New player in Plaza drama. The battle for ownership of New York’s storied Plaza Hotel has taken another turn with the emergence of a third potential buyer. United Capital Real Estate Development Corp. is suing the property’s majority owner, Subrata Roy, chairman of Sahara India Pariwar and its U.S. entity, seeking damages of US$1 billion. United Capital alleges that Sahara breached an agreement by seeking a separate deal and fraudulently induced United to enter into contracts, show proof of funds and place funds in escrow, according to a complaint filed n New York state court on June 22. Sahara has been attempting to sell its stake for years amid troubles for Roy.
Lodgis buys Cambodia landmarks. Singapore-based Lodgis Hospitality Holdings Pte. Ltd. acquired two historic landmark hotels in Cambodia, the flagship Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh and the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Siem Reap. With the acquisition of the Raffles Hotels, Lodgis said it owns the largest collection of luxury historic hotels in the Indochina region as well as a growing resort and hotel management business under the Fusion brand. Lodgis, sponsored by Warburg Pincus and VinaCapital, previously acquired and developed several leading city hotels and beachfront resorts in Vietnam, including the 365-key Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi.
Travelodge launches ‘chic’ brand. Travelodge Hotels Ltd. (UK) is launching a new Travelodge Plus “budget chic” brand this summer. Starting at £35 a night, or about US$46, the rooms feature king-sized beds and waterfall showers. The properties also offer sleeker designs and more tranquil color schemes, as well as updated bar/café areas. The company has slated six openings: Brighton Seafront, Edinburgh Central, Gatwick, York Micklegate and two London locations. The hotels also feature USB ports for electronic connections and “pixel wall art” showcasing U.K. attractions from London hotspots to the Scottish highlands.
Trump eyed St. Andrews deal. U.S. President Donald Trump tried for three years to buy an iconic Victorian building in Scotland that he intended to turn into his first wholly-owned hotel outside the U.S., the Scottish newspaper Scotland on Sunday reported. Trump once offered £23 million, nearly US$27 million today, for Hamilton Hall, a 19th-century property in St. Andrews overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course, considered the oldest golf course in the world. Trump sought to have the Bank of Scotland finance the deal, asking for £38 million, or around US$44 million. That included a £23 million mortgage and an additional £15 million for construction. The bank ultimately rejected the request as too risky.
New management for Whistler resort. Aimbridge Hosptality LLC entered a partnership for management of The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, in British Columbia’s Canadian Rockies. Under an agreement with OHR Whistler Management Ltd., Plano, Texas-based Aimbridge will invest in the hotel and work to “actively lead the day-to-day operation of the resort,” the companies said. “This partnership will be instrumental in continuing the resort’s upward trend and delivering a world-class guest experience to maximize bottom-line performance for the benefit of the 419 home owners of this property,” said OHR CEO John O’Neill.
IHG completes Regents buy. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Taiwan-based Regent Hotels & Resorts for US $39 million, payable in three tranches. IHG will have the right to acquire the remaining 49% beginning in 2026.