With analysts now predicting further takeover activity in the sector, speculation is heightening investor interest and boosting share prices.

"When you look at some of the property deals taking place in other sectors, it's easy to see why hotels have become one of the most attractive asset classes, " says Christie & Co's director of corporate hotels, Jeremy Jones. "Hotel assets have become more tangible to property investors and views of hotel values are supported by improved transactional and rental evidence. Branded hotels are always popular with investors because the products are standardised and they know what to expect. They also know that the operator can benefit from the big brand recognition."

Christie & Co, is a specialist broker, valuer and advisor, responsible for hundreds of hotel transactions in Europe each year. The company has always specialised in the hospitality sector and acts for both independent and corporate hotel owners and operators. During the first half of 2007, the company has been involved in several high-profile deals.

Recent examples include the �32.5m ( 48.3m) sale of the five-star St David's Hotel & Spa in Cardiff, which the company sold on behalf of Rocco Forte Hotels and the sale of the Sofitel in Nice to INVESCO's European hotel real estate fund. Dublin-based Heuston Hospitality has just made a couple of key acquisitions through Christie. This company specialises in the four to five-star deluxe hotels and resorts market, acquiring, developing and operating hotel investments. Having recently acquired an imposing riverside property in Windsor, Heuston Hospitality has just procured another significant property in Malta.

Heuston acquired the Oakley Court hotel in Windsor at the end of last year. Located on the banks of the river Thames, the property has been described as one of the finest country house hotels in the south-east of England. It was purchased for a sum in the region of �50m.

"Quality hotel assets always attract a considerable amount of interest, " says Jones. "We are currently marketing the Five Lakes hotel, conference venue and leisure resort and have received a number of enquiries from Irish investors."

Five Lakes Hotel, Golf, Country Club & Spa, in Essex, is offered to the market for the first and only time since it opened in 1995. The 194-bed four-star hotel occupies a 320-acre freehold site and features two golf courses.

The hotel is renowned for its extensive indoor and outdoor leisure facilities and is regarded as one of the south east's leading conference and events venues.

"Five Lakes is a unique hotel and leisure resort, which presents a range of further development opportunities, " says Jones. "It is less than an hour away from the City of London by rail and is conveniently close to Stansted Airport."

Other properties currently on the market through Christie & Co include the Dylan Hotel in Amsterdam and Corte D'Aquis in Tuscany . . . a development of 52 self-contained apartments, which is currently under construction.

"As demand for hotel property continues to outstrip supply, the European Hotel property market can expect to see continued high prices, " predicts Jones.

For further information visit www. christie. com; 00447227 0700.