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FRENCH HOTEL CHAIN B&B Hotels launched its U.S. expansion with the opening of its first property in Orlando, Florida. The 218-room hotel, located near Universal Studios, will be followed by additional hotels in Miami and Jacksonville, Florida. The mid-scale brand plans to establish 400 hotels across the U.S. within the next 10 years, representing $4 billion in real estate value, B&B Hotels said in a statement. "We are thrilled to bring B&B HOTELS to the United States and to offer travelers affordable high-quality accommodations," said Valerio Duchini, B&B Hotels' U.S. CEO. "We're also eager to engage with real estate investors here who share our vision for growth. Drawing from our success in Europe, we aim to establish ourselves as a prominent player in the U.S. market." B&B Hotels rebrands existing properties and constructs new ones, the company said. Batipart, a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, partnered with B&B Hotels for the Orlando property, with plans to renovate the hotel to improve the guest experience.

PEACHTREE HOTEL GROUP recently acquired two upscale hotels in Florida. They are the 207-key AC Hotel Miami Aventura and the 233-key Aloft Miami Aventura, in Aventura, Florida, outside Miami. With these recent acquisitions, Atlanta-based Peachtree, led by partners Bimal Patel, Hiten Suraj and Rupesh Patel, has acquired approximately $2 billion in hotel assets this year. The company expects to continue making opportunistic hotel acquisitions amid the current hospitality recovery cycle. "Our growth strategy since Peachtree's inception is to capitalize on cycle-specific opportunities," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO. "Today, we are seeing opportunities to acquire hotels at compelling levels, which hasn't been available over the last 15 months. With strengthening economic tailwinds boosting hotel fundamentals and compelling cap rates compared to other asset classes, the lodging sector is among the best real estate classes for investing. Also, with the ongoing inflationary environment, hotels are an excellent hedge against inflation due to daily adjustments in average daily rates."

NEXGEN HOTELS RECENTLY acquired The Maritime Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruiseport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 150-room hotel will be renovated and rebranded as the Moor Hotel at Marina Bay, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, with completion expected by the third quarter of 2025, NexGen said in a statement. Itasca, Illinois-based NexGen is led by Chris and Ron Patel as principals. This is their second acquisition this year, following the 137-room Hotel Versey in Chicago, Illinois, in May. "NexGen Hotels is always striving to bring top-tier properties into our portfolio, and with this acquisition and conversion, it's a testament to our focus on obtaining diversified brands for our investors," said Chris Patel. "The Moor Hotel at Marina Bay, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, represents a new standard for design and hospitality in the Fort Lauderdale area."

SSN HOTELS, A Delaware-based hotel management and ownership company, recently acquired its 31st property, the Residence Inn Atlantic City Airport/Egg Harbor Township in New Jersey. A full renovation of the property, set to begin at year's end, will focus on upgrading guest amenities, SSN Hotels said in a statement. SSN Hotels is led by co-founders Peter Bhai as CEO and Pinky Bhai and president. "We are excited to expand our presence in the Atlantic City area and look forward to transforming this property into a premier destination for business and leisure travelers alike," said Peter Bhai. "This renovation will allow us to offer an even more exceptional stay for our guests while continuing to grow our portfolio." SSN currently operates 31 hotels across five states-New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and Florida-with seven more in development, according to its website. It owns and manages properties under brands from Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Red Roof and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

KABANI HOTEL GROUP, a Miami-based hotel brokerage firm, is set to host its 8th Annual Hotel Investment Forum at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami on Oct. 14. The forum, themed "The Time Is Now," will provide insights and opportunities for attendees to connect with industry peers through sessions, panel discussions and networking, Kabani Hotel said in a statement. Kabani Hotel Group is led by its Founder and CEO Ahmed Kabani, a South Asian and former leader of Marcus & Millichap's national hospitality group. He launched the group with partners Luis Garino, Suraj Dalal, Kian McLean and Lucas Mondino. "The Hotel Investment Forum serves as a pivotal platform for discussing the hospitality industry's future in South Florida," said Kabani. "This year, we look forward to sharing insights on how we can collectively navigate the evolving market landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities." The forum will cover topics such as the national and Florida hospitality outlook, cost management strategies, capital market availability and the evolving travel landscape.

NEXGEN HOTELS RECENTLY acquired Holiday Inn St. Petersburg West in St. Petersburg, Florida. The 129-room hotel will be managed by St Louis-based Genuine Hospitality Group. The property, which is located minutes away from downtown St. Petersburg, is close to Tropicana Field, the Dali Museum, Morean Arts Center, Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater, and Al Lang Stadium, NexGen said in a statement. The hotel is also near the University of South Florida - St. Petersburg Campus, St. Petersburg College and Stetson University. "We are excited to expand our portfolio and enter the St. Petersburg area," says Chris Patel, president of Itasca, Illinois-based NexGen. "This acquisition provides NexGen Hotels with an excellent opportunity to establish a significant presence in the robust St. Petersburg hotel market."

NEXGEN HOTELS HAS acquired EVEN Hotel Miami - Airport in Miami, marking its first wellness-focused brand in the portfolio. Managed by Missouri-based Genuine Hospitality Group, this upscale hotel represents NexGen's third acquisition in a brief two-week span under the leadership of Chris Patel. Located one mile from Miami International Airport and minutes from the Port of Miami, the hotel offers guests access to Waterford Business District, Brickell City Centre, and Miracle Mile, according to NexGen. Nearby attractions include DRV PNK Stadium, LoanDepot Park, the University of Miami, Florida International University, South Beach, Miami Seaquarium, and the future Miami Freedom Park Stadium. "We see Florida as a growing market for us and this acquisition offers an assortment of value opportunities for our company," Patel said. "We are also excited to add the EVEN hotel brand to our portfolio as it is well received by health-conscious travelers."

MHG Hotels LLC recently acquired the Hampton Inn Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida. The hotel, near Florida Atlantic University and adjacent to Lifetime Athletic Club, features an outdoor pool among other amenities. MHG Hotels is led by President and CEO Sanjay Patel. "This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to growth and excellence in the hospitality industry," said Patel. "As part of our strategic expansion, we are thrilled to increase our presence in South Florida. This vibrant region offers tremendous opportunities, and we are dedicated to leveraging them to achieve our growth objectives. We are excited about the opportunities this property presents and are confident in our ability to enhance the guest experience." MHG Hotels, headquartered in Indianapolis and Boca Raton, specializes in development, construction and management services. Their diversified portfolio includes franchise affiliations with Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Choice Hotels International.

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is now open in Riverview, Florida. It is owned by Riverview Hotels & Resorts LLC led by manager Singh Japinder and managed by Naples Hotel Group of Naples, Florida. The 108-room hotel is near James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Topgolf and Bass Pro Shops. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and 512 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 40 people. "The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is a truly stunning example of the brand's contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield by Marriott hotels in the Riverview area," said Janis Milham, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands at Marriott International.

MHG HOTELS, LED by President and CEO Sanjay Patel, recently acquired Homewood Suites Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana. The property, near Indiana University, is the company's second acquisition in two weeks. Previously, the company purchased the Hampton Inn Boca Raton in Florida, expanding its presence in South Florida. "This acquisition reinforces our commitment to expanding our footprint in key markets," said Patel. "We are excited about the opportunities this property presents in Bloomington, especially given our strong presence in the area with existing hotels, apartment communities, and another project underway." MHG Hotels, based in Indianapolis and Boca Raton, specializes in development, construction, and management, with a portfolio that includes franchises with Marriott, Hilton, and Choice Hotels.

OFFICIALS OF THE "She Has a Deal" annual hotel investment pitch contest announced the five teams selected to advance to the final round of SHaDPitch 2023. The competition allows early career women to compete for the prize of $50,000 of equity in SHaD's Prosperity Fund I, following the conclusion of a virtual, preliminary round of pitching, SHaD said in a statement. SHaD 2023 will be held at the new Marriott Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 27 to 28. According to the statement, the goal of SHaD is to increase the number of women owning and developing hotels. It provides participants with the ability to source, analyse, raise capital and close hotel real estate investment deals. During the preliminary judging round, eight teams comprising 15 participants pitched their hotel investment acquisition or development projects live on Zoom to a judging panel of hotel business executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. The judges evaluated and selected the following five teams: Sydney Young and Rachel Nicholson with SpartanStone, graduates of Michigan State University, pitching a La Quinta Inn & Suites in Lewisville, Texas. Chandler Williamson with Chanders Core Commitment, graduate of North Carolina Central University, pitching a Hilton Garden Inn in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. Isabella Suffredini, Veronica Lewis and Alexandra Neoman with CROWN, graduates of Cornell University, pitching a TownePlace Suites in Houston, Texas. Makenna Price with Hookipa Hospitality, graduate of Washington State University, pitching a Fairfield Inn & Suites in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Allison Busch and Hannah Takekawa with AH Hospitality, graduates of San Diego State University, pitching a Staybridge Suites in Austin, Texas "Every year, I grow more encouraged that we are making an impact," said Tracy Prigmore, founder of SHaD. "These are brilliant women who benefit from the education and programming that SHaD provides, and their hotel investment acumen has grown by leap

DHRUV MANAGEMENT IS to construct a HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof in Tampa, Florida, as well as a new HomeTowne Studios in Bradenton, Florida, with its affiliate Dhruv Development. Dhruv Management is led by Vijay Patel and Dhruv Development is led by Amit Patel. Dhruv Management owns and operates two Red Roof hotels in Alabama and Florida and has four more properties in various stages of development through Dhruv Development. "We are excited to partner with Red Roof on our latest extended-stay hotels with the HomeTowne Studios in Tampa and Bradenton," said Amit Patel. "Red Roof is not just a franchisor; they are heavily invested in any franchisee partnership from the moment they sign a deal. Their assistance has been invaluable, from securing approvals to moving dirt. Thanks to Red Roof's continued commitment to hospitality fundamentals, we are confident in the future of this hotel."

EVERWOOD HOSPITALITY PARTNERS has completed the acquisition of the 184-room LaQuinta I Drive/Convention Center hotel in Orlando, Florida, from Cavalier Florida, LP, the company said. Real estate capital advisory, Cronheim Hotel Capital, helped secure the loan for the acquisition and subsequent renovation of the property which includes upgrades to public and private spaces. The loan, from a Florida-based bank, which provided five-year fixed rate financing with two years of interest only, represented 65 percent of the all-in cost, according to Everwood. The hotel is next door to ICON Park and offers multiple dining and entertainment options. The property is one mile from the Orange County Convention Center and the city's many amusement parks and entertainment venues. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness center. "With its proximity to many of Orlando's top attractions, the LaQuinta is an ideal addition to Everwood's expanding hotel portfolio," said Amit Patel, Everwood's managing principal and chief operating officer. "We continue to seek hotels in prime markets with barriers to new entry and multiple demand generators that help protect against occasional market fluctuations. Following the implementation of our proprietary management and marketing systems, LaQuinta I Drive will become the segment leader for leisure and business travelers in Orlando."

HomeTowne Studios Tampa - Airport is now open in Tampa, Florida. The 124-room hotel will be operated by Dhruv Management, led by President and CEO Vijay Patel, and was developed by Dhruv Development, headed by CEO Amit Patel. "The HomeTowne Studios Tampa - Airport is the first in the brand to feature the new prototype, which sets new standards for updated guestroom aesthetics as well as improved operational efficiency," said Zack Gharib, Red Roof's president. "Guests in central Florida have the opportunity to experience a new kind of economy extended-stay lodging-one that also meets the needs of the franchising community and of which we can all be proud." The hotel is near Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, Egypt Lake-Leto, the Florida Aquarium, Historic Tampa Gulf Coast Railroad Trestle Bridge and the Museum of Science and Industry. It features a business center and other amenities.

The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is now open in Florida. 3H Group Inc., led by Hiren Desai as president and CEO, is the owner of the property, while hotel management firm LBA Hospitality will manage the operations of the beachside hotel. The 88-room boutique-style hotel is the first Curio property to join the LBA portfolio and expands the partnership between LBA Hospitality and owner/developer 3H Group, the companies said in a joint statement. "In January 2022, when LBA took over management of the 3H portfolio of hotels, I thought I would take a little break," said Desai. "I told my family and colleagues I was going to take a little hiatus, and they had different ideas in store for me. My brother, Nick Desai-also a co-owner of 3H Group-said, 'You can take a hiatus, but take it in Clearwater Beach.'" New York City-based Celano Design Studio Co. designed The Hiatus' interior, the statement added. Guestrooms and suites feature balconies with Clearwater Beach views, while the seventh-floor rooftop restaurant and reception area offer Gulf and beach vistas.

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Fort Pierce is open in Fort Pierce, Florida, after a renovation. It is owned by the Satya Group led by Sachit Patel as president. The 72-room hotel is near Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Fort Pierce Beach and St. Lucie County Aquarium. Amenities include an outdoor pool with hot tub. The renovation included all-new flat-screen televisions, bedding, furniture, carpet, and lighting fixtures. "We are proud to be one of the newest hotels in a brand that has already seen such impressive fast-paced growth," said Sonny Patel, General Manager of the SureStay Hotel by Best Western Fort Pierce. "We're excited for our guests to experience this fast-growing brand."

NEWBOND HOLDINGS HAS acquired Aloft Tampa Downtown in Tampa, Florida, marking its third downtown riverfront hotel investment in the city in 24 months. This takes the company's total to more than 700 hotel rooms and more than 800 ft. of frontage along the Hillsborough River, Newbond said in a statement. Niel Luthra is the founding partner of New York-based Newbond Holdings. The 130-key hotel, located on the Riverwalk, provides both indoor and outdoor amenities, featuring a waterfront pool, gym, corporate meeting and event spaces, as well as a bar and lounge, the statement added. Newbond is planning a comprehensive hotel renovation to include all guestrooms, public areas and the pool deck. "Our third hotel investment in downtown Tampa since 2021 demonstrates our conviction in the long-term Tampa growth story," said Neil Luthra, founding partner of Newbond. "Tampa's robust job and population growth; flourishing convention and tourism business; and continued institutional investment have created one of the strongest real estate and hospitality markets in the country."

THE KABANI HOTEL Group arranged the off-market sale of a 110-room independent hotel in Miami Springs, Florida, for $16.2 million, or $147,272 per room. The 110-room, six-story property, recently updated, is near Miami International Airport and nine miles from Brickell and Downtown Miami. Kabani, led by Ahmed Kabani as president and CEO, and Luis Garino as a partner, brokered the sale of the 1986-built property on behalf of the seller. Despite the current headwinds in the market, such as elevated interest rates and rising insurance costs, we were able to source an international institutional buyer with the capacity to close the deal on favorable terms and aggressive pricing, Kabani Hotel said in a statement.

MORE THAN A week after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida, AAHOA is on the ground providing aid and training for members. Hoteliers in affected areas are now in the process of working with insurance companies to repair damages while also taking care of their communities' basic needs. On Sept. 28, Hurricane Ian brought massive flooding from its storm surge in Florida, where at least 119 people died as of Oct. 18, according to NPR. According to AAHOA, 65 percent of hotels in Florida are owned by its members. Rahul Patel, AAHOA's Florida director, owns five properties in the Fort Myers-Sarasota area. He was at his America's Best Value Inn in Fort Myers, Florida, during the hurricane.

HURRICANE IAN PLOWED across Cuba and strengthened into a Category 4 storm Wednesday with its sites on central Florida, where it would kill more than 70 people before moving on to the Carolinas. Part of what made Ian so deadly was its unpredictability, as south Florida hotelier Jan Gautam witnessed. Gautam, president and CEO of IHRMC Hotels & Resorts in Orlando, said Ian hit with Category 1 force wind in the Kissimmee and Orlando area, damaging seven of his properties. That came as a surprise to many of his guests who had fled the Tampa area where Ian had been expected to hit. "This particular hurricane was supposed to hit Tampa Bay and we were not expecting it to come towards us in Orlando," Gautam said. "Suddenly, at the last moment the route was changed and most of the people from the Tampa area were staying in Orlando, so hotels in Orlando were completely full. These were the people who came from central Florida and we were actually beaten up badly."