HVS Asia Pacific Hospitality Newsletter - Week Ending 17 July 2026

Worldwide Hotels Acquires Fives Hotel Johor Bahru City Centre in Malaysia

Singapore-based Worldwide Hotels has acquired the 243-key Fives Hotel Johor Bahru City Centre in Malaysia from Malaysia-based SKS Group for an undisclosed sum. Following the acquisition, the property is set to be rebranded under France-based Accor SA's ibis Styles brand. The hotel features food and beverage outlet, a fitness centre, and meeting and banquet facilities. It is strategically located close to the Johor Bahru checkpoint, within walking distance of Komtar JBCC and Johor Bahru City Square, while JB Sentral railway station is approximately a five-minute walk away. The acquisition comes amid growing investor interest in Johor Bahru, supported by the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (“RTS”) Link. Slated to commence in 2027, the cross-border rail link is expected to enhance connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore, and further strengthen demand for hospitality assets in the city.

Samdoo Corporation Acquires Tower Mill Hotel for AUD28.6 Million in Brisbane, Australia

Australia-based Samdoo Corporation has acquired the 70-key Tower Mill Hotel in Brisbane, Queensland, from Australia-based Madison Hotel Group (“Madison”) for AUD28.6 million, which translates to approximately AUD408,600 per key. Situated on a 1,462 square metre ("sqm") freehold site with flexible mixed-use zoning, the nine-storey hotel was built in 1996 and features a food and beverage outlet. The property recently underwent a AUD4.3 million refurbishment, which included upgrades to its guestrooms, bathrooms, roof and electrical systems, the installation of two lifts, and the addition of a new sports bar with 14 electronic gaming machines. Located on the edge of Brisbane's Golden Triangle at 239 Wickham Terrace, the property is adjacent to Brisbane Private Hospital and within walking distance of Roma Street Parkland and Suncorp Stadium. Madison acquired the Tower Mill Hotel for AUD4 million in 2018. Samdoo Coporation, which owns the Hotel Diana brand, has also acquired the former 62-key Quest Hotel Brisbane in 2025, and rebranded it as Hotel Diana South Brisbane.

APA Hotel Acquires Kimpton La Peer Hotel in Los Angeles, US

Japan-based APA Hotel Co. Ltd. (“APA Hotel”), through its wholly owned subsidiary, APA Hotel USA, Inc, has acquired the 105-key Kimpton La Peer Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The seller and transaction price were not disclosed. Located in the heart of West Hollywood's Design District, just steps from the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, the hotel occupies a four-storey building. Its facilities include a restaurant and bar, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, rooftop event space with a pickleball court, and over 743 sqm of indoor and outdoor dining and lounge space. The property is approximately 30-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport and is within walking distance of the city's renowned fashion, art and entertainment districts. Following the acquisition, the hotel will continue to be managed by UK-based InterContinental Hotels Group under the Kimpton La Peer West Hollywood name.

AirBorneo Expands into Regional Market with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Services

AirBorneo, Sarawak’s state-owned airline, is set to launch direct flights from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in July 2026. The expansion marks the airline’s transition from operating primarily rural air services inherited from MASwings to serving regional commercial routes. The inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service is scheduled to commence on for 20 July 2026, followed by the launch of the Kuching-Singapore route by the end of July at the earliest. Both routes will operate daily return services. The regional network will initially be operated using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft under a wet lease arrangement with Malaysia-based Ascend Airways Malaysia, enabling AirBorneo to rapidly expand its network while building its own jet operations. The launch represents a significant milestone following the Sarawak government’s acquisition and rebranding of MASwings in early 2026. Kuala Lumpur and Singapore form the first phase of AirBorneo’s regional jet network, with the airline indicating plans to expand to additional destinations, including Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta, as its fleet continues to grow.