Cynera Rodricks

📍 Minor Hotels plans to launch the Colbert Collection, a soft brand targeting independent premium hotels, in Italy by spring 2026. The initiative supports hotel individuality while leveraging the global systems of over 640 properties like Anantara and Avani. The brand's identity is influenced by European café culture, focusing on culinary and creative curation. Properties are planned for the UK, Spain, Austria, and the UAE, aligning with Minor Hotels' asset-light strategy for scalability.

🏨 IHG Hotels and Resorts expanded by 27% in Europe over three years, adding 32,800 rooms, reaching 150,000 open rooms by end of 2025. IHG opened 102 hotels and signed 117 properties in 2025, with conversions accounting for 84% of openings. Germany is a key market, holding 20% of the room count. European hotel investment hit €27bn (£23.3bn) in 2025. Holiday Inn represents over 60% of IHG's European estate, and the region now makes up 15% of IHG's global system.

📍 Marriott International plans to expand its Series by Marriott brand to Europe, signing 11 projects focusing on midscale conversions. In the UK, five properties will partner with Splendid Hospitality in London, including Earls Court and Kings Cross. In Italy, Marriott collaborates with Amapa Group to rebrand five properties and build a new hotel in Valmontone. This expansion targets the midscale segment to provide affordable accommodation, leveraging the company’s loyalty programme with 271 million members.

🛌 The Edinburgh Grand, a five-star hotel, launched a new spa in the old Bank of Scotland vaults beneath St Andrew Square, Edinburgh. It features three treatment suites and integrates oak and limestone. Managed by Catriona Ross, with 12 years in luxury hospitality, the spa partners with Skeyndor for science-led treatments. The facility emphasizes clinical facials and body therapies over traditional wet facilities, serving both hotel guests and locals. Architectural preservation and fitness center enhancements were key project elements.

🏨 A 235-key hotel in The Liberties, Dublin, secured €54.2m (£46.79m) from Maslow Capital. Singapore-based Ascott Limited will operate it under the Lyf brand. Set on Fumbally Lane, it spans eight stories and 0.5 acres, offering standard rooms and studio units with kitchenettes. Amenities include a café, lounge, and co-working spaces. Maslow Capital praised the collaboration with MM Capital and SCIO Capital, citing Dublin's strong visitor demand and attractive development opportunities.