New Territory: Hotel Groups Expand Their Reach

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hospitality companies are expanding into new global markets—here’s a look at a few of them.

Dream Hotel Group Expands into Mexico and Belize

Dream Hotel Group is developing three new hotels in Mexico and Central America: Unscripted Tulum, Unscripted Belize and Dream Belize.

The first of two Belize openings for the group, Unscripted Belize will debut in late 2018 with 24 beachfront cabana accommodations steps from the Caribbean Sea. Boasting of an open-air concept, the boutique property will also have an outdoor restaurant and bar, an expansive pool area, and two private boats for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Set to open in 2020, Dream Belize will offer 100 guestrooms and suites, 120 hotel condominiums and 40 branded residential home sites, totaling 260 keys. Four dining and nightlife concepts, three pools, a luxury spa and fitness center, and multiple co-working suites will round out the resort offerings.

Located in the Kanantik Belize master plan community, just north of Placencia, Unscripted Belize and Dream Belize are owned and developed by Luke Chadwick with architectural design by Gensler.

Unscripted Tulum will see the lifestyle hotel group’s first foray into Mexico. Developed by Vertical Hospitality, the boutique property is expected to open in 2020 with 97 guestrooms, two pools and an open-air communal dining concept aimed at bringing guests and locals together, as well as a spa/wellness center and three rooftop areas—outfitted with a restaurant, bar and functional lounge area.

HLS Signs Agreement for International Expansion of Budgetel & Haven

Atlanta-based Hospitality Lodging Systems (HLS) will expand its Budgetel and Haven economy brands internationally under a new master license agreement with Continent Hotels Worldwide (CHW) based in Istanbul.

The 15-year agreement covers Turkey and Russia, plus countries in Central Asia as well as East, Central and West Africa.

“There is a strong demand in these areas for dependable lodging at affordable prices, so the names Budgetel and Haven offer our company a distinctive way to pursue the economy market,” explained Ethem Zagikyan, managing partner and principal with CHW.

CHW currently operates a portfolio of 27 properties in urban areas of Turkey, Russia, Georgia, China, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh.

The company’s divisions include Continent Hotels & Resorts for luxury and upscale properties; Ancyra Hotels & Inns for midscale properties; and Lofty Collection Hotels for independent luxury and upscale properties.

“American brands have a solid reputation around the world for value and quality,” said Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of HLS. “This license agreement enables us to collaborate with CHW in providing fine accommodations to under-served hotel markets in fast-growing areas of the world. In addition, we have the opportunity to introduce America to CHW’s luxury, full-service, Continent Hotel brand.”

OD Hotels to Open First Property Outside Spain

Balearic boutique hotel group OD Hotels has finalized the purchase of the Cavalière Sur Plage Hotel on the French Riviera with plans to renovate and open OD Côte d’Azur in 2019. The property will be the group’s sixth hotel and the first one to be located outside of Spain. Led by Marc Rahola, OD Hotels made the purchase for approximately $36 million.

OD Hotels specializes in the renovation of 
abandoned buildings in unbeatable locations
 bringing in a cosmopolitan character, art-­centric 
philosophy, and commitment to sustainability, according to the company. The
 collection also expects to expand outside Europe to Miami in the next two years.

OD Côte d’Azur will undergo a renovation and expansion project between this winter and the start of 2019, the outcome of which will be a boutique hotel located right on the seafront. It will offer 71 rooms, direct views of the Mediterranean Sea, pool, rooftop sky bar, smart cars for guests staying in a suite as a hotel courtesy, beach restaurant, private beach and beach club, among other facilities and services.

Curio Collection by Hilton Lands First Japanese Hotel

Hilton has entered into a franchise agreement with Tokyu Land Corporation to open Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel will be managed by Tokyo Resort Service Co. Ltd, an affiliate of Tokyu Land Corporation, and is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2018, joining Curio Collection’s more than 40 upper-upscale, independent hotels around the world.

Kyukaruizawa Kikyo will offer guests facilities such as a public spa, fitness gym, restaurant and wedding chapel, with 50 guestrooms.