The Hilton hotel in Prague, in which former US President Barack Obama or his predecessors Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have stayed, is being sold by IBRC, the investment structure of the Irish bank NAMA, dealing with debt settlement, reports E15.cz. At the same time, the domestic business elite has been competing with multinational investment capital for the largest Czech hotel.

The real estate market in Southeast Europe has been influenced by various crises in recent years, leading to lower investment levels. However, in 2025, a growth in investment activities is expected as a result of lower interest rates. Investors are particularly interested in the Balkans region, especially in Serbia, with the highest demand anticipated for investments in the hotel and residential sectors, while demand for office space is somewhat lower. These are some of the conclusions drawn by participants at the 8th edition of Balkans Property Forum 2024, organized in Belgrade by Property Forum.

Hilton today announced that following a franchise agreement with Grupa Hotele Polskie, two new properties will open in Northern Poland under the Spark by Hilton brand – a country debut for Hilton’s premium economy conversion brand. Spark by Hilton Pobierowo and Spark by Hilton Krynica Morska will open within the next six months, joining Hilton’s 30 trading hotels across Poland. The new properties together create an additional 226 rooms.

The Kampus Palace student housing project in the former Palace Hotel in the centre of Ostrava is being taken over by Purposia Group, an investment group with Czech roots, through its subsidiary development company Antracit, which is co-managed by former Ostrava mayor Tomáš Macura, reports E15.cz.

Despite the improving performance, inflation and financing costs remain significant challenges in the hospitality sector in CEE. However, reduced interest rates, stabilised construction costs, and strong recovery in midscale and budget segments may stimulate investment, panellists stressed at CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna.

Invesco Real Estate has acquired Cloud One Gdańsk hotel in Poland on behalf of its German client. The seller is Granaria Development Gdańsk, a joint venture entity created by Immobel and Multibud. The price has not been revealed.

The international Hilton brand is set to debut in the Republic of Moldova's hospitality market by opening its first hotel in Chișinău. 

UDI Group is starting construction in another European market, Hungary after the new year. The mixed-use Parkside project in Budapest is planned near Váci Road with apartments and a hotel for medium and long-term accommodation.

Czech Inn Hotels has headed outside the capital. It is buying the Barceló Brno Palace Hotel in the Moravian metropolis with a price tag climbing to CZK 1 billion (€39.5 million), reports Seznamzpravy.cz.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to expand in the Balkans region, with five Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts expected to open by 2027.