Latest news: Second Hoxton to Chicago; Waldorf debuts in Japan; USTOA advises after tariffs

Ennismore adding Hoxton to Chicago. Ennismore is partnering with Chicago-based Magellan Development Group and South Korean-based Hanwha Engineering & Construction to open a second Hoxton hotel in Chicago as part of a 47-story tower, according to multiple reports. The project, known as Parcel O, would include a 240-key hotel and more than 500 apartments. Ennismore opened an 182-key Hoxton hotel in Chicago in 2019, which was developed by Chicago-based Shapack Partners.

USTOA advises members after tariffs. The U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) advised members of the possible impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs announced Thursday, according to a story in Travel Weekly. USTOA president and CEO Terry Dale said in an email to members that he asked the association’s government affairs firm, Elevate, for its take. Near-term, Elevate said the tariffs could influence foreigners’ views of traveling to the U.S. and affect the reputation of American travelers abroad. Longer-term, Elevate said higher product prices caused by tariffs could potentially decrease consumers’ purchasing power, making discretionary purchases like travel less affordable. Tariffs also could increase costs for hotels, airlines and cruise ships. Elevate said there also is the potential for increased prices of imported beverages and other goods associated with leisure affecting the bottom line of event venues, nightlife and restaurants.

Waldorf Astoria’s Japan debut. Hilton is debuting the Waldorf Astoria brand in Japan with the opening of the 252-key Waldorf Astoria Osaka. The hotel is located in the Umekita District in Osaka and is one of 34 Waldorf properties around the world.

Braemar converts in Chicago. Dallas-based REIT Braemar Hotels & Resorts said it plans to transition the 415-key Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile in Illinois into a franchise structure. The hotel will continue to be the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile but will be managed by Dallas-based Remington Hospitality. In connection with the conversion, which is expected to be effective in May, Remington will offer all employees to remain in their current positions as employees of a subsidiary of Remington Hospitality. There is no required property improvement plan associated with the conversion, but Braemar does plan to renovate the lobby, restaurant and meeting space over the next two years.

AJ Capital pays $102M for Hotel Boulderado. AJ Capital Partners paid $102 million for the Hotel Boulderado, according to a report in BizWest. The deal was announced earlier this week and the hotel will be renovated and added to Hilton’s Graduate brand but still retain its name.

HHP acquires in Atlanta. Highline Hospitality Partners (HHP), the hospitality investment platform launched by Los Angeles-based Highline Real Estate Partners, has acquired the 510-key Hilton Atlanta Airport from an undisclosed seller for an undisclosed amount. This is the 15th hotel in HHP’s portfolio. Norwalk, Connecticut-based HEI Hotels & Resorts will continue to manage the property.

Hospitality association honors Alter. Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins College of Hospitality Management presented the 2025 Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Award to Bob Alter, CEO of Seaview Investors, in recognition of his career in hospitality investment, his commitment to hospitality education, and his support in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. Alter has been an iconic figure in the Southern California hospitality industry and expressed his gratitude for recognizing that “the magic of our industry is giving back, offering guidance, watching students grow, and opening doors to lifelong careers.”

Maeva sells 4 in Queensland. Sunshine Coast, Australia-based Maeva Hospitality Hotel Group has sold a portfolio of four hotels in Queensland to Redcape Hotel Group for around AUS$80 million. The hotels include the Bli Bli Hotel, Baringa Tavern, Parklands Tavern & Brightwater Hotel. Sydney-based HTL Property brokered the transaction.

Dusit expanding in India. Bangkok-based Dusit International is expanding its presence in India by launching its luxury and upper-midscale brands in key emerging markets. In addition to exploring opportunities in India’s Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations where luxury and upscale hospitality options are currently limited – creating opportunities to deliver curated, high-end experiences tailored to local demand. This strategic expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit’s recent foray into the Indian market with the opening of the contemporary, upscale dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla in December and the signings of three key properties in Karnataka: the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat (scheduled to open in 2028), and two upcoming Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts.

Morgan Stanley adds in South Korea. Morgan Stanley is set to acquire the 319-key Shilla Stay Seodaemun in South Korea from South Korea-based IGIS Asset Management Co. Ltd. for an undisclosed amount, according to HVS. IGIS acquired the property in 2015 for KRW110 billion and is operated and leased by South-Korea based Shilla HM Corp. The existing lease is due to expire in 2035.

JD Wetherspoon’s growth plans. Watford, U.K.-based restaurant and pub company JD Wetherspoon says it plans to grow to over 1,000 sites through franchising with hotel partners. The group operates over 800 pubs and has partnered with Christie & Co. to target hoteliers across the U.K. looking for a cost-effective conversion of an existing underperforming hotel restaurant into a Wetherspoon pub.