Mergers & Acquisitions

🛠 Malmaison Newcastle completed a £3 million refurbishment of its Quayside hotel, updating all 122 bedrooms, including 14 top-floor suites named after ships. The redesign incorporates local industrial and cultural influences, with some suites overlooking the River Tyne and iconic bridges. The hotel, situated in a Grade II-listed former warehouse, features the Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar seating 140. General Manager Chris Lyall highlights the investment as enhancing guest experiences and supporting Quayside's renewal.

🏨 Elton Guest House in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, is on the market for £675,000. Originally built in 1840 as two Victorian terraces, it has been refurbished by owner Jean Postlethwaite. The boutique guest house offers six en suite bedrooms and owner’s accommodation. Located near the Lake District and Cartmel's Michelin three-star restaurant L’Enclume, it remains a sought-after destination. Jean plans to retire, hoping new owners will continue her legacy.

📅 Imperial London Hotels and IHG Hotels and Resorts have signed a 25-year franchise agreement for the Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury. Initial refurbishment began in January and ended in April 2025, with a new bar and restaurant opening in July. An extensive renovation of the 317-room hotel is set to finish by summer 2026. Modern amenities, such as Smeg mini fridges, are included. This investment aims to enhance guest experience and attract more visitors to Bloomsbury.

🚢 Aman, in 2027, plans to launch Amangati, a 183-meter superyacht with 47 suites. Positioned between private yacht charters and ultra-luxury cruises, it offers 94 guests an extraordinary 244 GT of space per guest. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and partnered with Cruise Saudi, it aligns with Vision 2030. The yacht targets Amanjunkies, leveraging a 50% repeat guest rate. This venture may redefine ultra-luxury hospitality and experiential travel.

🏨 UK hotel investment soared to £1.04bn in Q3 2025, a 28% year-on-year increase. London led with £697m, while Scotland, the South West, and West Midlands saw triple-digit growth. Single-asset deals comprised 92% of transactions. Domestic operators made up 45% of buyers. Rising consumer demand and lifestyle brands drive growth, supported by overseas capital. Regions outside London experienced significant growth, with Scotland up 85% and the South West 360%. High operating costs influence financing strategies.

🏨 Kinloch House Hotel in Perthshire is on sale for £2.75m. Built in 1840 for the Peyton family, this estate features a luxury hotel with 15 suites, a five-bedroom Coach House, and two one-bedroom apartments. Spanning 25 acres, it offers walled gardens, paddocks, and loch access. Owned by the Allen family for 20+ years, it's popular for shooting, golfing, and international guests. Christie and Co's Gary Witham oversees the sale, highlighting its luxury reputation.

🏠 King Street Capital Management UK, Cohort Capital, and Apollo funds secured a £348 million senior loan to refinance The Park Tower Hotel, located in Knightsbridge, London.

🏨 Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH) experienced significant growth in 2025, nearly a year after merging with Griffin Hotel Management LLC in November 2024. This merger added 10-12 properties to their portfolio and strengthened their human capital. Despite industry challenges like inflation and declining RevPAR growth, MJH reported 2025 as one of its best years. However, rising expenses have pressured margins. MJH is focusing on cost reduction and efficiency, employing strategies like charging for parking to boost revenue.

💸 Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. reported Q3 2025 results: USD 1.78 diluted EPS, adjusted to USD 2.11. Net income reached USD 421 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of USD 976 million. RevPAR declined by 1.1% compared to Q3 2024. A record 515,400 rooms are in development, up 5% from 2024. The new Outset Collection launched in October, and Hilton opened its 9,000th hotel. USD 792 million was returned to shareholders in Q3, totaling USD 2.671 billion YTD.

🏨 The Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, Northumberland, is for sale at £1.6 million. Established since the mid-1700s, it offers 22 rooms, including 5 luxury lodges. Known for sustainability, it has won awards like the 'Green Business of the Year' and features a Biomass Boiler and 36 solar panels. The hotel is a tourist hotspot near Hadrian’s Wall. Its eco-friendly operations reduce costs amidst rising utility and produce expenses.