Weekly Global Hotel Leadership Report - Report Date: September 24, 2026
Report Date: September 24, 2026
Reporting Period: Septmeber 19 – September 21, 2026
Executive Summary
The past week in global hospitality has been defined by an extraordinary wave of MICHELIN Key recognition across the industry's leading luxury portfolios, alongside significant brand expansion and leadership appointments. The 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection delivered a landmark moment for luxury hospitality, with Rosewood Hong Kong retaining its Three-Key distinction and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong elevated to Two MICHELIN Keys, just one year after first receiving the distinction. Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong was awarded Two MICHELIN Keys following its extensive transformation. IHG Hotels and Resorts celebrated extensive 2026 MICHELIN Key recognition across its Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio, while Auberge Collection celebrated MICHELIN Keys for twenty-six properties — the most in the brand's history — and Minor Hotels earned 22 MICHELIN Keys across 18 recognized properties.
Kerzner International announced its first SIRO hotel in the United States with SIRO Brickell, Miami, slated to open in 2030 with up to 180 rooms and 350 SIRO Homes. Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville appointed Melissa Sims as General Manager. Sofitel announced Sofitel Berlin Das Stue, bringing French luxury to one of Berlin's most iconic hotels, with the rebranding from SO/ Berlin Das Stue scheduled for Q1 2027. IHG accelerated its Malaysia expansion with the debut of Garner Hotels and the launch of its franchise model in the country. Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra expanded their partnership in Paraguay, announcing a new NH Hotel in Asunción.
Conrad Hotels and Resorts expanded its 1/3/5 Program to help guests maximize their time and experience local cultures. Hilton offered a new Home2 Suites by Hilton Clean Energy Prototype designed to provide higher energy efficiency. Four Seasons Yachts unveiled its 2027 Chef-in-Residence Program featuring chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai earned a Michelin Key for its contemporary take on luxury, while Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla each retained Two MICHELIN Keys. Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai celebrated 10 years of evolving excellence in Central Vietnam.
Belmond showcased "Where Rio Starts," while Minor Hotels appointed Judd Rabbidge as General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel. A defining moment for MGallery Collection saw the brand sign Ink 48 as its U.S. flagship hotel in New York. Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta earned rare OSHA VPP Star Certification. Rosewood celebrated MICHELIN Key recognition across its global portfolio, while IHG announced it will bring Noted Collection to Jordan with a coffee-inspired hotel in Amman. Three Hilton brands again ranked No. 1 in the JD Power 2026 Study. NoMad Singapore opened for reservations.
From Hong Kong to Miami, from Berlin to Amman, from Paraguay to Singapore, the industry continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum and confidence in the future of travel.
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville Announces Appointment of General Manager Melissa Sims
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville has announced the appointment of Melissa Sims as General Manager, ahead of the property's anticipated 2027 debut along Jacksonville's dynamic riverfront . Sims brings two decades of Four Seasons experience to the role, most recently serving as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Sims will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, culture, and guest experience, guiding the successful opening of the property . Her leadership perspective is shaped by a career spanning operations, people and culture, and learning and development — a breadth of experience that has fostered a deeply people-centric approach and a belief that exceptional guest experiences begin with empowered teams and a strong sense of purpose . Sims began her Four Seasons journey in 20..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Rosewood Achieves Three MICHELIN Keys and Celebrates Global Portfolio Recognition
Rosewood Hong Kong retained its Three MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection, solidifying its position as one of the world's most exceptional hotels. The Three-Key distinction is the highest honor awarded by the MICHELIN Guide, reserved for hotels that offer an extraordinary stay and are worth a special journey in their own right. Rosewood also celebrated MICHELIN Key recognition across its global portfolio, with properties in key destinations receiving distinctions that validate the brand's commitment to exceptional design, service, and sense of place. The recognition reinforces Rosewood's position as a leader in the luxury hospitality segment and its ability to deliver distinctive, memorable experiences across its growing collection of properties worldwide..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Elevated to Two MICHELIN Keys
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has been elevated from One MICHELIN Key to Two MICHELIN Keys in the MICHELIN Guide's 2026 hotel selection, marking a significant milestone just one year after the Michelin Key distinction was first introduced in Hong Kong. The hotel is one of only four in the city to receive Two Keys in the 2026 selection. The recognition follows another landmark achievement earlier this year, when the hotel earned a total of seven Michelin Stars across three of its restaurants in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2026: Three Stars for Caprice, Two Stars for Lung King Heen, and Two Stars for Noi. Charles Fisher, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, said: "This recognition is a meaningful tribute to the passion and professionalism of the entire team at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.".... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong Awarded Two MICHELIN Keys
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys by the MICHELIN Guide, recognizing the hotel as one of the world's most exceptional places to stay and marking a significant milestone in its newly reimagined chapter. The recognition comes just months after the hotel's reopening, following an extensive transformation that has reshaped the property into a contemporary luxury destination in the heart of Central. Through personalized service, thoughtful design shaped by the reimagined interiors of Joyce Wang and the hotel's distinctive façade by acclaimed design practice Neri&Hu, and a curated collection of immersive experiences, the hotel has cultivated a distinctive sense of place. .... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Minor Hotels Appoints Judd Rabbidge as General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel
Minor Hotels has appointed Judd Rabbidge as General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel, the group's first property in Singapore, scheduled to open in Q2 2027 . Rabbidge transfers from Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, where he has served as General Manager since joining Minor Hotels in July 2024. His appointment brings an experienced leader from within the group to oversee the Singapore opening, combining pre-opening expertise with a strong background in resort operations, commercial strategy and lifestyle hospitality.... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Belmond: Where Rio Starts
Belmond has unveiled "Where Rio Starts," a compelling new chapter for Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, as the legendary property prepares to reveal the renovation and reinvention of its Pool Wing and pool area in December 2026 . The Pool Wing, originally launched in 1948, overlooks the iconic pool and lounging terrace, the hotel's vibrant social heart. The interiors will be inspired by Brazil's rich materials and artisanal techniques, infusing the Carioca legend with a renewed sense of place, cultural cachet, and Brazilian creativity.... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Emmy Stoel Appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam
Mandarin Oriental has appointed Emmy Stoel as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam, effective 1 September . A highly respected leader in luxury hospitality, Stoel returns to Amsterdam following her role as General Manager of InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest. With more than three decades of international experience, she is widely recognised for her people-focused leadership, operational excellence and ability to create exceptional guest experiences while fostering strong connections with local communities ..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
IHG Celebrates Extensive 2026 MICHELIN Key Recognition Across Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio
IHG Hotels and Resorts celebrated extensive 2026 MICHELIN Key recognition across its Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio, with properties across the company's brands receiving distinctions in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. The recognition spans IHG's luxury and lifestyle brands including InterContinental, Six Senses, Regent, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo, validating the company's commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across its diverse portfolio. The MICHELIN Key distinction is awarded to hotels that offer outstanding stays following anonymous evaluations by Michelin inspectors, and the recognition of multiple IHG properties reflects the company's continued investment in design, service, and guest experience across its luxury and lifestyle brands..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Auberge Collection Celebrates MICHELIN Keys for Twenty-Six Properties
Auberge Collection celebrated MICHELIN Keys for twenty-six properties in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection, the most in the brand's history. The recognition spans Auberge's portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts, safaris, and residences across the United States and beyond. The achievement reflects Auberge Collection's continued commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences, service, design, and sense of place, and reinforces the brand's position as a leader in the luxury hospitality segment. The recognition comes as Auberge Collection continues a period of thoughtful, strategic growth, including its recent expansion into Africa with the launch of Auberge Safari..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Minor Hotels Earns 22 MICHELIN Keys as Recognized Portfolio Grows to 18 Properties
Minor Hotels earned 22 MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection, with its recognized portfolio growing to 18 properties. The recognition spans Minor's diverse brand portfolio including Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, and Tivoli, with properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond receiving distinctions. The achievement reflects Minor Hotels' continued investment in exceptional design, service, and guest experience across its global portfolio. The recognition also reinforces the company's position as one of the world's most dynamic hospitality groups, with a diverse portfolio of brands that appeal to discerning travelers across the luxury and lifestyle segments..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Kerzner International Announces First SIRO Hotel in the United States
Kerzner International announced the signing of SIRO Brickell, Miami, the first SIRO hotel and branded residences in the United States, slated to open in 2030. The property will anchor Miami's vibrant Brickell district, a dynamic hub where business, culture, and wellness converge. The hotel will feature up to 180 rooms and suites, 350 SIRO Homes, and a state-of-the-art Fitness Lab and Recovery Lab. Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer of Kerzner International, said: "SIRO is our disruptor brand; designed to meet the evolving demands of a new generation of travellers who prioritise wellbeing, performance and purpose." The milestone follows the successful debut of SIRO One Za'abeel in Dubai and SIRO Boka Place in Montenegro, with a growing global pipeline including properties in Los Cabos, Riyadh, and Tokyo..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Sofitel Announces Sofitel Berlin Das Stue
Sofitel announced the transformation of SO/ Berlin Das Stue into Sofitel Berlin Das Stue, bringing French luxury to one of Berlin's most iconic hotels and reinforcing Sofitel's presence in Germany. The 78-room boutique hotel, located in a heritage-protected neoclassical building that originally served as the Royal Danish Embassy, will join the Sofitel network in the first quarter of 2027. Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, said: "Berlin is one of Europe's most vibrant cultural capitals. Sofitel Berlin Das Stue perfectly embodies this balance. Its rich history, distinctive character, exceptional design and unique location make it a remarkable addition to the Sofitel family." The hotel will combine Sofitel's French art de vivre with Das Stue's singular Danish heritage and contemporary design..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
IHG Accelerates Malaysia Expansion with Debut of Garner Hotels and Franchise Model
IHG Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of a two-hotel portfolio agreement with King Park Hotel Sdn. Bhd., marking two significant milestones for IHG in Malaysia: the launch of its franchise model and the debut of Garner hotels, IHG's midscale conversion brand, in the country. The 202-room Garner Hotel Kota Kinabalu will open 106 rooms in 2027, with an additional 96 rooms opening in a second phase in 2029. The 140-room Holiday Inn Express Tawau will become IHG's first hotel in Tawau and will open in 2028. Bryan Chan, Vice President, Development, South East Asia and Korea at IHG, said: "The introduction of franchising marks an important milestone in IHG's growth across Southeast Asia, enabling us to unlock more conversion and repositioning opportunities." The signings will expand IHG's presence in Malaysia to more than 20 open and pipeline hotels..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra Expand Partnership in Paraguay
Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra have signed a strategic alliance to drive hotel development in Paraguay, announcing a new NH hotel in Asunción. The four-star hotel will feature 116 rooms and is expected to open in late 2029, with construction scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Located on Calle Quesada near key financial and commercial landmarks in Asunción, the property will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar, 244 square meters of meeting and event space, a gym, and an outdoor pool. The collaboration will focus on projects for the NH, NH Collection, and Tivoli brands, reinforcing Minor Hotels' presence in the upscale, upper-upscale, and luxury segments in Paraguay..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Four Seasons Yachts Unveils 2027 Chef-in-Residence Program
Four Seasons Yachts unveiled its expanded 2027 Chef-in-Residence program aboard Four Seasons I for select voyages in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The second iteration of the program includes Chef Guillaume Galliot of three-Michelin-starred Caprice in Hong Kong, Chef Bertrand Noeureuil of two-Michelin-starred L'Orangerie in Paris, Chef Yoric Tièche of one-Michelin-starred Le Cap in Cap-Ferrat, Chef Guillaume Bracaval of one-Michelin-starred est in Tokyo, and Chef Evan Neumann of one-Michelin-starred Auro in Napa Valley. Each residency will include a four- to five-course tasting menu at Sedna with curated wine pairings, a one-day takeover of another onboard venue, and a welcome reception hosted by the chef at Horizon Lounge. Ben Trodd, CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., said: "For 2027, we wanted to build on that experience, bringing exceptional talent from across the Four Seasons portfolio even more intimately into the journey.".... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
IHG to Bring Noted Collection to Jordan with Coffee-Inspired Hotel in Amman
IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Al Ameed Coffee to introduce its new premium collection brand, Noted Collection, to Jordan. Located in Amman, the 50-key hotel will offer a distinctive stay inspired by the country's rich coffee culture, with the first two floors featuring a coffee reserve and experience center. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa at IHG, said: "Jordan continues to strengthen its position as a long-term growth market. That spirit makes this future coffee-inspired hotel in Amman a natural fit for our Noted Collection brand." The signing further expands IHG's presence in Jordan while introducing a new premium lifestyle offering shaped by local coffee traditions..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Conrad Hotels & Resorts Expands 1/3/5 Program
Conrad Hotels and Resorts has expanded its 1/3/5 Program to help guests maximize their time and experience local cultures. The program is designed to encourage guests to make the most of their stays by offering curated experiences and benefits that align with the brand's commitment to providing intuitive service and meaningful connections. The expansion reflects Conrad's recognition that today's luxury travelers seek more than just accommodation; they seek authentic experiences that connect them with the destinations they visit..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Hilton Offers New Home2 Suites by Hilton Clean Energy Prototype
Hilton has offered a new Home2 Suites by Hilton Clean Energy Prototype designed to provide higher energy efficiency, reflecting the company's continued commitment to sustainability and responsible operations. The prototype is designed to help owners reduce energy consumption and operating costs while maintaining the quality and comfort that guests expect from the Home2 Suites brand. The initiative is part of Hilton's broader Travel with Purpose strategy, which includes ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency across its global portfolio..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Meliá Hotels International Ranked World's Third Most Trusted Travel Company
Meliá Hotels International has been ranked the World's Third Most Trusted Travel Company for the third consecutive year by Newsweek and Statista, reinforcing the company's strong reputation and its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and stakeholder trust. The ranking reflects Meliá's sustained investment in responsible tourism, customer satisfaction, and corporate reputation. For Meliá, the recognition validates the company's strategic direction and its position as one of the world's most trusted hospitality brands..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
STR: Events Drive Performance in Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Adelaide
STR reported that Rio de Janeiro's hotel industry posted its highest August revenue per available room since the 2016 Olympics, driven by major sporting events and festivals. August 2026 occupancy stood at 72.7%, while ADR rose 16.4% to BRL841.91 and RevPAR increased 16.3% to BRL612.29. The market's occupancy peaked at 88.2% on August 19 following the CONMEBOL Libertadores match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro at Maracanã Stadium. In Paris, the Rock en Seine festival helped hotels record their highest August occupancy since 2015 at 75%, with RevPAR rising 11.7% to EUR257.19. Adelaide hotels benefited from a pair of events that highlighted a growth month. In the U.S., the hotel industry reported its 21st consecutive week of positive year-over-year comparisons for the week ending September 5..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
Conclusion
The past week in global hospitality has revealed an industry in confident motion across every major region and segment. The extraordinary wave of MICHELIN Key recognition — with Rosewood Hong Kong retaining its Three Keys, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong elevated to Two Keys, Mandarin Oriental The Landmark awarded Two Keys, and IHG, Auberge Collection, and Minor Hotels all celebrating significant recognition — demonstrates the continued excellence of the world's leading luxury hotel brands. Kerzner's SIRO Brickell announcement, Sofitel's Berlin debut, IHG's Malaysia expansion, and Minor Hotels' Paraguay partnership demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of strategic expansion across the global hospitality landscape. Four Seasons Yachts' Chef-in-Residence program, IHG's Noted Collection in Jordan, and Conrad's 1/3/5 Program expansion demonstrate the industry's continued innovation in guest experience and brand development.
From Hong Kong to Miami, from Berlin to Amman, from Paraguay to Singapore, the industry continues to move forward with confidence. Industry recognition, strategic expansion, brand debuts, and performance milestones collectively paint a picture of an industry firing on all cylinders as the global travel landscape continues to evolve. For members of Leading Hoteliers Network, the past week's developments provide valuable intelligence on the strategic priorities of the world's leading hotel companies and the trends shaping the industry's future..... Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
The Team
at LEADING HOTELIERS NETWORK / JOB LEAD SERVICE
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