Highgate to acquire Viceroy Hotels & Resorts

An affiliate of the principals of Highgate have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Viceroy Hotels & Resorts (Viceroy). The LA-based hospitality group is known for its individual modern luxury hotels and resorts throughout the world, and was voted one of the top 10 hotel brands globally in the 2022 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

The Viceroy brand debuted in 2000 with the launch of Viceroy Santa Monica and has evolved into a portfolio of hotels and resorts in iconic destinations such as St Lucia, Chicago, Los Cabos and Snowmass.

“We are excited for Viceroy’s future and we believe that this acquisition will not only fuel the future expansion of our brand, but also give us a true partner, one who will offer incredible support, opportunity and collaboration,” said Bill Walshe, CEO, Viceroy. “This deal will accelerate our momentum, and solidify our position as the leading modern luxury lifestyle brand in our space.”

“We are thrilled to execute this transaction with Viceroy,” said Richard Russo, principal, Highgate. “Viceroy has built an outstanding customer reputation due in part to its strong service culture and incredible team. Through complementing Viceroy’s platform and DNA with Highgate’s diversified ability to grow through real estate acquisitions, development and third-party growth channels, Highgate intends to add brand-accretive hotels to the Viceroy portfolio that will further enhance customer perception and brand awareness. Further, through powering Viceroy with a proprietary relationship with Highgate’s operating company, and imparting the benefits of Highgate’s scale, we will be able to provide significant incremental value to associates, guests, owners and partners.”

“We look forward to working with the Viceroy team to add visible and impactful hotels to the platform, and cement Viceroy as one of the most noteworthy luxury lifestyle hotel brands in the industry,” continued Russo. “In the coming months, we will be announcing exciting additions to the portfolio in major urban gateway markets and select resort destinations that will invoke the distinct quality and luxury service that Viceroy has long been known for.”

The transaction is expected to close in early 2023.