Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Marriott International and the Leali family, founders of Lefay, announced a joint venture to integrate the luxury wellness brand Lefay into Marriott's portfolio. Founded in Italy in 2006, Lefay specializes in luxury resorts, including two in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti, Italy, with three more under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps. This collaboration aims to leverage Marriott's global capabilities to expand Lefay's reach, focusing on luxury wellness experiences worldwide.

🏨 A £500,000 investment at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in the Lake District has upgraded indoor and outdoor spa facilities, introducing a balcony bridge and additional lounge and treatment spaces. Recognized in the top 10% of Tripadvisor's 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards and awarded the Good Spa Guide’s 'Five Bubble Luxury' rating, the project involved DV8 Designs and Cubby Construction. This initiative supports the spa’s dedication to luxury relaxation and wellbeing.

💼 Southern Aluminum has acquired Ramler International, enhancing its position in the hospitality and event furniture industry. Founded in 1949, Ramler is known for innovative designs and craftsmanship. The acquisition expands Southern Aluminum's manufacturing capabilities and product offerings in North America and internationally. Customers can expect a seamless transition with continued support. Headquartered in Magnolia, Arkansas, Southern Aluminum has been a leader since 1978, while Ramler is based in Keysborough, Victoria, Australia.

📈 Thailand's luxury hotel market saw THB 2.2 billion ($66 million) in transactions in 2025, highlighting a supply issue, not demand. Since 2017, luxury hotels have comprised 19.2% of sales volume but just 7.9% of transactions, indicating limited availability. Investors are eager, but long-term owners retain trophy properties, tightening the market. Xander Nijnens from JLL notes that luxury assets are rarely sold, contributing to the gap between investor interest and property availability.

📅 In 2024, Marriott International partnered with CG Hospitality Global. By May 2025, Series by Marriott was introduced globally. They plan to establish 100 Series by Marriott hotels in Greater China over 10 years, with the first four launching by 2026. Arro Khampa resorts in Southwest China will join this brand, maintaining their identity while participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This collaboration aims to cater to value-conscious travelers with high-quality, affordable lodging.

🎪 Anaheim in 2025 saw a record 26.5 million visitors, generating $6.8 billion in spending with a $10.4 billion economic impact. Disneyland Resort, a crucial tourism driver, is expanding with projects like DisneylandForward, involving a $1.9 billion investment. The Anaheim Convention Center secured 142 events for 2026, projected to generate 600,000 room nights and a $1.74 billion economic boost. Key events include NAMM and BlizzCon, ensuring continued lodging demand growth.

📅 HVS Hodges Ward Elliott brokered the sale of the 266-room Zurich Marriott Hotel in Switzerland to Pictet Alternative Advisors. A four-year renovation is underway, ending in Q1 2027. Ironstone and Ogilvy acquired 11 Pentahotels (1,808 rooms) in Europe for €275 million. Millemont bought the 160-room Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre for £74 million. Eternam acquired Paris’ Grand Hôtel des Balcons for €26 million. Art-Invest acquired the 174-room Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Essen.

🏨 Marcus & Millichap sold the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Danbury, Connecticut for $12,050,000. The sale, announced in 2026, was managed by Jerry Swon and John Krueger, marking Swon's seventh hotel sale of the year. Built in 2001 and renovated in 2024, the 50,000-square-foot hotel has 79 units and is situated on 2.5 acres. Key amenities include onsite parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center, located near I-84 and Danbury Fair Mall.