Breaking News in Hospitality: New Developments and Strategic Moves
Hyatt Expands Its Reach to Mississippi
In a significant step towards expanding its brand presence, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has partnered with the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance from McComb, Mississippi, to introduce the Okhissa Lake Lodge. This 200-key hotel, representing Hyatt’s first Destination by Hyatt property in the Magnolia State, is anticipated to open its doors in 2027. Located in southwest Mississippi near Jackson, the hotel will feature a grand 1,000-person conference center, making it an attractive venue for both leisure travelers and business events.
HQ Hotels Makes Its South American Debut
Miami-based HQ Hotels & Residences is set to make waves in the South American market with a brand-new property in São Paulo, Brazil. This 100-key hotel, which is part of a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is scheduled to open in 2028. Developed by INC Urban Developers and backed by notable partners, HQ Hotels aims to grow its portfolio significantly worldwide, targeting a total of 50 openings by 2031. Notably, half of these establishments will be positioned in the ever-competitive U.S. market.
KSL Capital Partners Completes Major Refinance in Indianapolis
On another front in the hospitality sector, an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners has secured a substantial $113 million refinance for the Westin Indianapolis, which boasts 575 keys. The refinancing package, which includes a mezzanine component funded by Barings, signifies KSL’s long-standing ownership of the property since 2019. This financial maneuver aims to bolster the hotel’s ongoing operations and possibly pave the way for future enhancements.
Expansion for Coury Holdings with New Management and Properties
Dallas-based Coury Holdings is expanding its hospitality footprint on the West Coast by acquiring nine hotels across California. This strategic addition includes properties located in San Diego, Palm Springs, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. Alongside this expansion, Coury has appointed Bo Patel as Chief Operating Officer. Bringing over twenty years of experience in hospitality management and investment, Patel is expected to drive growth and operational excellence in Coury’s burgeoning West Coast division.
AHIP Seeks Financial Resilience through Refinancing
Vancouver’s American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP (AHIP) has successfully completed a CMBS refinancing program for five properties, securing gross proceeds of $43 million. This refinancing includes a repayment of $38.4 million to existing term loans, effectively streamlining AHIP’s financial position. With an impressive total appraised value of $182.2 million for its remaining hotel assets, AHIP is positioned well with a loan-to-value ratio of 49%, emphasizing a robust financial foundation.
AVANA and IHG Partner for Construction Loans
To address the pressing need for hotel development, AVANA Companies has launched a co-lending construction program in collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts. This innovative initiative is designed to expedite the construction of hotels under select IHG brands. Offering competitive blended rates for project financing, the program aims to unlock $250 million in loans and support a robust pipeline of nearly 950 hotels across designated IHG brands in the U.S.
Trestle Studio’s Transformation of El Tropicano Hotel
In San Antonio, Texas, Trestle Studio is set to revamp the El Tropicano Hotel located on the River Walk. With a significant $79 million construction loan secured, this renovation project aims to modernize the historic location, transforming it into a contemporary urban resort. The revamped hotel will feature 315 rooms, a remarkable 8,065-square-foot pool deck—reportedly the largest in San Antonio—and substantial event space to cater to both leisure and business guests.
AvantStay Enters the Hospitality Scene
Culver City-based AvantStay is aligning itself with the hotel industry through the upcoming launch of The Gilmore, its first hotel in Nashville. This 99-key property is slated to open in April 2025, marking a significant milestone for AvantStay as it ventures into the realm of traditional hospitality offerings.
Meyer Jabara Takes Charge in Maryland
Connecticut-based Meyer Jabara Hotels is expanding its portfolio with the management of the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection in Columbia, Maryland. This 212-key boutique hotel recently underwent property enhancements, adding a new 78-room tower and 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The acquisition further bolsters Meyer Jabara’s presence in the eastern and central United States, where it operates multiple hotels and dining venues.
Hyatt’s Expanding Footprint in the Dominican Republic
In exciting news for Caribbean travelers, Hyatt Hotels Corp. has inked a management agreement for a new flagship 500-key Hyatt Vivid resort in the Dominican Republic, set to open by the end of 2025. Following the successful debut of the adults-only Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, this new property is designed with all-inclusive travelers in mind, reflecting the growing trend toward experiential and luxury travel in the region.
Rising Travel Demand in Southern Europe Influenced by Spain
According to recent analyses by Mabrian, Spain emerges as a strong driver of international travel demand to Southern Europe, capturing 33% of the region’s total international visitor interest in the first half of 2025. Key destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands are expected to propel further growth, making Spain a focal point for global tourism strategies.
These developments reflect a vibrant and evolving landscape within the hospitality sector, showcasing strategic expansions, innovative financing solutions, and growing travel trends as companies navigate the future of hospitality with ambition and resilience.