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Hotels and hospitality lawyers
The hotel and hospitality sector is becoming increasingly specialized. Our significant sector experience helps us ensure that the companies and individuals we work with get the best value out of their transactions, wherever they are in the world.
The hotel and hospitality market is seeing rapid activity and expansion due to increasing levels of investment from both corporates and high net worth individuals.
Withers worldwide global hotels and hospitality team services the hotels, real estate and tourism industries across the globe with support across our strategic offices in Asia, Europe, USA and the Caribbean.The hotels and hospitality industry is an increasingly specialised sector and sophisticated legal, yet commercial and pragmatic, advice from experienced hospitality lawyers is critical to ensuring clients obtain optimum value out of any transaction. And with our global office footprint, we can provide the advice you need, when and where you need it.
We work with some of the industry's most respected hotel owners and developers, funds, private members' clubs and many of the leading global, regional and boutique operators. Our hospitality lawyers also have significant personal networks in the industry, and are sought out for their deep sector know-how and experience.
We provide clients with advice on site acquisitions, hotel portfolio and platform transactions, mixed use developments, forward funding, hotel leasing, hotel management agreements, franchise agreements, joint ventures and fund formation.
We also offer integrated advice on critical ancillary areas of the law related to the full life cycle of any hotel project such as planning, construction, financing, employment, IP, IT and data protection/privacy and dispute resolution as well as co-ordinated trust and tax planning advice, through our market leading tax and private client teams.
How we can help
Our team has acted in the full range of transactions, getting the deal done quickly, within regulations and with minimal fuss.
FoundersFrom advising on tax or global expansion, helping company founders realise their vision is an important aspect of our work.
Property financeWe have extensive experience in all types of real estate transactions, helping successful people expand their presence globally.
HR supportOur HR teams handle all kinds of employment issues, from overseeing training and drafting employment contracts to handling misconduct and redundancies. We will work as an extension of your team, offering HR support and guidance on how to manage these issues sensitively and effectively.
We help companies secure the finance they need to thrive and are skilled at advising on the requirements of the different jurisdictions in which they operate.
Commercial litigationOur highly skilled commercial litigators assist with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases of all kinds, whether acting for an investor, business or brand.
Employment contractsOur lawyers will make sure your employment contract puts you in a strong position – whether in regard to benefits or post-termination restrictions.
Intellectual propertyOur lawyers have wide industry knowledge and experience, allowing them to advise on how to best protect mission-critical intellectual property and data.
We offer a one-stop shop for funds, with experience of helping fund managers navigate complex cross-border legal, regulatory and tax issues.
Luxury brandsOur global team has helped many of the world's finest luxury brands build their businesses and maintain their credibility long-term.
Global mobilityGetting talent in the right place at the right time has never been more important. Whether you are seeking to transfer employees abroad or set up operations in a new country, our global mobility lawyers will work with your HR team to handle the whole process seamlessly.
Clients include
Track record
One of the largest hotel management and franchise companies in Asia
Advised on the client's acquisition of a hotel, appropriate terms in the Sale & Purchase Agreement to regulate the takeover of the seller's employees, and reviewed and updated the full suite of employment documents.
Chain restaurant and group of private members' clubs
Represented a chain restaurant and group of private members' clubs for a grant of lease from a developer to operate, inter alia, a club, a hotel, a gymnasium and a co-working space in respect to a site in Sai Ying Pun, the Western District of Hong Kong.
CDL Hospitality REIT
On its acquisition and leaseback of Angsana Velavaru, a 5 star island resort at South Nilandhe Atoll Maldives from the Banyan Tree Group.
Crown Company
On its sale of luxury iconic award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island to a fund managed by the Blackstone Group.
Eureka Funds Management
On its sale of the 531-room Four Seasons Sydney for A$340 million to Mirae Asset Global Management.
Marriott International
On its sale and manage-back deal on three major hospitality assets in Fiji: Sheraton resort, Westin resort and the 110-hectare Denarau Golf & Racquet Club.
Minor Hotels Group
On its sale and manage-back deal of 3 major luxury resorts in Maldives: Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Naladhu, to a fund managed by Blackstone Group.
SOCAM Development Limited
On the sale of the Four Seasons Hotel and Four Seasons Place in Shanghai to B.M. Holding Group for RMB 1.323 billion.
Soho House (Berlin)
This House is a landmark building in Berlin's Mitte District. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool, large gym and spa with plenty of space to eat drink and sleep.
Soho House (Toronto)
Occupying a historic building, which was formerly one of Toronto's first hotels, this House features two bars, a restaurant, rooftop and library.
CDL Hospitality REIT
On its acquisition and leaseback of Angsana Velavaru, a 5 star island resort at South Nilandhe Atoll Maldives from the Banyan Tree Group.
Crown Company
On its sale of luxury iconic award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island to a fund managed by the Blackstone Group.
Eureka Funds Management
On its sale of the 531-room Four Seasons Sydney for A$340 million to Mirae Asset Global Management.
Marriott International
On its sale and manage-back deal on three major hospitality assets in Fiji: Sheraton resort, Westin resort and the 110-hectare Denarau Golf & Racquet Club.
Minor Hotels Group
On its sale and manage-back deal of 3 major luxury resorts in Maldives: Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Naladhu, to a fund managed by Blackstone Group.
SOCAM Development Limited
On the sale of the Four Seasons Hotel and Four Seasons Place in Shanghai to B.M. Holding Group for RMB 1.323 billion.
Soho House (Hong Kong)
Sitting in a 28-story new-build tower near the central business district in the up-coming neighbourhood of Sheung Wan, the House boasts a gym spread over three floors, screening room and Soho Works.
Soho House (Mumbai)
Located in a 10-storey building directly overlooking Juhu Beach, Soho House Mumbai is the ideal space for guests to work, meet, eat, drink and relax.
The Old War Office
Advised State Bank of India on their £300 million loan to the Hinduja Group in partnership with a Spanish industrial company in Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos for the acquisition of the Old War Office in Whitehall, London and subsequent re-financing.
Hyatt
On its appointment to brand and manage Hyatt Centric hotel in Melbourne.
Acted for Banyan Tree Holdings on the sale of its entire asset portfolio in the Seychelles
Acted for Banyan Tree Holdings on the sale of its entire asset portfolio in the Seychelles, including a sale and manage-back deal on the luxury Banyan Tree Resort Seychelles
Soho House (Berlin)
This House is a landmark building in Berlin's Mitte District. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool, large gym and spa with plenty of space to eat drink and sleep.
Soho Roc House (Greece)
Located along a stretch of the picturesque Cycladic coastline, Soho Roc House offers the ultimate wellbeing experience for members.
Advising M&L Hospitality
Advising M&L Hospitality on its management agreements with Hyatt for Hyatt Regency Manchester Oxford Road and Hyatt House Manchester Oxford Road.
Atelier Hotel
Advising on the sale of the Atelier Hotel for a sovereign wealth fund to a UK private investor.
Athenaeum Hotel
Advised the owner/operator on the sale of the Athenaeum Hotel and Residences.
Radisson Blu Hotel
Advised on the acquisition of the hotel from an overseas fund. Also advised on bank financing, tax structuring and the terms of the existing hotel management agreement.
Soho House (Amsterdam)
Located in a 1930s building on the Singel Canal, Soho House Amsterdam is the ideal space for eating, drinking and meeting, boasting a gym, spa, screening room and rooftop pool.
Soho House (Barcelona)
Located in the city's Gothic Quarter overlooking Port Vell Marina, Soho House Barcelona focuses on delivering the ultimate health and fitness and food and drinks experience to its guests.
Soho House (Istanbul)
Situated in the 19th century Palazzo Corpi in Belyoglu, the House boasts multiple spaces for members to eat, drink and meet with an exclusive rooftop bar overlooking the Golden Horn.
Echo Building
Advised Select Investments on the acquisition of the Echo Building in Liverpool from the Trinity Mirror Group. This included advising on the forward funding to develop the property into a hotel and space for business, retail and leisure.
Soho House (Toronto)
Occupying a historic building, which was formerly one of Toronto's first hotels, this House features two bars, a restaurant, rooftop and library.
Soho House (Chicago)
Located in a former belt factory in the Fulton Market neighbourhood, the Chicago House boasts a large gym, screening room and rooftop pool.
Soho House (Hollywood)
Located on the infamous Sunset Boulevard, the House not only offers a 50-seat cinema with daily screenings but also a rooftop restaurant, open year-round with panoramic views of the city.
Soho House (LA)
Little Beach House is small local club targeted at the creative community in Malibu. Located right on the water's edge featuring a terrace and bar and restaurant. Soho Warehouse occupies a 100-year old, 80,000sq ft. warehouse featuring two club floors, which includes a rooftop pool.
Soho House (Miami)
Located in a restored art deco building in South Beach, Miami members can enjoy a 100-ft pool, club dining, a spa, gym and a private stretch of beach.
The Ned (Washington)
Acting for the developer of The Ned hotel in relation to the agreement for lease and development agreement and lease including rights of light release, neighbour agreements and construction and design appointments, with a development cost of £140m.
Bengt Mortsted
Advised Bengt Mortsted (founder of CLS properties) and Trustees on the purchase and development of the Bequia Beach Hotel, Bequia Island including the strategic acquisition of a 10-acre beach front site to further grow the resort.
Soho House (New York)
The first US club, located in a converted warehouse in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, exclusively offers members a 44-seat screening room and rooftop swimming pool.
Soho House (London)
We are incredibly proud of our relationship with Soho House. Founded in London in 1995 as a private members' club for people in the creative world, Soho House has since successfully opened clubs across Europe and the US as well as restaurants, cinemas, work spaces, spas and bedrooms. It has been an amazing journey to work with them as they grow
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Jeremy M Wakeham
Partner | London
James Martell
Partner | London
Mattia Biasi
Partner | Padua
David Mallinson
Consultant | London
Roberta Crivellaro
Partner | Milan
Mabel Lui
Head of Greater China Commercial | Hong Kong
Tom Hughes
Partner | London
Chau Hwei Lee
Partner | Singapore
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