Mergers & Acquisitions

🏘 Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands into Croatia by acquiring Plant Villas on Pag Island, now operating under Brioni Hotels brand. This expansion furthers the company's international growth and commitment to bespoke experiences, quality, and service. The villas, surrounded by nature, offer views of the Adriatic Sea and Velebit mountains, featuring unique architecture and an aromatherapy experience with the immortelle plant. Brioni Hotels provides tailored luxury, privacy, personal chefs, wellness programs, and secure transfers for discerning guests.

🏨 Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality announced a strategic merger effective May 1, creating a company with a broad portfolio across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Ben Rafter is the new CEO, Brad Rahinsky becomes chairman, and Al Smith is the COO. The merged entity offers services including operations, revenue management, and food and beverage strategy. Further announcements on key hires and services are expected in the coming months.

🏨 Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality announced their strategic merger effective May 1, creating a major hotel management company. The merged entity will manage properties across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, including urban, resort, and outdoor destinations. Ben Rafter, former CEO of Springboard, becomes CEO of the new company, while Brad Rahinsky, ex-president and CEO of Hotel Equities, is the chairman. The combined company promises tailored strategies, operational expertise, and a focus on revenue generation and technology innovation. Al Smith takes on the COO role, and Rob Robinson becomes president of Springboard Hospitality. The merger blends Hotel Equities’ operational excellence and North American presence with Springboard’s entrepreneurial spirit and West Coast and Hawaii market expertise.

🏨 Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality announced a strategic merger effective May 1, with Ben Rafter as CEO and Brad Rahinsky as chairman. The merged company will manage a diverse portfolio across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. They will offer services in operations, revenue management, marketing, and more. Details on key hires and services will be announced in the coming months as the company approaches a new growth phase.

🏨 On April 29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, Hunter Hotel Advisors sold Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio North Stone Oak to a San Diego-based investor. The price remains undisclosed. This deal represents Hunter’s eighth closing in the past year, totaling over $105 million in sales. Adeel Amin secured financing with a CMBS loan at a 7.37% fixed interest rate and 11.5% debt yield. The hotel, near San Antonio International Airport, offers 106 kitchenette-equipped guestrooms and amenities like a fitness center and outdoor pool.

🏨 Marriott International reported Q1 2025 earnings, with a March slump leading to a lower full-year RevPAR growth forecast by 50 basis points. US government travel decreased, causing a 10% YoY decline in US government RevPAR. Global RevPAR is expected to rise 1.5% to 2.5% in Q2 and 1.5% to 3.5% for the full year. Despite this, Q1 2025 RevPAR increased by 4.1%, with 3.3% growth in the US & Canada and 5.9% internationally. Marriott added 12,200 net rooms in Q1, a 4.6% growth from Q1 2024, and has a pipeline of 3,800 properties and over 587,000 rooms, up 7.4% YoY. The company acquired citizenM for $355 million, contributing to a 5% net room growth target. Cost-cutting measures are set to save $80-90 million annually from 2025, with Q1 G&A costs down 6% YoY. Marriott Bonvoy membership reached nearly 237 million by March end.

🏨 Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels surpassed 400 properties globally, introducing a redesigned logo and targeting expansion in urban and leisure markets. Launched in 2008, the brand now has 423 properties with over 70 hotels in the pipeline. In 2024, Ascend saw a 40% global room count increase, entering markets such as Washington, D.C., Vancouver, Mexico City, and Queensland, and signing a new property in Calama, Chile. Key portfolio hotels include Ice Hotel in Sweden and Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre, Sweden. Upscale and upper-upscale portfolios expanded by 44% in 2024, accounting for nearly one-fifth of Choice Hotels' total rooms, with a 16% increase in direct bookings for upscale properties. Key technology tools for owners include ChoiceMAX, choiceEDGE, and choiceADVANTAGE.