🇫🇷 France
🏗️ Bordeaux | Michel Ohayon’s hotel project in the former Virgin Megastore remains on hold
Originally scheduled to open on 23 October 2026, the lifestyle hotel conceived by Michel Ohayon on Place Gambetta has failed to meet its opening date. Conversion work on the former Virgin Megastore, which closed in 2013, has once again been suspended, this time amid financial difficulties affecting the property owner. The project includes 85 rooms, a rooftop restaurant associated with Gordon Ramsay, a spa and retail outlets.
🏨 Gironde | B&B HOTELS opens its 16th property in the department
B&B HOTEL Bordeaux Yvrac has been welcoming guests since 13 October 2026. Located east of Bordeaux, close to major road links, the property offers 45 rooms and complimentary parking. It becomes the brand’s 16th hotel in Gironde and its 44th in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, strengthening its regional presence in the economy segment.
🌱 Sustainability | Brit Hotel reports 37 FairScore-certified properties
One year after launching its initiative with FairMoove Solutions, Brit Hotel reports that 52 hotels are participating, including 37 certified properties, with a further 50 expressing interest. The certified hotels have achieved an average grade of B, compared with the reported national benchmark of C. The network aims to involve all approximately 180 properties by the end of 2027, with monitoring of water consumption, energy use and carbon emissions.
🌐 Distribution | Camping.com and Camping-and-Co target 10,000 accommodation offers across Europe
US-based Camping.com is strengthening its exclusive partnership with French company Camping-and-Co.com, part of Clear Sky International. Following a first year that generated several thousand bookings, the partners plan to extend their distribution to more than 10,000 accommodation offers in 2027 across five new markets: the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and Spain.
✨ Marseille | Leila Salhi returns to InterContinental Hôtel-Dieu as Director of Sales and Marketing
Leila Salhi took up the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at InterContinental Marseille – Hôtel-Dieu in September 2026. She previously contributed to the property’s pre-opening preparations from 2012. With around 20 years of experience, her career includes positions with Kerzner, Accor, Paris Society and Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris.
🏛️ Cluny | Luxury hotel project could be revived after years of delays
Cluny’s new municipal administration, led by Jean-François Demongeot, wants to revive a hotel development incorporating a restaurant and spa that was abandoned in 2021. Originally envisaged as an 80-room project costing €14 million, the scheme is expected to be scaled back to better integrate into its surroundings. Its implementation depends in particular on an amendment to the local urban development plan. The mayor has suggested the potential creation of 30 to 40 jobs.
👨🍳 Béziers | Hugo Bourny appointed Executive Chef of LJ Hôtels & Co
Having previously led the kitchens at Lucas Carton in Paris, Hugo Bourny joins LJ Hôtels & Co as Executive Chef. He will oversee the culinary offering across the group’s seven properties, including three restaurants. His appointment will notably support the opening of Château de Lignan, a five-star property expected in the second half of 2027, where he will lead the fine-dining restaurant.
🌍 International
🇧🇪 Brussels | Giovanni Bruno closes Senzanome following substantial losses
Chef Giovanni Bruno will close Senzanome, his Italian fine-dining restaurant in the Sablon district, on 31 October. He cites losses of €600,000 over two years, customer numbers falling to around 50% and a sharp increase in operating costs. He intends to continue his business through a more accessible dining format at his trattoria GIO, offering his employees the opportunity to join him.
🇲🇦 Casablanca | Julien Rousseau appointed Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Casablanca has welcomed Julien Rousseau as its new Executive Chef. His professional background includes training and experience at Le Pré Catelan, PUR’ at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, with Mathieu Pacaud and at Cordeillan-Bages. He has also worked at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme and Hyatt Paris Madeleine. His appointment is intended to strengthen the Moroccan property’s culinary identity.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Mohammed Al Amri joins The Clock Towers to oversee Hajj and Umrah operations
Mohammed Al Amri has announced his appointment as General Manager – Hajj & Umrah Sector at The Clock Towers in Mecca. With more than 12 years of experience in luxury hospitality, he will support operations associated with accommodating pilgrims in a market characterised by exceptionally high visitor volumes and specific operational requirements.
