ARLINGTON, Va. – 1 May 2026 – At the end of the first quarter, the Americas was the only world region to show a decrease in hotel pipeline activity, according to CoStar’s March 2026 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

Europe

• In construction: 185,419 rooms (+6.6%)
• Final Planning: 77,253 rooms (0.0%)
• Planning: 193,351 rooms (+9.7%)
• Total Under Contract: 456,023 (+6.7%)

The United Kingdom led Europe in total rooms in construction (26,458), closely followed by Germany (23,748).

Asia Pacific

• In construction: 492,970 rooms (-7.7%)
• Final Planning: 74,487 rooms (+70.2%)
• Planning: 415,172 rooms (+6.5%)
• Total Under Contract: 982,629 (+1.6%)

Among countries in the region, China (278,283) led in construction activity, followed by Vietnam (43,858) and India (43,290).

Middle East & Africa

• In construction: 107,653 rooms (+4.5%)
• Final Planning: 29,290 rooms (+3.8%)
• Planning: 94,998 rooms (-2.9%)
• Total Under Contract: 231,941 (+1.3%)

Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (51,513) and the United Arab Emirates (16,072) have the most rooms in construction.

Americas

• In construction: 193,145 rooms (-2.1%)
• Final Planning: 282,246 rooms (-7.9%)
• Planning: 402,723 rooms (-5.0%)
• Total Under Contract: 878,114 (-5.3%)

The U.S. (333,467) holds the majority of rooms in construction in the region. After the U.S., Mexico (15,267), Canada (9,589) and the Dominican Republic (6,190) show the highest number of rooms in construction.

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Vancouver, B.C. – April 29, 2026 – Fairmont Waterfront is pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of its comprehensive, multi-year renovation. This initial phase marks the transformation of 96 guest rooms across the hotel’s top four floors, introducing a refined design that reimagines the property’s signature Pure Coastal Luxury identity.

The full renovation, scheduled for completion by the end of 2029, will thoughtfully refresh all guest rooms and hotel amenities, further elevating the guest experience while remaining true to the hotel’s distinctive West Coast setting.

Since July 1991, Fairmont Waterfront has remained a cornerstone of Vancouver’s luxury hospitality scene, with panoramic harbour and city views showcased across all 489 guest rooms. Defined by its distinctive West Coast aesthetic, the hotel’s heated rooftop pool, pioneering bee program, and vibrant downtown setting have cemented its reputation as one of the city’s most iconic luxury destinations.

Many of the hotel’s much-loved offerings will be updated throughout the four-year project, including all 489 guest rooms, Fairmont Gold, the hotel lobby, pool area and ARC Restaurant + Bar.
Guest rooms have been thoughtfully reimagined to reflect Vancouver’s unique blend of waterfront and forest, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds the property. Enhancements include 65” HD flat-screen TVs, elevating both comfort and convenience. In place of a traditional desk, each room features an elegant table with versatile seating options, creating a flexible, multi-functional space for working, dining, or unwinding.

Guests will also enjoy the Fairmont Signature Bed, designed for exceptional comfort and support, featuring the Fairmont Sealy Stearns & Foster® Luxury Euro Plush Pillowtop mattress, alongside elevated Fairmont’s distinctive Le Labo bath products.

“At Fairmont Waterfront, every guest moment matters,” said Randall Williams, General Manager of Fairmont Waterfront. “This renovation reflects our dedication to elevating those moments through thoughtful design, enhanced comfort, and an enduring sense of Pure Coastal Luxury. We are proud of the work completed so far, and we look forward to welcoming guests into refreshed spaces that feel truly inspired by the remarkable Pacific Northwest.”

The exciting transformation has been brought to life through a partnership with Montreal-based design company CAMDI, who bring over 40 years of expertise to the transformation.

The hotel’s waterfront setting has thoughtfully inspired the layout and design, reflected in a calming palette of coastal blues, greens, and soft greys. A carefully curated mix of natural woods, stone-inspired finishes, woven textiles, and layered fabrics brings the outdoors in, creating a sense of depth, texture, and understated warmth throughout the space.
“The guest rooms have been reimagined as restorative sanctuaries,” said Karine Bannon, Designer and Senior Project Director at CAMDI. “The transformation focuses on spatial clarity, enhanced comfort, and stronger visual connection to the harbour, mountains, and skyline. Layouts feel more intentional and fluid, furnishings are refined and contemporary, and the atmosphere is calmer and more immersive. The result is a space that supports both relaxation and productivity — reflecting the hotel’s role as a destination for both leisure and corporate travelers.”

The second phase of the renovation will resume in Fall 2026, with the next collection of guest rooms set to be unveiled and available for booking in Spring 2027.

All guestrooms included in this first phase of the renovation are now available for booking: fairmont-waterfront.com.

Toronto, ON (April 28, 2026) — Atlific Hotels is proud to announce the completion of extensive renovations of its managed property, Best Western Plus Burnaby. The multi-million-dollar transformation introduces refreshed guestrooms, redesigned public spaces, and elevated guest amenities. Completed as of March 2026, the thoughtful updates ensure the longstanding property continues to serve traveller needs well into the future while reflecting the vibrant local character of Burnaby.

“Best Western Plus Burnaby has been a trusted accommodation choice in the community for many years and this renovation brings a new level of comfort, style, and functionality to its welcoming spirit,” said Philippe Gadbois, COO at Atlific Hotels. “We are thrilled to reintroduce the hotel with a contemporary look and feel that better serves our guests and the neighbourhood.”

The design concept is rooted in a sense of West Coast ease, pairing clean, modern lines with natural textures, rich wood tones, and a calming palette inspired by the Pacific Northwest. The goal was to bring the hotel into harmony with Burnaby’s natural surroundings and strong sense of community. Organic materials, warm lighting, and subtle design nods to the region’s scenic parks and mountain backdrop help ground the guest experience in its West Coast setting.

Updated guestrooms now feature newly installed furnishings and case goods, modernized bathrooms with upgraded fixtures, local design accents and curated artwork as well as enhanced lighting and technology for business and leisure stays alike. Each space is crafted to deliver an atmosphere that is bright, comfortable, and intuitive for today’s traveller.

The transformation extends well beyond the guest rooms. Best Western Plus Burnaby now welcomes guests with a redesigned lobby offering an open, airy layout, modernized breakfast and gathering spaces and updated corridors and common areas that reflect the new design direction. The refreshed environment adds a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe that encourages guests to linger, work, and connect.

Conveniently located in Burnaby, just 30 minutes from Vancouver International Airport and a short SkyTrain ride from downtown Vancouver, the Best Western Plus Burnaby offers easy access to the region’s top business and leisure attractions. Guests are minutes from Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby Lake, theatres, parks, and recreational facilities, with iconic Vancouver landmarks such as Queen Elizabeth Park and Grouse Mountain also within easy reach. The hotel is ideally situated for business travellers visiting nearby institutions including Burnaby Hospital, the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology, making it an excellent choice for both work and relaxation.

CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2026 /CNW/ - Calgary-based full-spectrum real estate company PBA Group has announced the acquisition of three Alberta hotel properties, marking a significant evolution in the company's hospitality strategy as it moves to a fully owned-and-operated model for the first time.

The newly acquired properties, formerly Days Inn Calgary Airport, Days Inn Red Deer, and Home Inn Express Medicine Hat, will join the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) portfolio immediately under a white-label name, with bookings available through IHG platforms. Following renovations, the hotels will transition to Garner by IHG, a rapidly growing midscale brand, marking the first Garner-branded properties in Canada.

PBA Group has an established presence in the hospitality sector, including ownership of The Dorian Autograph Collection, Courtyard by Marriott and Element by Westin Downtown Calgary. This marks the first time the company will bring hotel operations and staff fully in-house.

"This is a meaningful step forward for PBA Group," said Patricia Phillips, CEO of PBA Group. "By moving to a fully owned-and-operated model, we're able to take a more hands-on approach to the guest experience while strengthening our position within Alberta's hospitality landscape. It also allows us to build internal expertise as we continue to grow and diversify our portfolio."
The acquisition signals PBA's continued investment in the experience economy, as well as its long-term confidence in Alberta's regional travel and business markets. The three properties, located in Calgary, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat, serve a mix of business and leisure travellers, offering convenient access to key transportation routes and regional hubs.

Over the coming months, all three hotels will undergo a series of enhancements, including refreshed guest rooms, updated interiors, and improvements designed to elevate the overall guest experience. Following these updates, they will be brought together under the Garner banner, offering a quality, affordable, and comfortable stay that delivers on what matters most: a convenient location, a sound night's sleep, and a great complimentary breakfast.

"This collaboration with IHG and the introduction of the Garner brand in Canada reflects both our growth ambitions and our commitment to delivering strong, consistent guest experiences," said Phillips. "We see significant opportunity in this segment of the market and are excited to help bring a new offering to Canadian travellers."

The three properties will remain open and operational throughout the transition period under the Prairie Crest Hotels banner, with rebranding to Garner Hotels expected in early 2027.