Radisson Strengthens Its Presence in Spain and Portugal with Bold New Hotels and a Strategic Portfolio Upgrade

Published on February 20, 2025

Radisson Hotel Group continues to strengthen its presence in the Iberian Peninsula with a dynamic expansion plan that includes new hotel signings in Spain and a strategic portfolio upgrade in Portugal. The hospitality giant is set to debut in Malaga and Tenerife with the launch of Radisson RED Malaga and the fully renovated Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife. Additionally, the Group is reinforcing its footprint in Portugal with the upcoming Radisson RED Porto Gaia and a significant investment in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lisbon, scheduled for a major refurbishment in 2025.

This expansion aligns with Radisson’s ambitious growth strategy, solidifying its presence in key tourism and business hubs across Spain and Portugal. With over 10 properties currently operating or under development in Iberia, the Group is making bold moves to enhance its offerings in both urban and leisure destinations.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “These additions to our portfolio are a key milestone in realizing our strategy to significantly increase our presence in Iberia across various brands. Our success is the result of the trust of our owners and relevance of our brands. We are committed to further creating attractive investment opportunities to our partners and new meaningful experiences to our guests”. 

Radisson RED Malaga: A Stylish Addition to Spain’s Cultural Hub

Slated to open in Q2 2027, Radisson RED Malaga will bring a fresh, energetic hospitality experience to the city’s thriving tourism scene. Famed for its art, history, and Mediterranean charm, Malaga is a prime location for the Radisson RED brand, which is known for its vibrant and contemporary approach to hospitality.

This 102-room hotel will offer stylish accommodations, including superior rooms with views of charming courtyards and the bustling Trinidad Street. Guests can enjoy a ground-floor restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop bar and pool with breathtaking views of Malaga’s historic skyline. Business and event travelers will benefit from a 100m² multifunctional space, while a 110m² fitness and wellness area will cater to those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Situated within walking distance of Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s historic heart, Radisson RED Malaga promises to be a unique and dynamic addition to the local hotel landscape, offering guests a modern lifestyle experience unlike any other in the region.

Omer Crystal, CEO and Managing Partner of White Spain says, “Following an in-depth study on the future needs of Málaga’s hospitality sector and a competitive tender process to select the ideal operator for a new upscale, tailor-made urban lifestyle hotel, we are proud to announce the arrival of Radisson RED in Málaga. With over 18 candidates submitting proposals, Radisson RED emerged as the perfect choice to elevate the city’s hospitality offerings. This new hotel will not only introduce a fresh standard of quality and innovation to Málaga’s tourism industry but also create jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy, reinforcing the city’s bright future”. 

Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife: A Scenic Retreat in the Canary Islands

Following a complete renovation, Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife is set to open in Q4 2025, introducing the first Radisson-branded resort on the picturesque island of Tenerife. Nestled on a hilltop location, the resort boasts spectacular views and easy access to the island’s top attractions, including Loro Parque, Teide National Park, and Playa Jardín.

The resort will feature 242 accommodations, including hotel rooms and apartments, many of which come with private balconies and terraces overlooking Tenerife’s breathtaking landscapes. Guests will be treated to an exceptional dining experience with two restaurants and a poolside bar that celebrate both local and international flavors. For event planners, the resort will offer a spacious 500m² ballroom, ideal for conferences, weddings, and private celebrations.

With Tenerife being one of Europe’s most sought-after year-round destinations, this new addition to the Radisson portfolio is set to attract global travelers looking for luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Its location just 25 minutes from Los Rodeos Airport and an hour from Reina Sofia Airport ensures seamless accessibility for international guests.

Franciso Fernádez, Managing Partner and CEO, at Canarian Hospitality, says, “We are very excited and committed to this second hotel project in alliance with Radisson Hotel Group, in this case bringing the Radisson brand to a leading international tourist destination such as Tenerife for the first time. Our previous experience with RHG at our Radisson Blu hotel in Lanzarote has shown us the ability of the RHG brands to attract solid, high value demand from the strategic markets we are interested in and that the joint cooperation between the brand strength and distribution capabilities of an international brand and the experience and operational efficiency of a local operator is a formula for success.” 

Radisson RED Porto Gaia: A Bold and Vibrant Destination in Portugal

Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion also extends to Portugal with the highly anticipated Radisson RED Porto Gaia, set to open in early 2027. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, directly in front of General Torres metro and train station, the hotel will offer quick access to Porto’s historic center, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the famous Port wine cellars.

This 250-room hotel will introduce Radisson RED’s signature lifestyle experience to Porto, featuring a dynamic all-day dining restaurant, a stylish lobby bar, a terrace bar, and a rooftop venue with stunning views of the Douro River. A fitness center and a 190m² solarium will provide guests with spaces to unwind, while its cutting-edge design and high connectivity make it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Sebastian Gruber, Managing Director of Value One’s development company, says, “We are incredibly proud to have brought all negotiations to a point at the end of last year and thus put the project on a solid footing in the long term. Especially in turbulent times and a challenging market environment, the careful structuring of a project is of paramount importance for the sustainable creation of real value. With the Radisson RED Porto Gaia, we are creating a new hotspot in one of the coolest cities in Europe.” 

Valerie Schuermans, Vice President, Development at Radisson Hotel Group says, “We are thrilled to accelerate our growth in Spain, strategically expanding across both urban and leisure destinations while introducing the Radisson brand to Iberia. The signing of Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife and Radisson RED Malaga highlights our commitment to unlocking real estate potential in key markets. In Tenerife, we are excited to deepen our collaboration with Canarian Hospitality, a valued partner since 2022, as we bring this exceptional resort to life. In Malaga, we are proud to join forces with White Spain, a distinguished developer with deep expertise in the city’s market dynamics, ensuring the success of this landmark project. Additionally, we look forward to the highly anticipated opening of Radisson RED Porto Gaia in Vila Nova de Gaia, in partnership with Value One and Arbireo Capital, marking the debut of the Radisson RED brand in Portugal. At the same time, our significant investment in the extensive refurbishment of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lisbon will further elevate our presence in the capital. Both destinations offer outstanding tourism appeal, and we are confident these projects will set new benchmarks in hospitality. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their trust and collaboration as we continue strengthening our footprint in Spain and further build on Radisson Hotel Group’s legacy in lifestyle and resort hospitality.”

Strengthening the Iberian Presence with Continued Growth

Radisson Hotel Group has been actively expanding its presence across Spain and Portugal, with a growing portfolio that already includes standout properties such as Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel, Barcelona Sagrada Familia; Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao; Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla; Radisson RED Madrid; and Radisson Blu Resort, Lanzarote.

With over 10 properties in operation or development, the Group is focused on expanding in key urban centers such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, Malaga, San Sebastián, and Valencia, as well as top leisure destinations like the Balearic Islands, Costa del Sol, and the Canary Islands.

The refurbishment of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lisbon, set for 2025, further highlights the Group’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality in Portugal’s capital. This transformation will elevate the hotel’s design, guest experience, and sustainability initiatives, aligning with Radisson’s vision for the future.

Conclusion

Radisson Hotel Group’s latest signings and investments in Spain and Portugal reflect its dedication to offering premium hospitality experiences across the Iberian Peninsula. With new hotels in Malaga, Tenerife, and Porto, alongside major refurbishments in Lisbon, the Group is reinforcing its position as a leader in the region’s hospitality sector.

As these exciting projects come to life, travelers can look forward to bold, innovative, and unforgettable stays in some of Iberia’s most sought-after destinations.