Latest news: Auberge adds Houston; big franchise deal for Sonesta; records in Rio, Berlin

Auberge heading to Houston. Further expanding into urban markets, Auberge Resorts Collection has been appointed by Transwestern Development Co. to manage The Birdsall, Auberge Resorts Collection, set to open in 2027 in Houston’s newest 17-acre River Oaks enclave, The RO. The 34-story building’s reclaimed brick exteriors will house a 105-room boutique hotel designed by Roman and Williams, 44 private residences, and a private members’ club.

Sonesta will convert sold hotels to franchises. Sonesta International Hotels Corp. has announced the intent to enter into new long-term franchise agreements for 114 hotels currently owned by Service Properties Trust (SVC). SVC has announced that it will sell these hotels, which are currently managed by Sonesta, to reduce its leverage levels. The current Sonesta long-term management agreements are expected to be converted to long-term franchise agreements with Sonesta as the hotels are sold, which is anticipated to occur in 2025.  When completed, the sales will add up to another 14,925 rooms, in 28 states, to Sonesta’s existing franchised hotel portfolio of over 58,095 rooms and 862 properties across all of its brands. SVC’s sale of 114 hotels will include 31 Sonesta Select upscale hotels, 44 Sonesta ES Suites upscale extended stay hotels and 39 Sonesta Simply Suites mid-priced extended stay hotels.  After the sales and franchise conversions, Sonesta will continue to manage 44 full service and 22 focused service (extended stay and select service) hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Waterford adds in Vermont. Waterford Hotel Group has been appointed operator for the 102-room Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located in central Vermont’s Green Mountains. The property is owned by Mission Hill Hospitality.

Rio has best month in 8 years. Boosted by the Rock in Rio music festival, Rio de Janeiro’s hotel industry in September reached its highest monthly ADR and RevPAR in eight years, according to CoStar data. In September occupancy hit 71.5% (+10.3% YOY); ADR was BRL907.20 (+35.5% YOY); and RevPAR was BRL648.33 (+49.4% YOY). The only month with higher ADR and RevPAR in Rio was August 2016 during the Summer Olympics. The first night of the Rock in Rio (September 13) pushed the market’s ADR to a monthly high of BRL1,380.02, while night two resulted in the highest RevPAR at BRL1,166.58. The highest daily occupancy level (89.8%) was seen on 25 September, which was the third night of the Rio Oil & Gas event.

Record September in Berlin. The 2024 International Trade Fair for Transport Technology (InnoTrans) in September pushed Berlin’s monthly ADR and RevPAR to all-time highs, according to CoStar data. September occupancy was 85.4% (+1.4% YOY); ADR: EUR177.49 (+18.4% YOY); and RevPAR: EUR151.60 (+20.1% YOY). In addition to the monthly records in ADR and RevPAR, Berlin’s occupancy was at its highest point since September 2019. On the second night (September 25) of the biennial InnoTrans, Berlin’s daily performance levels spiked in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (95.3%), ADR (EUR310.01) and RevPAR (EUR295.57). Overall, in September, daily occupancy levels remained above the 80% mark in all but four days.

Salter Brothers adds Tokyo office. Salter Brothers has opened an office in central Tokyo, Japan, complementing its existing office in Singapore. The Japan office has both investment and asset management team members and will be led by Rahul Ghai, Managing Director for Asia. Salter Brothers recently announced a strategic partnership with TC Hotels & Resorts Beppu Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corp., to pursue hotel and hospitality opportunities in Japan. The partnership covers both existing and new assets. Salter Brothers has subsequently assumed asset management of ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa.

Accor adds Vietnam beach resort. Accor is strengthening its footprint in Vietnam with the signing of Mercure Nha Trang, the group’s ninth signing in the country this year. The beachfront hotel is scheduled to open in late 2025. Accor operates 43 hotels featuring 10,662 keys in Vietnam. The group also boasts a Vietnam pipeline with over 65 hotels and more than 24,000 keys.

Margaritaville partners with cruise ship. Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau is partnering with the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise ship, offering a ship-to-resort experience for $99 per person. Paradise guests will be granted priority access to the resort and its Fins Up Water Park, which includes access to a private beach area, multiple pools, waterslides and a lazy river. Margaritaville at Sea is billing the offering as “a seamless, start-to-finish Margaritaville island escape.”