MCLEAN, VA—Hilton Worldwide has reached agreements to add its first European hotels under the Curio – A Collection by Hilton brand. Dating back more than a century each, Reichshof Hamburg and Rumeli Han Istanbul are historic landmark hotels undergoing major renovation and restoration. The hotels are due to open in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
Launched in June 2014, Curio offers upper upscale and luxury independent hotels the opportunity to partner with Hilton Worldwide whilst maintaining their own distinct identity and local charm, according to the company. Having already welcomed guests into the first Curio properties in destinations in the Americas including Las Vegas, Dallas and Florida, Reichshof Hamburg is expected to be the first Curio to open in Europe.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide said, “Europe offers a prime growth opportunity for Curio owing to its concentration of quality independent hotels. Reichshof Hamburg and Rumeli Han Istanbul are iconic properties which, by joining Curio – A Collection by Hilton, will maintain their unique characters, underpinned by Hilton’s commercial engine and global reputation.”
Reichshof Hamburg is owned and operated by RH Operations GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cologne-based Event Hotels, and is located directly opposite Hamburg Central Station.
Built in 1910, the hotel features an Art Deco facade and paneled restaurant, installed in the 1920s and taking inspiration from by Hamburg’s rich maritime history. Reichshof Hamburg is currently undergoing a $33.7-million renovation, which will return its exterior to its former glory, whilst creating a new, contemporary interior. Upon completion in Q2 2015, the hotel will include 280 guestrooms and suites, 11 meeting rooms and a 1,905-sq.-ft. ballroom.
Rumeli Han Istanbul is owned and managed by Tarı̇hı̇ Rumelı̇ Han Turı̇zm Ve Insaat San.Tı̇c. A.S. and occupies a prominent address on Istiklal Ave., in the cosmopolitan Beyoglu district. The 19th century building is a short distance from attractions such as Taksim Square and Galata Tower, and has been granted protected status in recognition of its architectural and historical heritage.
With a carved-stone facade, the hotel will include 173 guestrooms spread over seven floors and a number of food and beverage outlets, including a rooftop bar and restaurant, offering views of the Istanbul skyline. The hotel will be subject to a renovation program prior to opening in 2017.
Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, said, “Curio was created in response to demand from owners of hotels which have their own distinct identity, but who want to benefit from Hilton’s distribution advantages and international customer base, including more than 44 million Hilton HHonors members worldwide. Since launching Curio less than a year ago, the reception from owners and guests has been incredible, and our maiden hotels in Europe join five hotels currently trading and more than 20 in the pipeline or with signed letters of intent across the world.”
“An affiliation with Curio – A Collection by Hilton seems like the natural choice for Reichshof Hamburg. It will allow us to maintain the hotel’s revived iconic charm and reference to its long history in Hamburg while, at the same time, the hotel will benefit from the strong Hilton distribution and loyalty systems.” said Anders Braks, CEO of Event Hotels.