McKibbon Acquires in Orlando. In a notable move, Tampa, Florida-based McKibbon Equities has acquired the 132-key Hilton Garden Inn Orlando I-4 Millenia Blvd Mall from an undisclosed seller for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition marks the third investment for the McKibbon Income Fund I, a real estate investment fund dedicated to acquiring existing select-service and extended-stay hotels. The management will be handled by McKibbon Hospitality, whose CEO, Randy Hassen, discussed the company’s strategic plans during a recent interview with Hotel Investment Today.
First Emblems in North America. Exciting developments in luxury hospitality come from the Canadian Rockies, where Rimrock Banff is set to become the first Accor Emblems Collection property in North America. Owned by Oxford Properties Group and its capital partner, the resort will kick off a comprehensive renovation in October 2025, aiming to reopen in summer 2026 as a flagship property for Accor’s fresh luxury brand collection.
Blue Diamond Adds Sub-Brand. Toronto-based Blue Diamond Resorts is making waves with the content creation of a new sub-brand, Royalton Vessence. This adults-only offshoot of its Royalton brand will debut in Barbados, replacing the previously planned Royalton Chic Barbados project. The Royalton Vessence Barbados is expected to open its doors in summer 2026 on the stunning west coast of the island, with an all-inclusive format and featuring an affiliation with Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
Budapest Marriott Sells. In another significant transaction, S IMMO AG, a division of Vienna, Austria-based CPI Europe, has sold the 364-key Budapest Marriott Hotel for €115 million (approximately $134.6 million) – translating to €316,000 per key. The buyer is a consortium led by István Tiborcz, the son-in-law of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Part of a team that includes BDPST Group and Diorit Private Equity Fund, the hotel is expected to continue operating under the Marriott brand despite the change in ownership.
IHG Expands in KSA. IHG Hotels & Resorts has taken a significant step in the Saudi Arabian market by partnering with Koushan Real Estate Development Co. to introduce Kimpton and EVEN Hotels in Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City (KASC). This venture dovetails with the district’s preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with both properties scheduled to open their doors in 2028, ensuring IHG’s presence at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
Atom Hoteles Sells in Spain. Madrid-based Atom Hoteles has sold the 107-key B&B Vitoria General Álava in Álava, Spain, to an undisclosed buyer for €9.2 million. This sale is particularly notable as it represents the only 3-star asset in Atom’s portfolio. The company has now divested nine hotels since 2022, signaling a dynamic shift in its business strategy.
ActivumSG’s Acquisition in Spain. U.K.-based ActivumSG has completed the acquisition of the 213-key Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol in San Roque, Spain, from Spanish REIT Millenium Hospitality Real Estate for €170 million. Following its opening in February 2025, the resort will be operated by ASG-owned Odyssey Hotel Group, enhancing the competitive landscape of luxury accommodations in the region.
Hilton Expands in Japan. Hilton has signed a landmark agreement with Central Japan Railway Co. and its subsidiaries to open the 283-key Hilton Takayama Resort in Japan. A rebranding and renovation of the existing Hotel Associa Takayama Resort will take place, with plans to reopen as a Hilton in Fall 2026, further amplifying Hilton’s influence in the Asian hospitality market.
IHG’s New Development in India. IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with Thanishq Hospitality for the development of Holiday Inn Bengaluru Electronic City, boasting a capacity of 200 keys. Scheduled to open in early 2029, this hotel will add to IHG’s already robust portfolio of 48 properties across six brands in India, with a pipeline of 63 new hotels set to launch in the coming three to five years.
This article is structured to provide thorough and engaging information on various recent developments in the hospitality sector, covering acquisitions, expansions, and future plans while maintaining a conversational tone.