Accor Expands Its Ibis and Mercure Brands in India

Capella Hotel Group will open Capella Taipei on April 1, 2025, marking the debut of the Capella Hotels and Resorts brand in Taiwan. The hotel is situated in the heart of Taipei's Dunhua North Road district. Capella Taipei includes 86 rooms, including 78 guest rooms and 8 suites with six of them featuring private pool terraces. The Capella Suite is a 228-square-foot masterpiece offering views of the Taipei 101 skyscraper. The property has five dining venues, a signature pool area and the "Living Room", a guest lounge where Capella Culturists craft unique experiences based on guests' individual interests. Event spaces include The Grand Salon, The Drawing Room and The Gallery. Rounding out the amenities is a world-class wellness center, which includes the Capella Spa.

Evergreen Group announced the opening of its Halo House hotel in Taichung, Taiwan. The 130-room hotel is located near the National Taichung Theater and Far Eastern Department Stores' Taichung branch. The hotel began a soft opening in January and has averaged a 50% occupancy rate during the week and about 80% on the weekends. The hotel's public spaces include a gym, laundry, Caffaina Coffee Gallery and more. Evergreen has seven hotels in Taiwan and three overseas.

OUE has formed a joint venture with Tokyo Century to develop the new 255-key hotel located at Changi Airport's Terminal 2. Under the joint venture, both will contribute capital to help fund the development of the Hotel Indigo Changi Airport. OUE Capital Management, the group's wholly owned subsidiary, will be appointed as the hotel's development and asset manager. OUE will own a 51% stake in RD Hotel Holdings, which will head the lease and development of the hotel. TC Realty, a unit of Tokyo Century, will own the remaining 49%. OUE said this joint venture paves the way for a strategic partnership between OUE and Tokyo Century to pursue future real estate opportunities in Singapore and beyond. The Hotel Indigo Changi Airport is expected to be completed and fully operational by 2028.

iKHASAS Group said they have earmarked RM90 million to expand its flagship hotel in Sepang, Malaysia, responding to growing demand from both inbound and outbound travelers. iKHASAS Sdn Bhd said the investment in ibis Styles Sepang KLIA will fund the addition of new sports facilities and an expansion of the hotel's room capacity. They obtained pre-approval for an additional 250 new rooms. By mid-2025 through the end of 2026 they are aiming to be the largest hotel in Sepang with a total room count of close to 500. The resort-style hotel opened about a year ago and currently offers 229 rooms. The hotel is formerly known as Condorde Inn KLIA and is a joint venture between ISY Holdings Sdn Bhd and iKHASAS Group. The hotel is managed by Accor.

Accor's ibis brand announced the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC, strategically located in Bandra Kurla Complex, one of Mumbai, India's most prominent business districts. The hotel introduces a vibrant, multi-functional lobby to integrate the lounge and bar areas. The hotel has 206 guest rooms and Spice It, the hotel's signature multi-cuisine, all-day restaurant. Fitness enthusiasts can work out at the gym, while a dedicated indoor games area adds a touch for recreation. The hotel was developed by InterGlobe Hotels.

Accor's Mercure brand has continued its growth in India with the opening of Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar, a gateway to the multicultural capital of Uttar Pradesh. The hotel includes 109 rooms and suites, along with three dining venues, two versatile banquet halls and a spacious meeting room. Accor said they are accelerating its expansion in high-profile cities across Asia.

Treebo Hospitality Ventures announced the opening of Medalio Boutique Gangtok Indira Bypass Road, marking its second hotel under the Medalio brand, strengthening THV's presence in the mid-market segment in Indi. The hotel features 28 rooms. Amenities include the rooftop restaurant, The Rising Forks, along with the 'ToastRoom', a banquet space for meetings and events. The hotel was developed by Ruchi Diagnostic Clinic.

East Japan Railway will open the first phase of one of Tokyo, Japan's largest urban redevelopment projects tomorrow. The Takanawa Gateway City adjoins a station of the same name on the Yamanote train line that loops around Tokyo. The project comprises several skyscrapers of offices, residences, a hotel and cultural facilities on a 9.5-hectare site. JR East said a 30-story and a 29-story building are complete. All of the facilities in the Takanawa Gateway City are scheduled to open in spring next year.

Star Entertainment Group said it has extended by a week an exclusivity and process deed with private equity firm Salter Brothers Capital while the two companies continue working on a debt refinancing package for the troubled casino operator in Australia. Another offer from Bally's Corporation is waiting if the talks with Salter Brothers break down.

Personnel Moves

The Royal Portfolio appointed Hoon Kim as Sales Manager for Asia Pacific. Hoon has been with Royal Portfolio since 2017.

Ramee Group of Hotels announced the appointment of Nandkishor Mahadik as the director of sales.