Generali Real Estate Makes UK Hospitality Debut With Acquisition of 203-Key Novotel London Tower Bridge

Generali Real Estate has completed its first hospitality real estate acquisition in the United Kingdom, purchasing the 203-key Novotel London Tower Bridge from Ares Commercial Real Estate funds and eQ Group, according to an announcement from JLL on June 8, 2026. JLL and Eastdil Secured served as advisers on the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The hotel is located near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in London and is operated under the Novotel brand, part of the Accor portfolio.

A Debut UK Hospitality Real Estate Deal for Generali

The transaction marks Generali Real Estate's first hotel acquisition in the United Kingdom.

Christopher Exler, Executive Vice President EMEA Hotel Capital Markets at JLL, said the deal represents a meaningful endorsement of the London hotel market. "This is a significant confidence vote for all sides and we're thrilled to have brought in Generali Real Estate who will continue to carve a new path for this great City of London hotel," Exler said.

Ares and EQ Group Exit an Anchor London Asset

For the sellers, the transaction represents a disposition within a broader portfolio strategy. Will Duffey, Head of EMEA Hotel Capital Markets at JLL, noted that the Novotel London Tower Bridge was an anchor asset within a wider portfolio that Ares and EQ had previously acquired from Land Securities.

"We are delighted to have supported on this anchor London asset from the wider portfolio that Ares and EQ had acquired from Land Securities," Duffey said. "We look forward to continuing to support Ares and EQ as they see through their business plan in a timely manner."

London Hotel Investment Volumes

According to JLL, London hotel investment volumes reached £834 million in the first quarter of 2026, with the city continuing to attract a significant share of both UK and European hotel investment. JLL described London as a "top-tier global destination" for institutional hotel capital.

Transaction Advisers

JLL and Eastdil Secured jointly advised Ares Real Estate funds and EQ Group on the sale. JLL is a global commercial real estate services and investment management firm with annual revenue of $26.1 billion and operations in over 80 countries, according to the firm.