Primestar Group Adds Luxury Brand June Lux to Portfolio
Primestar Group has launched June Lux, its first luxury‑focused brand, expanding the June Hotels portfolio beyond boutique, extended‑stay and coworking concepts. The new brand embeds proprietary technology such as WhatsApp‑based check‑in and an AI‑powered digital concierge to deliver a fully digital guest experience. Primestar currently operates properties in Berlin, Hannover, Lake Garda and Salzburg and plans to roll out the modular June platform across additional European markets. The launch signals the operator’s move into upscale hospitality while maintaining its flexible, tech‑centric model.
How to Build a Crisis Management Strategy for Hotels
Hotel operators need a ready crisis communications plan to protect reputation and revenue. Becca Krug of Davies Tanner outlines a six‑step framework—intelligence gathering, severity assessment, information control, message planning, rapid dissemination, and coverage monitoring. The guide stresses rehearsals, clear roles,...
MCR Property Group Launches £150 Million Hospitality Platform
MCR Property Group has deployed roughly $192 million to launch a central‑London hospitality platform, anchored by a $158 million acquisition of four boutique assets – Ashburn Hotel, Ashburn Court, Chesham Court and Claverley Court. The firm will refurbish the properties and rebrand...
Cain Appoints Plunien to Drive EMEA Hospitality Investment
Cain International appointed Ina Plunien as senior vice president of hospitality to lead its expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Plunien brings a decade of experience and a track record of managing luxury hotel assets worth over $3 billion....
Invel Real Estate Secures €65 Million to Scale YellowSquare
Invel Real Estate has obtained a €65 million (approximately $70 million) financing facility from UniCredit to accelerate the growth of its hostel‑operator partner YellowSquare. The loan backs the Fondo Yellow vehicle, fully funded by Invel and managed by Castello SGR, and will...
Domes Resorts Becomes Majority Shareholder in Casa Collective
Domes Resorts has agreed with Goldman Sachs to acquire a majority stake in Casa Collective, the operator of 13 boutique hotels. The deal will add four new properties, expanding the portfolio to 17 locations. Casa Collective’s brands include the adults‑only...
Energy Consultancy of the Year Sets New Standard for Hotel Cost Reduction
Advantage Utilities was named TELCA Consultancy of the Year for Large Customers after demonstrating measurable energy‑cost reductions for UK hotels. Its consultancy‑led model spans procurement, bill validation, analytics and sustainability, delivering contracts that match seasonal hotel demand and exposing hidden...
Why Inaction Is the Biggest Risk for Independent Hotels
Independent hotels in Europe face shrinking margins as OTA commissions rise to 15‑25%, Airbnb expands into boutique properties, and large chains acquire lifestyle brands. A persistent staffing shortage forces front‑desk teams to juggle multiple duties, slowing email responses to an...
Nikki Beach Reveals Development of Marrakech Resort
Nikki Beach announced a new luxury resort, spa and branded residences in Marrakech, slated to open in 2028. The development will feature more than 100 private suites and over 50 serviced villas, each equipped with private pools, jacuzzis, walk‑in wardrobes...
Resort Growth Drives European Branded Residence Pipeline
The Savills report forecasts 1,850 branded‑residence projects across Europe by 2032, representing 113 percent growth, with Turkey topping the pipeline. Non‑hospitality brands such as Pininfarina, Missoni and Nobu are expanding, pushing average brand premiums from 29 percent to 38 percent. Stand‑alone projects will...
JMK Group Secures £48 Million for London Office Conversion
JMK Group has secured a £48 million (approximately $61 million) loan from OakNorth Bank and REL Finance to acquire and convert the nine‑storey Peninsular House office building on Lower Thames Street into a 260‑key hotel, pending planning approval. The development will provide...
Hotel Valuations Stall Across Europe, Impacted by War, Instability and US Leadership
Hotel consultancy HVS reported that Europe’s hotel valuation index barely rose, expanding just 0.2% in 2025 despite robust travel demand. The continent logged three billion overnight stays, a 2.4% increase, driven largely by leisure tourists. Growth was uneven: Copenhagen posted...
The Leela Palaces Acquires Luxury Forest Resort in South India
The Leela Palaces has purchased a 76‑acre nature resort near Madikeri, Karnataka, and will relaunch it as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year. The property currently features 71 villas with plans for 19 more, including a four‑bedroom presidential...
Room00 Plans €330 Million Investment to Scale Platform in 2026
Room00 announced a €330‑€420 million investment plan for 2026 to add 20 properties and more than 1,400 rooms across Spain, Italy, Portugal and the UK. Eighty percent of the capital will fund acquisitions of existing hostels and hotels, with the remaining...
MD of The Stafford Collection McLean Steps Down
John McLean has resigned as managing director of The Stafford Collection after a 20‑month tenure, having been promoted from general manager in January 2025. During his brief leadership, the flagship Stafford London completed a high‑profile repositioning with chef Michael Caines,...
