In H1 2023 Radisson Blu added over 2,000 rooms to its portfolio in operation and development with the signing and opening of sites in Poland, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China.
European leader
RHG believes that Radisson Blu has been Europe’s largest upper upscale brand for over a decade with more than 370 hotels in operation and development.
The line delivers positive and personalised service in stylish spaces, characterised by attention to small details and local nuances. Radisson Blu hotels can be found in major cities, key airport gateways, and leisure destinations.
Asian competition
However, the brand’s European focus could soon be challenged by an Asian prevalence in its pipeline. According to THP data, there are at least 47 schemes on the slate globally, comprising more than 10,400 keys.
Of these, 20 are due to head to Asia, as compared to 17 more for Europe. Africa will welcome at least eight further hotels, while two are scheduled for Oceania. All of RHG’s previous Americas developments were transferred to Choice Hotels International as part of last year’s Radisson Americas acquisition.
Country count
In terms of the individual country project count, THP records indicate that the two leading Radisson Blu pipeline nations are in Asia too, with India and Saudi Arabia sharing top spot on five sites apiece. Egypt is third with four.
Just two global cities are expecting more than one addition from the brand, in the form of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Egypt’s Cairo.
Type and timeline
Newbuildings form the vast majority of the pipeline, with a minimum of 37 greenfield sites underway. Conversions and extensions number just two THP records each, while at least six refurbishments are on the slate.
2024 looks to be the delivery peak, with a minimum of 18 completions expected, while 2025 and 2026 will see at least six each. A further seven deliveries are scheduled for the rest of this year, while the remaining 10 projects have yet to be designated a delivery date.
The majority of these developments are already under construction, with at least 25 on the way, and another six are at a pre-opening stage. Further back in the project process, 10 sites are in a planning phase and six are in pre-planning.
Notable projects
One upcoming site to look out for is Radisson Blu Hoi An in Vietnam. While its opening date has been pushed back several times, it should be worth waiting for, with a vast 734 keys overlooking Ha My Beach. Facilities will include four restaurants and two unique bars – poolside and rooftop, three outdoor swimming pools, a spa, the Zone entertainment centre and a kid’s club.
In Europe, the brand plans to open another resort on the Baltic coast with Radisson Blu Resort, Miedzywodzie in Poland. Scheduled to complete in Q3 2024, the 200-key development is designed on the basis of two cascaded semicircles tied with a cubature containing the lobby and providing communication. The whole is complemented by an oval pool area.
