modusPR Weekly | The Latest in Global Hospitality

01 / Waldorf Astoria anchors new Guangzhou development

A significant move in Southern China’s premium hospitality landscape: Yuexiu Group and Hilton have formalised an agreement to bring the Waldorf Astoria to Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town. Situated within the newly acquired Machang precinct—a RMB 23.6 billion investment by Yuexiu—the property signals a robust confidence in the city’s luxury sector. Ground has officially been broken on the DK05 plot, paving the way for the brand’s highly anticipated regional expansion.

02 / InterContinental readies for Huzhou debut

On the shores of South Taihu Lake, the region’s first InterContinental is entering its final pre-opening phase. Housed within a striking 164-metre, sail-inspired twin-tower structure, the RMB 1.5 billion development offers 337 rooms with sweeping waterfront views. With the core management team now in place, the property is targeting a Q2 2026 opening, bringing a new tier of international hospitality to the burgeoning South Taihu New Area. Official reservations will commence on 30 April.

03 / Kempinski makes a strategic European acquisition

In a rare departure from its traditional operating model, Kempinski Hotels has completed the outright acquisition of the Augustine Hotel in Prague—its first such purchase in over half a century. Nestled in the historic Lesser Town beneath Prague Castle, the 101-room property occupies a former Augustinian monastery. Following a measured renovation to align with the group’s “Fit for the Future” blueprint, the storied hotel will be officially flagged as a Kempinski by late 2026.

04 / Patina sets a Q3 opening in Tianjin

Capella Hotel Group’s lifestyle brand, Patina, is preparing to unveil its inaugural Chinese property—and third globally—in Tianjin this autumn. Thoughtfully dispersed across 17 historic buildings within the city’s Italian Style Area, the 143-room hotel aims to redefine the local cultural and hospitality narrative. The property will feature a considered mix of dining, events, and music venues, respecting the site’s heritage while introducing a distinctly contemporary rhythm.

05 / A dual-branded Hilton debut in Quzhou

Enhancing the connectivity and appeal of Zhejiang’s western corridor, a dual-branded Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn has officially opened adjacent to the Quzhou West High-Speed Railway Station. Serving as a cornerstone of the broader “Quzhou Living Room” urban project, the properties deliver a calibrated mix of premium and accessible business hospitality, subtly integrating local cultural motifs into the design.

06 / Banyan Tree signs first Guangzhou retreat

Banyan Tree is expanding its footprint in the Greater Bay Area, securing its first location in Guangzhou. An agreement signed on 10 April with a subsidiary of the Guangzhou Development District Investment Group will see the luxury resort take shape on the shores of Jiulong Lake in the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City. The 147-room property promises an architectural nod to traditional Lingnan aesthetics, offering a quiet respite on the city’s northern edge.

07 / Dianping reveals its 2026 ‘Must-Stay’ index

The domestic travel market’s continued buoyancy is reflected in the latest “Must-Stay” list from Dianping, released on 8 April. The 2026 edition highlights 1,418 properties across 205 cities. Notably, the top 10 cities by representation—led by Hangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai—underscore a sustained consumer preference for destinations that seamlessly blend rich cultural heritage with mature hospitality infrastructure.