Could the Palace label finally cross the border? In Brussels, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria aspires to become the first official palace outside France.
Hospitality news of the day, 2 October 2026: between announced openings, strategic appointments and expansion in Latin America, here is what mattered in the sector today.
🇫🇷 National
🏨 Opening | The Tour de Lille, nicknamed “la Botte” (the Boot), will house a 185-room, 3-star Motel One directly connected to Lille-Europe station. The project, led by Linkcity with Christian de Portzamparc, also includes a 200-cover panoramic restaurant at the top of the tower. Delivery is scheduled for 2029. #Lille #MotelOne #AdaptiveReuse
🎰 Casino | The municipal council of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie has renewed Groupe Cogit for 15 years at the helm of the town’s casino. The new concession comes with a modernisation programme, including a complete overhaul of the bistronomy restaurant, which will feature a wine cellar and panoramic views over the Vie river. #Vendee #Casino #Concession
🌍 International
👑 Luxury 🇧🇪 | Nicolas Kipper, general manager of the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, is working with the Belgian authorities to create a Palace label, with the ambition of becoming the first palace outside France. Since 15 September, the hotel has been home to La Paix, David Martin’s two-star restaurant, and it posts an average rate twice that of its direct competitor. #Belgium #Brussels #Palace
✨ Appointment | Ingo L. Jantschik has been appointed Hotel Manager of the Mont Cervin Palace in Zermatt, the flagship property of the Michel Reybier Hospitality group. #Switzerland #Zermatt #Appointment
🎰 Opening 🇨🇭 | The Grand Casino Prilly, near Lausanne, opened its doors to the public on 1 October following its official inauguration. Backed by Groupe Tranchant and drawing on the experience of the Grand Casino Basel, the venue employs more than 100 staff under the leadership of Zaria Sorovic. #Switzerland #Vaud #Casino
🌍 Development 🇦🇷 | Accor is to open five hotels in Argentina between 2027 and 2028, including Ibis properties in Escobar, Rosario and Ushuaia and a Mercure in Merlo, San Luis, representing an investment of 50 million dollars funded by local partners. The group’s occupancy rate in the country rose by 6 points over the first eight months of the year. #Accor #Argentina #AssetLight
✨ Appointment 🇺🇸 | Charlestowne Hotels has appointed Stephanie Bauer, formerly of Remington Hospitality, as regional vice president of operations, and Hayato Nogaki as director of operations. Both will support the growth of a portfolio of more than 60 hotels across the United States. #USA #Management #Appointment
💼 Investment 🇺🇸 | JLL has appointed Pamela Ambler Managing Director, International Capital and Strategic Transactions, within its US Capital Markets business. Based in San Francisco after four years in Singapore, she will connect international investors with major real estate transactions in the United States. #JLL #CapitalMarkets #Investment
✈️ Aviation | Pegasus Airlines has completed its acquisition of Czech Airlines and the Smartwings group, a leisure travel specialist in Central and Eastern Europe. The combined business has a fleet of more than 175 aircraft and 140 on order, with Smartwings retaining its brand and its partnerships with tour operators. #Aviation #Turkey #CzechRepublic
✈️ Appointment 🇬🇧 | London Southend Airport has appointed its chief financial officer, Sharmeen Divan, as interim CEO following the departure of Jude Winstanley on 30 September. The airport’s ownership and strategy remain unchanged. #London #Airport #Appointment
