Hotel News Page 135
Meliá strengthens its presence in the world’s most exclusive destinations
Meliá Hotels International, Spain's leading hotel group, has announced the signing of a new luxury hotel as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in key Latin American destinations while continuing to expand its luxury portfolio. Under The Meliá Collection brand, which brings together a curated selection of unique hotels, the company will add an exclusive property in Argentine Patagonia.
Hyatt and Homeinns Hotel Group Expand Strategic Relationship
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Homeinns Hotel Group have announced that their respective subsidiaries have entered into a strategic master franchise agreement to introduce Hyatt Studios hotels in China. This collaboration will expand Hyatt’s portfolio in the upper-midscale segment by adding hotels in Hyatt’s new extended-stay brand in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets. As leading hospitality companies in China and the United States, Hyatt and Homeinns Hotel Group will leverage their respective strengths and resources for the development of Hyatt Studios extended-stay hotels throughout vibrant business and travel destinations throughout China. Under the master franchise agreement, Homeinns Hotel Group plans to open 50 Hyatt Studios branded hotels in the next several years and develop a robust pipeline to drive future growth across China.
IHG One Rewards Launches Members Catalogue to Enrich Daily Lifestyle Experiences
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced the launch of the IHG One Rewards Member Catalogue, an innovative platform that redefines how members can redeem their points. By extending rewards beyond traditional channels into everyday lifestyle moments, the new catalogue offers members more convenience, flexibility, and value. IHG One Rewards Member Catalogue features an extensive selection of curated products and services spanning entertainment, travel, dining, and lifestyle categories. By enriching its award-winning loyalty programme, IHG is enabling members to turn points into meaningful experiences both inside and outside of hotel stays.
Hilton on Track to Double Portfolio in China Following 888 Hotel Milestone
Hilton announced the grand opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan and celebrated its milestone of 888 trading hotels across Greater China and Mongolia. This achievement reinforces Hilton’s position as the largest and fastest-growing international hospitality company in the region with the company on track to double its presence in the region in the coming years. After opening its first hotel in Chinese Mainland in 1988, Hilton has grown its room inventory nearly tenfold in the past 12 years.
Conrad Corfu to Open in 2026 in Secluded Seafront Setting
Hilton has announced the signing of Conrad Corfu following a franchise agreement with the Troulis family. Slated to open its doors ahead of the 2026 summer season, the luxury hotel will feature 136 rooms, suites and villas, a 200-metre beachfront and indoor and outdoor heated pools. Managed by Numo Hotels and Resorts, the property will also include a signature Aqua Piazza lagoon, lush, landscaped gardens, three restaurants, two bars, an extensive wellness centre, and open-air cinema and a kids club in collaboration with Worldwide Kids, with a treehouse-like micro village among olive trees and eucalyptus.
Hilton Named No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S. for Seventh Consecutive Year
Hilton has been named the No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the United States by Fortune and Great Place to Work for the seventh consecutive year, recognizing Hilton’s commitment to building a workplace where women thrive, lead and contribute to the company’s success at every level.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan Redefines Modern Luxury on the New Bund
Hilton has announced the opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, a landmark addition to the brand’s luxury portfolio in China. The property’s debut marks a significant chapter for Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai, as the third city worldwide to have two Waldorf Astoria properties. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan sits on the southern stretch of Shanghai’s new Bund, in the vibrant Qiantan District of Pudong and on the opposite side of the Huangpu River from Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Together, the properties underscore the brand’s long-term vision and growing presence in China.
Hilton Set to Double Its Presence in Oman with Trio Signing
Hilton has announced the signing of an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands – doubling its footprint in the Sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region.
THE CHARLES HOTEL INTRODUCES THE MONFORTE SUITE
The Charles Hotel, Munich, unveils its newly redesigned Monforte Royal Suite, led by Lady Olga Polizzi, Director of design at Rocco Forte Hotels, in collaboration with Magdalena Onisko. The suite is the largest of the 28 suites at The Charles Hotel and one of three Forte Suites located on the eighth floor. Named after the Italian mountain village of Monforte, overlooking the picturesque Valle di Comino, the ancestral home of the Forte family, the suite offers unique interiors and breathtaking views of Munich.
IHG expands Kimpton portfolio with first Austrian signing in partnership with tristar Hotels
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Kimpton Salzburg, in partnership with tristar Austria GmbH. The hotel marks the luxury lifestyle brand’s entry into the Austrian market. Expected to open in mid-2028, Kimpton Salzburg will further enhance IHG’s expanding portfolio of 12* open Kimpton hotels in Europe, and a further six* in development.
Accor strengthens Dubai portfolio with signing of iconic Creekside Hotel
Accor, a global hospitality leader with a portfolio of more than 5,700 properties across 110+ countries, is pleased to announce the signing of the Creekside Hotel in Dubai, one of the city's most iconic hospitality and sporting landmarks. Owned by Dubai Duty Free and operated by United Hospitality Management, the hotel will join the Accor network under a white-label franchise agreement before being fully repositioned and added to the MGallery Collection following a detailed renovation plan.
Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Biffi as Chief Brand Officer
Kempinski Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Biffi as Chief Brand Officer, a role created to drive the next stage of the group’s transformation. Biffi will lead the strategic overhaul of Kempinski’s brand and marketing ecosystem, guiding the company through a significant evolution that builds on its enduring heritage while redefining its future in luxury hospitality.