Demand in European hotel markets is slowly recovering to pre-pandemic levels. David Jenkins, Vice President of Business Development at Radisson Hotel Group talked to Property Forum about the company’s plans and expectations for the CEE region and also shared some details of the Group’s ESG strategy.

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vlora Marina to open a new dual-branded property comprising a new hotel under the Marriott Hotels brand and Marriott Residences available for private ownership. Situated in the coastal city of Vlorë, the new build property will benefit from a prime waterfront location in the heart of the city as well as being a part of Vlora Marina investment. The new build complex is expected to debut in 2028 

The first Hampton by Hilton hotel in Târgu Mureș has been inaugurated in July following an investment of €11 million made by Multinvest Group. 

Isle of Man-registered Black Sea Property, a company involved in property development, financing, and sales in Bulgaria, has recently announced a significant acquisition. They have signed an agreement to acquire 98.27% ownership of the Bulgarian hotel operator, Grand Hotel Varna, for approximately €28 million. The deal is to be finalized by October 30th. It aims to bolster Black Sea Property's investments in the hospitality sector.

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Valdarke d.o.o. to bring an Autograph Collection resort to the island of Cres in Croatia.

Hotel chain Hyatt has expanded its presence in Bulgaria with the recent opening of its second Hyatt Regency hotel. The Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort, previously part of the Spanish chain RIU Hotels, is now under the umbrella of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. This expansion follows the opening of Hyatt Regency Sofia in 2020.

District regenerations and mixed-use developments require a complex approach even from the most experienced developers. Property Forum asked David M Johnston, Senior Director and Head of Advisory and Transaction Services at CBRE Hungary about the risks of such projects and he also shared some best practices from across the CEE region.

Financial company Transilvania Investments has sold the Coroana-Postăvaru hotel in Brașov for close to €9.4 million as part of its portfolio rebalancing strategy. The sale was carried out in a public offering. 

CBRE Czech Republic has appointed Jakub Stanislav as Head of Investment Properties. Jakub Stanislav will oversee a team of four senior consultants and will be responsible for developing long-term strategies as well as building and developing client relationships. As part of his mandate, he will coordinate the purchase and sale of a wide range of commercial properties, from offices to logistics complexes and shopping centres to hotels.

The former Ballet Institute has been transformed into the five-star W Budapest hotel offering 151 rooms and suits in the very heart of the Hungarian capital. The new facility is part of the global portfolio of the Marriott Bonvoy brand.