Selina, BOA planned SPAC moves forward: Selina Hospitality has announced that a Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission was declared effective on September 30, 2022. Once the business combination with special purpose acquisition company BOA Acquisition Corp. is complete, the ordinary shares of Selina are expected to be publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SLNA”. BOA has scheduled a special meeting of stockholders to seek approvals relating to the business combination. In the first half of this year, Selina increased its revenue by 142% and occupancy by 60% compared to the same period in 2021, according to Rafael Museri, co-founder and CEO of Selina. It opened 3,368 bedspaces within 13 properties in Greece, Australia, Portugal, Panama, the United States, Morocco and Israel, and also signed 7,374 bedspaces within 17 properties and expansions across Australia, the United States, Greece, Mexico, Portugal, Panama and Israel. This brings the total count at the end of H1 2022 to 163 open and secured locations.
Sage adds Portland Marriott: Sage Hotel Management, a company under the Denver, Colorado-based Sage Hospitality Group, has assumed management of The Bidwell Marriott Portland in Portland, Oregon, marking Sage’s fifth hotel under management in Portland. The hotel joins Sage’s Premier Collection of properties, which consists of over 30 branded and soft-branded luxury and upper upscale hotels across 12 states. The existing Portland Marriott City Center underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2020, which saw revamping of the guest rooms, common areas, suites and meeting space and the launch of a signature restaurant and bar. The 258-key upper upscale hotel reopened as The Bidwell Marriott Portland in 2021.
The Marine Hotel sells: Savills has completed the freehold sale of The Marine Hotel in Paignton, Devon, U.K. to Fragrance Group for an undisclosed sum. The guide price was £1.5 million (US$1.67 million). RBH will operate the hotel on behalf of the new owner. The hotel offers 53 rooms, a 100-cover restaurant and a conservatory/bar/lounge/entertainment area for up to 100 persons.
Staffing shortages: Almost all U.S. hotels (87%) said they are experiencing a staffing shortage, with 36% indicating there as been a severe shortage, according to a member survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Housekeeping was identified as the most critical staffing need, with 43% saying it was their biggest challenge. These figures performed marginally better than in May, when an overwhelming majority (97%) said they were short-staffed, 49% severely so, with housekeeping a big challenge for 58% of the respondents. Hotels are trying to attract new talent with incentives, 81% have hiked wages, 64% offer better flexibility with hours and 35% have increased benefits. However, 91% said they were still unable to fill vacancies. Respondents are trying to fill 10.3 open positions per property, down from 12 in May.
EQ Group, Eternam acquire Paris Marriott: EQ Group, in partnership with Eternam, has acquired The Courtyard Paris Arcueil in Paris. The purchase marks EQ Group’s fifth Marriott-branded hotel and Eternam’s 13 hotel acquisition this year. Operated by Marriott International, the hotel offers 170 rooms and includes a restaurant and a fitness center. EQ Group’s current portfolio in Europe comprises over 5,000 keys.
Hilton partners with Peloton: Hilton has partnered with Peloton Interactive to feature Peloton Bikes across its U.S. portfolio of 18 brands. By the end of this year, almost all 5,400 Hilton-branded hotels in the U.S. are expected to offer at least one Peloton Bike in the fitness center, including access to Peloton’s instructors and connected fitness content. Additionally, Hilton Honors members will also get access to special offers, including a Peloton App trial. U.S.-based members of the loyalty program, who are Peloton users can receive a 90-day trial subscription to this app and receive preferred pricing on some Peloton-connected fitness products.
Gravity Haus grows in Colorado: Gravity Haus, the Colorado-based social club, has acquired The Ptarmigan Inn and will grow its membership offering in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The purchase marks Gravity Haus’ fifth acquisition and its fourth location in Colorado. The Ptarmigan leadership team will continue operating the hotel. The new owner plans to enhance the property during spring/summer 2023, which will include the addition of a signature dining experience, modern co-working spaces and a fitness center.