News & Stories

Berne. In economic terms, weak hotels in Switzerland are not allowed to convert their businesses into second homes. This is probably the start of the feared structural change.

Munich. "Everything is moving – and underway!" That is the message to be sent out by the key players of the apartment sector at this year's Expo Real. For the first time, the biggest competitors on the German market in this segment will present themselves together at the hotel conference on Monday: Accor/Adagio, Adina, Ascott/Citadines, Derag Livinghotels, Marriott, and Boardinghouse Consulting will be introducing their jointly worked out definitions and standards. One of the initial results: They want to act under the common designation of "apartment hotel" or "aparthotel", thus coining and defining this term for the industry.

Berlin. With Scotland's "no" to independence last week, the EU has one less problem to worry about. France and Italy on the other hand continue to weigh on Europe's prospects - as does Ebola and the Islamic State from more distant locations. Nevertheless, both the Chief Economist of DZ Bank, Stefan Bielmeier and Christoph Haerle, CEO EMEA at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group expect good times ahead for the sector. The 6th "Hogan Lovells Hotel Day" two weeks ago in the new Sofitel Ku'damm Berlin raised questions as to the economy and, in particular, on franchising. In its usual informal setting with renowned real estate and investment hotel experts, the forum prepared the ground for a whole range of conversations at the upcoming Expo Real.

Baden-Baden. According to yesterday's edition of "Immobilienzeitung", Dorint Hotel Messmer in Baden-Baden is soon to be vacated and put up for compulsory sale, as the hotel operator has no longer paid the lease. Dirk Iserlohe, Managing Partner of Dorint's parent company E&P from Cologne, told hospitalityInside.com yesterday that the business will continue.

Munich/Cologne. Accor and Cologne-based Event Hotelgruppe are concluding a franchise agreement for six new Mercure hotels in Germany with a total of 850 rooms. All 4-star hotels currently operate under the name Park Inn by Radisson.

Berlin. Reiner Nittka, Board Member with the project developer, GBI, is convinced that a great number of international apartment hotel operators will additionally be entering the German market. Longstay brands such as Citadines, Adina, Frasers and Residence Inn are already developing their portfolios there. In any case, the potential measured on the international market still seems enormous. The advantages of an apartment hotel in comparison to the traditional hotel are great and investors also have a solid understanding of them. The latest studies confirm the potential and recite the facts and figures on the currently existing market segment.

Munich. 2013 was a good year for the hotel industry. Concerning profits, the year 2014 has deteriorated a little. However, the hotel market offers many new perspectives. The luxury hotel industry remains the flagship but is trying to find innovative ways. The gastronomy section is winning honour again with funny ideas and "top-roof" locations; new customer groups, and also new investors are causing a sensation and ensuring that the hotel market remains exciting for guests, investors and operators in 2014. A situation report from the "After Work Talk" with PKF hotel experts in Munich.

Brussels. Being profitable is not always the guarantee of a successful business. The bankruptcy of Le Méridien Brussels is just and another sad example. High labor costs are said to be one reason for the desaster.

Paris. Asset Heavy instead of Asset Light: Accor's announcement on Tuesday to buy 97 hotels in Europe massively underpins the turnaround in the real estate approach of the European hotel market leader. The focus lies on budget hotels.

Frankfurt/M. Vacation real estate is no longer a pure status symbol and luxury good for personal use. Many such properties serve as pensions and a broad middle class are looking at vacation real estate with rental returns in mind.