Wyndham takes more differentiated approach to Europe

Berlin. There are enough flashpoints in the world, yet despite all of these, the hospitality sector together with its investors at this year's International Hotel Investor Forum shows itself to be in extremely positive almost "dangerously" good mood. Money is flowing, lots of money, and more than a billion guests per year travel, and the trend is rising... And with all of these, many of the current gyrations are having precious little impact. In terms of hotel real estate, Europe appears pretty much to be comprised Germany alone. And even where there are problems at the moment, in Russia for instance, the sector expects the difficulties to soon pass. Why are they so super optimistic and where do they have at least a little cause for concern?

Berlin/Parsippany. The deal with Wyndham was obviously brought about with some haste - that Grand City Hotels would in one fell swoop terminate 14 contracts with three franchise partners in Germany came as quite a surprise though. There was confusion at Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group and Best Western last weekend as nobody behind the scenes could discern a sensible strategy. Then, news of the Wyndham deal trickled through. And the listed US chain, the world's largest franchisor, was forced to go public with the deal on Wednesday: As of March 1, 2013, thirty-three and from 2014 a further ten hotels will be rebranded. Overnight then, Wyndham has established a huge foothold in the much-praised German hotel landscape.

Parsipanny. The next deal is done: Last Monday, Wyndham Hotel Group announced it has acquired Dolce Hotels and Resorts with a portfolio of 24 properties across seven countries in Europe and North America, for $57 million in cash.