Highgate has expanded its presence in Europe with two major developments: the launch of HG Portugal and the relaunch of the Dorsett City London Hotel.
HG Portugal has been launched with an 18-hotel portfolio spanning the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto and several other markets across Portugal. The portfolio comprises hotels operating within the IHG and Hilton brands, along with several other independent hotels like Cascade Resort, Salgados Palace, and Sao Rafael Atlantico. The portfolio includes lifestyle boutique hotels, urban full-service hotels, waterfront luxury resorts, and large convention facilities.
“The launch of HG Portugal complements Highgate’s recent re-entry into the U.K. management space, furthering the application of our proven business towards strategic global opportunities,” said Arash Azarbarzin, CEO of Highgate. “Honed over the last 30 years, we will apply our innovative approach to operations, distribution, food and beverage, branding.”
As part of creating a new team for the division, Alexandre Solleiro has been appointed as CEO of HG Portugal. Solleiro has over 30 years of experience in hospitality leadership. Together with Solleiro, HG Portugal will build Highgate’s existing platforms and resources across Europe, the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America, while bringing dedicated Portugal-based experience.
“This acquisition represents an excellent opportunity to add well-located assets to Highgate’s platform and achieve immediate scale in a region that’s experiencing exceptionally strong secular growth,” said Nicholas Mellis, VP of Acquisitions and Development at Highgate.
The HG Portugal unit comes on the heels of two portfolio additions in the U.K. market announced in October 2021 — the Dorsett City London Hotel and Grosvenor House Suites in London’s Mayfair District.
Highgate will also operate the Dorsett City London Hotel, effective March 1, under a relaunched concept as part of a bigger repositioning.
With more than $20 billion of assets under management, Highgate has 30 years of experience as an investment manager, operating partner and developer of REITs, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, high net worth individuals, and other institutional investors. Highgate’s portfolio includes over 500 owned and/or managed hotels comprising over 80,000 rooms across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Highgate has been acquisitive of late, buying Viceroy Hotels & Resorts last month.