JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group has announced that it advised Essendi, a leading hotel owner-operator in Europe, on the sale of a four-hotel portfolio in Poland, totalling 752 keys, to Polish group DeSilva.
The portfolio includes the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria, located in the heart of central Warsaw with 368 keys, alongside a group of three hotels in Szczecin totalling 384 keys: the Novotel Szczecin Centrum, the ibis Szczecin Centrum and the ibis Styles Old Town.
The Sofitel Warsaw Victoria is among the most recognised hotel addresses in the Polish capital and has held an important place in the group’s history in Poland. The property will retain the Sofitel brand and remain managed by Accor, with the transaction involving only a change of ownership.
A strategic refocus for Essendi
This sale forms part of the refocusing strategy pursued by Essendi for several years, as the group reshapes its portfolio to concentrate primarily on wholly owned hotels in the economy and midscale segments in Europe, while continuing to invest in the quality, performance and long-term value of its assets.
In Poland, this direction has recently been reflected in the opening of the TRIBE Krakow Old Town and the renovation of the Mercure Gdynia Centrum. The sale of the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria and the three Szczecin hotels confirms Essendi’s gradual exit from premium assets in favour of local operators.
DeSilva Group strengthens its premium presence
For DeSilva Group, the acquisition of the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria marks an important milestone in the chain’s development and strengthens its position in the Polish hotel market. The property, one of the country’s most prestigious, rounds out the group’s portfolio and consolidates its presence in the premium segment as well as in the Polish capital.
DeSilva describes this investment as a long-term commitment to the development of upscale hospitality, while preserving the property’s unique character. With the three Szczecin hotels, the group also strengthens its foothold in the north-west of the country, where it already operates several addresses under Accor brands and under its own brand.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
JLL advises Essendi on the sale of four Polish hotels to DeSilva Group
Portfolio: 4 hotels, 752 keys, across Warsaw and Szczecin
Flagship asset: Sofitel Warsaw Victoria (368 keys), city centre Warsaw – brand and Accor management retained
Szczecin portfolio (384 keys): Novotel Szczecin Centrum, ibis Szczecin Centrum, ibis Styles Old Town
Seller context: part of Essendi’s (ex-AccorInvest) ongoing shift toward economy and midscale owned hotels in Europe
Buyer context: strengthens DeSilva’s footprint in Poland’s premium segment
