Hospitality
Luxury brands
With the luxury hotel segment suffering declining rates, growth
is now focused on occupancy. Due to the shortage of new builds in
Europe, competition for conversions remains strong. We work with
leading real estate developers and global brands to help our
clients secure premium locations.
Budget brands
For the economy segment of the hotel market these are
interesting times. There has been a proliferation of budget brands
in EMEA. We use our expertise in both real estate development and
hotel franchising to give our hotel clients a cutting edge over
their competitors in this growing market segment.
Fractional ownership and residential concepts
The cost of short-term accommodation in key cities can be
prohibitive. With room rates at €300 per night in many capital
cities, residential concepts are becoming increasingly popular. The
legal structuring of these concepts is highly regulated in Europe.
Finance can be a challenge in countries where the ownership right
of customers cannot be secured against a real estate asset. Our
hotel finance team helps to create innovative solutions in this
area.
F&B operations
Co-branding with a quality restaurant brand is the way forward
for many hotels in the mid-tier segment. Our trade mark and brand
protection team will ensure that your F&B and hotel brands are
properly protected. Whether you are developing your own distinct
F&B brand or taking a third party franchise, we will work with
you to ensure that your legal documentation gives your brand robust
protection from dilution.
Repositioning under-performing assets
Repositioning under-performing assets through franchise
solutions can be a very successful move for hotel owners. Flag
selection plays a major role in financial performance. We assist
hotel owners with their complex negotiations connected with the
move to a new flag. Franchise agreements, exit options and
renovations/upgrades are key issues we address.
Reservations technology
Online booking options are a “must” for international hotel
brands. Pricing stability, data privacy and customer loyalty are
issues intimately connected with online technology. Our technology
law group help our hospitality clients devise user-friendly web
solutions that are long lived and legally compliant.
Due diligence for hotel lenders and investors
Thorough due diligence gives equity investors and hotel lenders
confidence that they are making the right investment. Security of
legal title to real estate varies across EMEA. Title insurance is
not available everywhere. Employment rights of hotel staff and the
quality of franchise or management contracts are among the main
legal concerns. Property condition and capital expenses also need
to be addressed. Our thorough legal due diligence and negotiation
of robust warranties protects our clients’ investments.