Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 New World Hospitality, led by Vijay Sharmain, has acquired the BLOC Hotel in Birmingham from the Arora Group in an off-market deal. The hotel, located in the Jewellery Quarter, features 105 rooms and was built in 2011. The transaction highlights ongoing interest in UK hotel investments.

🏨 Affiliates of Gencom reacquired a majority interest in the 115-key Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida. The property, originally acquired in 2011 and partially sold in 2017, was financed by Banco Inbursa for an undisclosed sum. Opened in 2002, the 21-story hotel features ~30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and underwent renovations in 2018. Gencom emphasizes investing in high-quality assets in strong markets, capitalizing on Miami's tourism appeal.

🏨 Gencom reacquired a majority interest in the 115-key The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. Initially bought in 2011 and sold in 2017 to Hersha Hospitality Trust, the deal was financed by Banco Inbursa. The hotel, opened in 2002, features ~30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a pool, spa, and underwent renovations in 2018. Gencom's investment reflects confidence in Miami's lodging market and Coconut Grove's appeal for both leisure and business.

🏨 Rosewood London, owned by the Cheng family's CTF Development, is up for sale as New World Development Co. faces liquidity issues. Previously valued at £450m in 2016, the hotel was bought for £135m in 2006. An £85m renovation in 2013 turned the former Chancery Court into a luxury hotel with 264 rooms, 44 suites, and 11 event spaces. Built in 1914, the property was formerly the Pearl Assurance Company headquarters until 1989.

🏨 Hunter Hotel Advisors announced the sale of Aloft Hotel Plano and Aloft Hotel Frisco in Texas to Touchstone Hospitality Fund, LLC. The two hotels, built in 2008, have 272 rooms combined. The sale was led by Kami Burnette and Mason McDavid, highlighting buyer interest in Dallas Fort Worth’s select-service hotels. Both properties benefit from proximity to business and leisure demand generators. The new owner plans to optimize RevPAR through economies of scale and strategic operations.

📖 Rob Blood, Founder of Lark, revisits the company’s growth a year after its major deal with Life House. This episode centers on scaling hospitality, overcoming integration hurdles, and building culture under pressure. Emphasizing the operationalization of values, it highlights the role of storytelling in establishing identity and what leadership qualities are crucial amid complexity.

🏨 Chris and Jane Berridge acquired The Old Lodge in Malton, a 17th Century Tudor mansion with 29 en-suite rooms, set in 3.6 acres, from Ajay Abhaya Kumar and Anupama Banerji. The sale, facilitated by Christie and Co, was completed swiftly, although the price remains undisclosed. This is the Berridges' first venture into hospitality, and they expressed enthusiasm for maintaining the landmark’s legacy with the support of the dedicated staff.

📈 Trinity Investments acquired The Hoxton, Poblenou, a 240-key hotel in Barcelona, announced on Thursday. This marks their third European hotel acquisition since launching their London office in 2023. Opened in 2022, the hotel is in Barcelona’s 22@ district, near Westfield Glòries Mall and the Design Museum. The acquisition aligns with Trinity's strategy to invest in cities with robust tourism and long-term growth potential, joining The Standard London and Park Hyatt Zurich in their portfolio.

💰 Red Oak Capital Holdings provided $10 million for acquiring and refurbishing Four Points by Sheraton – O’Hare in Chicago, IL. The loan, structured under Red Oak’s Core-Plus Bridge Loan program, has an 18-month term and a loan-to-stabilized-value of 54.54%. The 295-room, 195,000-square-foot hotel, built in 1985 on 7.5 acres, will undergo upgrades and a Marriott franchise agreement. The sponsor, owning 20 assets worth over $70 million, aims to enhance performance through targeted improvements.