Deutsche Hospitality, the German hotel company, is rebranding to H World International (HWI) to boost the growth of its parent company, H World, beyond China.
The group has also entered into a joint venture with Conduit House, a fully integrated Asian hotel operator and hospitality asset manager, to start its expansion in Asia Pacific. Conduit House will collaborate with HWI for pre-opening support, technical services and operations.
All brands under HWI will become part of H Rewards, the global loyalty program and online booking platform. HWI’s brand family includes Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, Jaz in the City, House of Beats, IntercityHotel, Maxx and Zleep Hotels.
The latest entrant to HWI’s brand umbrella is Ji Hotel, a Chinese midscale brand. The brand recently opened Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore as one of its first locations outside of China.
Bringing in a new chapter of global growth, the rebranding will complement HWI’s presence in China, said H World CEO Jin Hui. “It is an important step towards our goal to become a world-class global hotel group, with one global team.”
Oliver Bonke will serve as CEO of HWI. Bonke and Choon Wah Wong, CFO of HWI, will remain managing directors of the Steigenberger Hotels GmbH. HWI includes Europe, Middle East, India & Africa, as well as Asia Pacific.
“We are excited to bring all of our distinctive brands to key global markets. With our value proposition for owners and investors, we will be able to offer our employees career opportunities across the globe and 218 million H Rewards members more choice — an even more attractive hotel portfolio, in more destinations and across more brands,” Bonke said.
NEW SIGNINGS
HWI has recently signed an agreement with Tantakitt Co. Ltd. for the Montien Surawong Bangkok, a Steigenberger Hotel. The hotel recently underwent extensive refurbishments and will be the first Steigenberger hotel to open in Thailand. The hotel features 475 rooms, which blend Thai aesthetics with a contemporary style.
HWI signed another agreement with Tai Xiang International Co., Ltd. for the Maxx Huay Yai Villa, Pattaya in Thailand. The hotel offers 108 villas and is slated to open by the end of 2025.
In the Europe, Middle East, India & Africa region, the group signed an agreement for the new-build Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside in Egypt. This joins the existing 16 Steigenberger Resorts across Egypt. Situated 90 kilometers southwest of Cairo, close to the Qarun Lake, the 90-room hotel is scheduled to open in late 2025.
Earlier this month, HWI expanded its IntercityHotel portfolio in Oman with the opening of IntercityHotel Bawshar in Muscat, Oman. This was the fourth IntercityHotel in Oman and the sixth in the region.
In Europe, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts added the renovated Bielefelder Hof in Germany to its portfolio.
Zleep Hotels, the economy brand with a Danish origin, has upcoming openings in Horsens, Denmark as well as in Lausanne and Zürich, Switzerland. The brand signed agreements for two more hotels — Zleep Hotel Bern (to open in late 2025) and the Zleep Hotel Göppingen in southern Germany (to open in 2026).