In a major move that underscores confidence in the UK’s hospitality market, investment giants KKR and The Baupost Group have announced a joint venture to acquire a portfolio of 33 premium Marriott International hotels. The properties, previously owned by a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), will remain under Marriott and Delta by Marriott branding.
The portfolio includes 6,500 rooms across full-service hotels located in London and key regional cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and Liverpool. These hotels, which cater to both business and leisure travelers, boast a range of high-quality amenities, from state-of-the-art conference facilities to golf and recreation options. Many of the properties have recently undergone significant refurbishments.
KKR’s hospitality platform, Amante Capital, will take the lead in managing the venture. The firm is set to work closely with Marriott International’s UK team to ensure continued investment in the properties, while also supporting local hotel teams in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Mai-Lan de Marcilly, Managing Director and Head of Transactions France and Hotels at KKR, expressed enthusiasm for the deal, calling it a significant milestone. “This purchase reflects our confidence in the UK’s potential and the long-term growth opportunities in the European hospitality sector. Partnering with Amante Capital enhances our ability to acquire and operate premium hotels at scale.”
For The Baupost Group, this venture represents another step in its strategy of seizing high-quality, opportunistic investments. Nick Azrack, Partner at Baupost, emphasised the collaborative nature of the deal. “We’re excited to work with KKR, Amante Capital, and Marriott International to shape the future of these exceptional hotels.”
Amante Capital’s seasoned team plans to oversee the portfolio with a clear vision for growth. Their hands-on approach includes continued capital improvements aimed at enhancing guest satisfaction and expanding the hotels’ appeal.
This acquisition cements KKR’s status as the largest owner of premium Marriott hotels in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The firm’s investment comes as part of its broader European real estate strategy, which has already deployed over $3.5 billion since 2016 across sectors like residential, logistics, and hospitality.
The transaction was facilitated by leading advisors and partners. Legal advice for the joint venture was provided by DLA Piper, Ropes & Gray, and Simpson Thacher Bartlett. Financing was arranged by KKR Capital Markets and Eastdil Secured, with asset management support from Hamilton Pyramid and legal counsel for ADIA from Burges Salmon.
With this landmark acquisition, KKR and The Baupost Group are positioning themselves as leaders in the premium hospitality space, setting the stage for enhanced experiences for guests across the UK.
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