The HVS Europe Hotel Transaction Bulletin reports significant hotel transactions in France and the United Kingdom, confirming that the European hospitality market remains active, with a focus on regional destinations, budget brands, and long-term strategic placements.
According to HVS data, three transactions stand out in the recent period, reflecting different investment models: a portfolio deal in France, a single-asset investment in the UK, and the entry of a camping operator in the hotel sector.
Dunamis Hospitality & Eternam: Acquisition of 9 budget hotels in northern France
The French Dunamis Hospitality, in collaboration with the investment company Eternam, proceeded to the acquisition of a portfolio of nine hotels (630 rooms) in northwestern France.
The transaction was structured as a club deal through a French Private Equity Company (FPCI), demonstrating the continuation of structured investment schemes in the French market.
The properties operate primarily under the Ibis Budget and Ibis Styles brands and are located in strategic locations in the Normandy and Hauts-de-France regions, specifically in:
- Deauville
- Cabourg
- Le Havre
- Rouen
- Fécamp
- Abbeville
- Berck-sur-Mer
- Le Tréport
The investment plan includes renovations aimed at:
- Improving the customer experience
- Energy efficiency upgrade
- Upgrading infrastructure
This move is part of the broader trend of repositioning budget assets through ESG and operational upgrades.
ME Asset Management: Premier Inn Swansea Waterfront – Targeted investment with long-term lease
In the United Kingdom, ME Asset Management, through its subsidiary ME Swansea, acquired Premier Inn Swansea Waterfront in Wales.
The three-star hotel features:
- 132 rooms
- Restaurant
- Location at Swansea Marina
- 15 minutes from the city center
The asset is leased to the British group Whitbread, with a remaining lease term of 10 years, offering stable income returns.
The funding included a senior loan of £9.6 million from the British real estate lender ASK Partners, and the investor plans to:
- Facade restoration
- Broader renovation program
This transaction confirms the continued attractiveness of lease-backed hotel investments in the United Kingdom.
Sandaya Group: Entry into hotels through the acquisition of a 4-star property on Île de Ré
The French Sandaya Group, known as a campsite owner-operator, made its first hotel acquisition, acquiring:
- The 4-star Hôtel Les Grenettes (49 rooms)
- 210-site campground
The unit is located in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, next to the Grenettes beach, on the Île de Ré, west of La Rochelle.
The complex has:
- Two outdoor pools
- Restaurant
- High-value seaside location
Sandaya plans to invest €2.2 million by 2027 for:
- Upgrading infrastructure
- Rental unit equipment
- Further product development
The move signals a strategic shift towards hybrid hospitality models (camping + hotel).
Regional markets and value-add strategies in focus
As recorded in the HVS Europe Hotel Transaction Bulletin, the activity is focused on:
- In regional destinations
- To budget and midscale brands
- Repositioning through renovations
- In steady wage models with long-term contracts
Despite the increased cost of financing in Europe, investors continue to strategically place assets with a clear business plan, energy upgrades, and strong brand backing.
The market remains selective, but active — with a focus on structured transactions, club deals, and value-add strategies.
