creek, California. This six-story hotel features 160 rooms, 870 square feet of meeting space, and is located near the Walnut Creek BART station. The financing, backed by a Wall Street bank, reflects the Northern California hospitality market's recovery, offering a more favorable rate than previous floating rate debt.

🏨 DoveHill acquired the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut, located in Litchfield County, 90 minutes from New York City. DoveHill plans enhancements to the property while Auberge Collection continues management. CEO Jake Wurzak praised the inn's legacy and uniqueness. CIO Charles Paloux emphasized its ultra-luxury status and strong ROI potential, highlighting its appeal as a nearby escape post-COVID.

🏨 Knights Hill Hotel and Spa, near King’s Lynn, was sold for £7.95 million to an independent operator. The hotel, fronting the A149, has 79 rooms and was owned by Howard Darking for 40 years. The sale includes the Farmers Arms pub, wedding, banqueting, and conference facilities. The existing management team will remain under new ownership, with plans for further investment. Howard’s previous sales include Le Strange Arms Hotel and Orton Hall Hotel and Spa.

💸 Cap rates assess the value of income properties, calculated as the percentage of net operating income (NOI) to asset value. For instance, a $10 million property with $900,000 NOI has a 9% cap rate. Hotel transactions use various cap rates, ranging from 5.4% to 10.4%, reflecting the income variability and risk. Hotel investors prefer discounted-cash-flow (DCF) analyses over cap rates. Deals can vary; low cap rates might suggest growth potential, while high cap rates could indicate risk.

🏠 MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, is investing $65 million in a multi-year initiative, "ELEVATE THE ESCAPE," to enhance guest experiences. Renovations include 400 hotel rooms and the Conference Center, plus new dining options like The Wagner bar and café. Casino improvements feature refreshed entrances, lighting, and Club Metro upgrades. Recent additions are a new smoking slot area and a VIP FanDuel Sportsbook lounge. This transformation aims to provide vibrant and exciting guest experiences.

🏖 European Camping Group (ECG) expands its European dominance with three new acquisitions, adding over 1,000 pitches in Vendée, Normandy, and the Mediterranean coast. ECG operates 450 destinations across 13 countries, employing over 7,000 people seasonally. In 2025, EU camping recorded 413 million overnight stays, a 28.5% increase from 2015. France leads with 154 million stays, holding 37.2% of the EU market. Despite France's shrinking campsite supply, ECG continues strategic growth.

🏠 In Salisbury, Cricket Field House is listed for £1.75M after a comprehensive refurbishment by owners David and Claire Hughes since 2017. The property, dating from 1850, features six apartments, multiple en-suite rooms, and generates around £400,000 annually. Situated on a 0.75-acre plot, it offers potential for expansion. The site is 1.5 miles from Salisbury Cathedral and 87 miles from London. Managed by Colliers, it attracts significant interest due to its development potential.

🏨 Angus Land Company Ltd proposed a £480m mixed-use hotel and resort project in Wellbank, Scotland. Spanning 310 acres, it includes a 450-room Hyatt hotel, IMG golf facilities, and 185 residential plots. Public consultations are on 27 April and 3 June, with Mocca Capital and Castle Properties involved. The project aims to create substantial job opportunities and support the local economy by integrating luxury hospitality and residences with training facilities for the tourism industry.

🏨 In Seaview, Isle of Wight, the Northbank Hotel is for sale at £4.2m. Built in the 19th century, this 16-room hotel served various roles, including a WWII WRNS base. Owned by the Shaw-Yates family since 1959, it offers direct beach access. Operating seasonally from May to October, there's potential for extended business. Nick Earee of Fleurets emphasizes its unique history and prime location, highlighting it as a rare acquisition opportunity.

🍷 Nyetimber, a luxury English sparkling wine brand, partners with England Rugby for the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, appointing ex-captain Jamie George as ambassador. It becomes the first English sparkling wine to sponsor the Men’s and Women’s teams after Bollinger's 24-year reign. In 2024, Nyetimber acquired The Lakes Distillery for £71 million. The English vineyard area rose 123% in a decade, with 75% dedicated to sparkling wine and a 30% growth since 2020, exporting to 30+ countries.