Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Rove Hotels plans to more than double its portfolio, focusing on the Gulf region, over the next five years. With 4,000 keys in Dubai and 6,000 more under development, the brand targets Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt. Two projects in Riyadh are announced, with Jeddah and the Holy Cities next. Abu Dhabi is also a critical market. Rove aims to address the shortage of mid-tier lifestyle properties in Saudi Arabia.

🏨 Daresbury Park Hotel reopened on 18 June 2026 after a multi-million-pound refurbishment, transitioning into a four-star venue in the Elite Venue Selection portfolio, owned by Britannia Hotels. The renovation included all 228 rooms, public areas, and new facilities. The opening event featured local leaders like the Mayor of Halton, highlighting the hotel's role in boosting the regional economy. This follows industry trends of significant investments, similar to Lydiard Park Hotel and Carden Park Hotel refurbishments.

📈 Driftwood Capital launched its inaugural Delaware Statutory Trust platform, Driftwood Hotel Income I, targeting approximately $23.9M in equity commitments with $17.75M in debt, equating to a 43% loan-to-value ratio. The offering is anchored by the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Weston, a 176-room hotel acquired for $35.5M. Driftwood aims to expand its DST portfolio in markets with strong travel demand. CEO Carlos Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the investment's potential for 1031 exchange investors.

🏨 In 2025, San Francisco hotels generated over $12 billion in economic impact, supporting about 50,000 jobs and paying $2 billion in taxes. Visitors spent $8 billion at hotels and local businesses, with each hotel room night driving around $900 in citywide spending. Mayor Daniel Lurie's policies, emphasizing public safety and commercial revitalization, have bolstered tourism and conventions, reframing the city as a top global destination.

🌎 In 2025, Booking.com facilitated €691bn (£595bn) in economic activity in Europe, per Oxford Economics. Tourists spent €291bn (£250bn), aiding hospitality, transport, and retail, while sustaining 4.7 million jobs and €175bn (£150bn) in wages. Findings were shared at VivaTech in Paris on June 18. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel emphasized travel's economic impact in Europe, while Oxford Economics' David Goodger highlighted widespread benefits across various sectors.

🏨 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.