Hotels & Accommodations

Mainland Chinese hotel brands poised to reshape Hong Kong’s hospitality scene, analysts say

Published

13 hours ago

July 28, 2025

Mainland Chinese hotel operators are expected to significantly increase their presence in Hong Kong’s hotel industry, potentially replacing established brands in the coming years, according to analysts.

Currently, Western and international operators dominate Hong Kong’s hotel landscape, while Chinese ones have a minor presence. Among some of the more notable mainland players, BTG Homeinns operates both upscale and mid-market hotels in Hong Kong, including the Wharney Hotel in Wan Chai, Oasis Avenue in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Oasis Aurum 181 in Sai Ying Pun.

However, mainland brands had significant potential for growth, said Hannah Jeong, executive director and head of valuation and advisory services at CBRE Hong Kong.

“The Chinese operators are increasing their footprint and it’s a global trend,” said Jeong, adding that because 70 per cent of tourists in Hong Kong came from the mainland, Chinese hotels “must show their presence” in the city.

The shift reflects the growing ambition of Chinese hotel operators to expand beyond the mainland, which could give them a competitive edge in attracting hotel asset owners, according to CBRE.

Tourists at the Observation Deck of the Peak Tower. Photo: Elson Li

Hotel operations typically follow several business models, such as a master lease – where the hotel owner leases the asset to an operator – or hotel service management, whereby the operator manages the hotel on behalf of the owner.

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Hotels & Accommodations

Landingplace Hotels Launches Two New Brands

Published

1 hour ago

July 28, 2025

the Editor

Sample kitchenette for a Landingplace Suites property (pictured).

Landingplace Suites Targeted Toward Long-Term Extended-Stay Guests; Landingplace Select Geared Toward Transient Travelers

BLUFFTON, S.C., July 28, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Officials of Landingplace Hotels, a hotel franchisor built by operators for operators, today announced the launch of two midscale, conversion-focused brands aimed at solving the real challenges hotel owners face, from rising costs and staffing shortages to rigid brand standards and shifting guest expectations.

Landingplace Suites bridges the gap between extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments, offering flexible 30+ night stays without leases. Guests enjoy apartment-style suites that combine home-like comfort with hotel convenience. Locally inspired experiences, such as activated outdoor spaces, community rooms, food trucks and live music, create a lifestyle-driven experience for long-term guests.

Landingplace Select is a select-service brand designed for short-term, high-traffic stays. With lean operations, pay-per-use housekeeping and an expanded grab-and-go market, it is designed for streamlined operations and efficiencies. Simple, modern design and smart tech deliver a clean, guest-driven experience that’s easy to operate and built for flexibility and simplicity.

Founded by seasoned hospitality owners and operators, Landingplace Hotels delivers a flexible, operationally efficient model built around the goal of enabling owners to operate more profitably and adapt to rising costs, tighter financing and shifting guest expectations. Landingplace delivers unique value to owners by taking a cutting-edge approach to housekeeping and breakfast, increasing distribution opportunities through long-term stays marketed on platforms like Apartments.com and standing out in the crowded midscale market with locally inspired design and lifestyle programming, such as food trucks, live music and neighborhood partnerships.

“As owners and operators ourselves, we’ve seen firsthand how rigid, outdated hotel systems fall short for today’s guests and owners,” said Jeremy Bratcher, CEO and co-founder. “We built Landingplace to close that gap — with brands designed for flexibility, simplicity and an owner-first approach, without compromising guest comfort or performance.”

Unlike legacy brands with blanket mandates, Landingplace offers flexible, cost-efficient PIP standards.

“According to Matthews Real Estate Investment Services™, a commercial real estate investment services and technology firm, more than $5.8 billion in U.S. hotel loans will mature in 2025, creating major refinancing pressure,” Bratcher added. “At the same time, rising PIP costs, FF&E expenses and interest rates are making it harder for owners to stay compliant or reposition assets profitably. Our model gives owners a smarter path forward engineered for operational simplicity and scalability with cost-efficient PIP standards, lean operations and flexible conversions and new builds that help properties stand out in a crowded midscale market.”

Helping Owners Capture Untapped Demand

Landingplace Hotels equips every property with built-in tools to enhance efficiency, reach untapped demand and simplify operations. Inventory is distributed across platforms like Apartments.com, Furnished Finder, Airbnb and Zillow, attracting long-term guests most hotels miss. Each property uses HotelKey for its PMS, FLYR for AI-powered revenue management and Amadeus iHotelier for full-channel distribution. Guest-facing tools like Nonius and Yuvod TV for streaming, The Guestbook rewards program and Cvent Transient leads help properties increase loyalty, stand out and drive more revenue per stay.

“Everything we’ve built, from flexible, realistic PIP strategies and streamlined operations to tools that capture untapped demand, is designed to solve real challenges for owners,” said Jacob Amezcua, president and co-founder. “We’re hoteliers ourselves, and we know it’s possible to run a leaner, more efficient hotel without sacrificing guest experience. In fact, streamlined operations with a focus on guest choice and flexibility often lead to a more personalized and memorable stay.”

Executive Team

Landingplace Hotels was co-founded by Jeremy Bratcher and Jacob Amezcua, who bring over 35 years of combined leadership in hospitality, franchising and real estate. Bratcher has held senior roles with leading hotel groups including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Spinnaker Resorts, MCR Hotels, Island Hospitality GF Hotels, and Starwood Hotels. Amezcua’s background includes leadership at 3M and Experian, as well as experience with multifamily value-add and hotel conversion projects.

The leadership team includes Stacy Bedsole, EVP of Brand & Marketing; Glenn Miller, EVP of Commercial Strategy; John Kelly, EVP of Franchise Operations; Orlando McRae, Director of Design & Construction; and Gus Stamoutsos, SVP of Franchise Development.

Target Locations

Development is focused on urban and suburban markets with strong business, medical and university demand, where brand saturation limits new entry and creates a need for flexible, financially viable alternatives.

“Landingplace was built to give owners a financially viable way to compete in a shifting market,” Amezcua added. “Unlike legacy brands, we focus on operational simplicity, freedom within a framework and industry leading systems— all while delivering a guest experience that’s flexible and tailored to meet modern guest needs.”

About Landingplace Hotels

Founded by hospitality and Fortune 500 veterans Jeremy Bratcher and Jacob Amezcua, Landingplace Hotels is a next-generation hotel franchisor built by operators for operators. Headquartered in Bluffton, S.C., Landingplace Hotels’ brands provide flexibility and value-driven stay experiences for guests while streamlining operations and providing enhanced distribution opportunities for owners. The company currently provides franchise opportunities for Landingplace Suites, a midscale, ultra-extended stay brand, and Landingplace Select, a midscale, select-service brand more focused on transient guests. For additional information on the company, please visit www.landingplacehotels.com or send inquiries to franchise@landingplacehotels.com.

The name of the franchisor is Landingplace Franchising LLC, and its address is 1050 Fording Island Road, Suite C #1055, Bluffton, SC 29910.

This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made through delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document. Certain states require registration of a franchise before offering or selling in that state. Landingplace franchises will not be offered to residents of those states unless and until the franchise has been registered or exempted as required. Those states include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Operational outcomes will vary by location and operator. Landingplace Hotels does not make any guarantees regarding income or profitability. See Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250728259951/en/

Contacts

Chris Daly, media
(703) 864-5553
chris@dalygray.com

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Hotels & Accommodations

Best boutique hotels in Amsterdam, from De Durgerdam to Jan Luyken

Published

2 hours ago

July 28, 2025

Gina Jackson

Amsterdam, often dubbed the Venice of the North, is a city with endless appeal. There are world-class museums, stylish boutiques, and a burgeoning restaurant and cafe scene to get stuck into – all framed around postcard-perfect, winding canals. When it comes to bedding down, Amsterdam’s boutique hotels reign supreme in the Dutch capital, rather than flashy five-star players taking centre stage. Instead, the city’s grande dames are independently owned, and jostle for attention with slick contemporary players and hip new boltholes housed inside historic canal houses or restored Art Deco landmarks. The city is compact and most stays are centrally placed, so you’ll be within easy walking distance of the sights from most of the addresses we’ve rounded up below – even the fresh arrivals on the fringes of town are just a breezy bike ride away if you’re embracing the traditional Dutch mode of transport.

For more recommendations, see our guides:

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Hotels & Accommodations

voco Muscat Al Mouj: Oman’s First voco Hotel To Open With 251 Keys, Beachfront Views & More

Published

3 hours ago

July 28, 2025

Deeplata Garde

Oman is set to welcome its first-ever voco hotel, and it’s arriving in one of Muscat’s most high-profile neighbourhoods. IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a new management agreement with Golden Group Holding to bring voco Muscat Al Mouj to life. The premium beachfront property is scheduled to open in Q4 of 2025, adding another name to IHG’s growing footprint in the region.

Oman’s First voco Hotel Is Coming To Al Mouj Muscat With Beachfront Views

With 251 rooms and suites, voco Muscat Al Mouj is designed to serve both business travellers and holidaymakers looking for something a little more elevated. It’s going up right in the heart of Al Mouj, Muscat’s sought-after waterfront district. Locals will know the area well, it’s where luxury apartments sit next to a world-class golf course, a sleek yacht marina, and a collection of high-end shops and dining spots.

A Global Brand With Local Roots

The voco brand, launched by IHG in 2018, has quickly become the fastest-growing premium name in its portfolio. It’s already made a name for itself in key cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With its bright colour palette and a more relaxed take on luxury, voco has found a sweet spot between the warmth of boutique hotels and the reliability of a big international brand.

This new Muscat property will carry that same identity. Guests can expect all the signature touches, plush bedding, intuitive service, and stylish spaces, but with a local twist that speaks to the setting.

What To Expect From voco Muscat Al Mouj

When it opens its doors, the hotel will feature:

251 keys, including a mix of standard rooms and suites
Five dining options, including an all-day eatery, a speciality restaurant, and a laidback lobby lounge
A full-service spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool for guests looking to relax or stay active
Three meeting rooms, a business centre, and ample parking to support business travellers

Also Read: For Just AED 100, Dive Into Dubai’s First Budapest Pool Party At voco Monaco With Pool Access, Free Drink & More!

Why It Matters

Oman continues to attract global travellers with its mix of heritage and modern living. Hotels like voco Muscat Al Mouj will shape the next wave of hospitality in the country.

Keep an eye out for the launch later in 2025. And if you’re planning a Muscat staycation or business trip around then, this beachfront address might be the one.

Cover Image Courtesy: voco hotel/Website, Canva Pro

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First Published: July 28, 2025 4:30 PM

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