This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector. This week, The Ascott Limited expands its Lyf brand in Sydney; Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour proposes luxury penthouses; Brisbane unveils the Isoletto Pool Club at Queen’s Wharf; and Accor launches Wellness Studios at Mantra 2 Bond Street. IHG is set to open InterContinental Brisbane in June, transforming the former Hilton, while Accor Vacation Club is refreshing its Palm Cove properties with a $4.7M investment. In acquisitions, BWH Hotels signs its first Australian hotel management deal in Kununurra. AHICE 2025 is gearing up as the region’s top hotel investment event, and industry movements include leadership appointments across Ovolo, Crowne Plaza, Wyndham, Holiday Inn, The Star, and Baillie Lodges.