An Abu Dhabi royal, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has reportedly made substantial offers to acquire several iconic Los Angeles hospitality venues, including the historic Chateau Marmont, according to sources. Al Nahyan is the majority owner of the h.wood Group, a prominent hospitality company known for trendy establishments such as Delilah, the Bird Streets Club, and The Nice Guy.
The h.wood Group, under its new Abu Dhabi ownership via the company DIAFA, also reportedly attempted to purchase the Sunset Tower Hotel and San Vicente Bungalows, an exclusive members' club. The owner of these properties, Jeff Klein, is said to have rejected the offers, with one report suggesting the bid for San Vicente Bungalows was around $700 million, though sources indicate the actual amount was lower. The Sunset Tower Hotel is a landmark in West Hollywood, and San Vicente Bungalows has a clientele of A-list celebrities and maintains additional locations in Santa Monica and Manhattan.
In addition to the Sunset Tower Hotel and San Vicente Bungalows, the h.wood Group also allegedly made overtures toward acquiring Chateau Marmont, a storied hotel with a long history in Hollywood, and Funke, a popular Beverly Hills restaurant owned by chef Evan Funke.
DIAFA, the Abu Dhabi hospitality firm that acquired a majority stake in the h.wood Group, also recently purchased a significant share in British restaurateur Richard Caring's hospitality empire. This portfolio includes well-known establishments such as Annabel's, Sexy Fish, Scott's, and The Ivy.
Sources suggest that DIAFA's broader strategy involves consolidating various hospitality assets with the intention of eventually taking the company public. The group's substantial wealth and aggressive acquisition strategy indicate a significant expansion into the high-profile hospitality sector.
Representatives for the Sunset Tower, Chateau Marmont, Funke, and the h.wood Group have been contacted for comment.