Eloise Hanson - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 4

9 min

2025 Budget: “Permanently lower” business rates for hospitality

💸 UK: On November 26, 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Autumn Budget, addressing a £20 billion gap with £26 billion in tax hikes and new measures like a sugar tax and overnight stay tax. From April 2026, the National Living Wage rises to £12.71, adding £1.4 billion to hospitality costs. Business tax rates cut for 750,000 properties, offset by higher taxes on properties over £500,000. Inflation to hit 3.5% in 2025. Income tax thresholds frozen until 2030-31.

4 min

Mayors in England granted power to introduce overnight levy

🛫 England's mayors are empowered to introduce an overnight accommodation levy to boost transport, infrastructure, and tourism. The levy applies to hotels and similar accommodations, with regional discretion on implementation. A 12-week consultation ends on 18 February 2026. Proponents include mayors from London, Manchester, and the West of England, emphasizing local service reinvestment. However, industry critics warn of increased travel costs, reduced competitiveness, and added pressure on the heavily taxed UK hospitality sector.

1 min

Duke Street Boutique Hotel reopens under new owners

🛳️ Duke Street Boutique Hotel in Liverpool reopened a month after being acquired by Golding Group for £2.25 million. Previously on the market for nine months, the hotel underwent a cosmetic refurbishment, featuring a redesigned reception and residents' bar, and transitioned to a fully staffed model. Golding Group, which also owns 62 Castle Street Hotel and accommodations on Lime Street, is excited about this new addition to their portfolio.

2 min

The Social Hub plans £200 million site in Edinburgh

🏠 UK: The Social Hub plans to invest £200 million in a new venue at Edinburgh's former Fountain Brewery site, vacant for 20 years. The 560-bed project will feature extended stay rooms, hotel suites, and student housing, along with coworking spaces for 300, event spaces, a gym, and dining options. Public consultations are set for 8 December and 26 January. Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes lead the site's redevelopment as part of the Fountainbridge masterplan.

2 min

PPHE refinances Park Plaza London Riverbank with Aareal

💸 UK: In November 2025, PPHE secured a £95.8 million refinancing deal with Aareal Bank for Park Plaza London Riverbank. The loan's maturity extends from June 2026 to June 2030. Until June 2026, the interest rate remains at 3.248%, shifting to 5.72% fixed for 85% of the loan thereafter, with the remainder on a floating rate. The loan's amortisation removal is expected to mitigate the higher interest cost impact on cash flow.

2 min

Bespoke Hotels adopts Canary Tech for digital guest services

📱 Bespoke Hotels partners with Canary Technologies to enhance guest experiences across 50+ UK properties. Guests can now communicate via SMS and WhatsApp, with real-time translation in over 100 languages. Features like mobile check-in, smart checkout, and dynamic upsells aim to personalize stays. Canary's AI-powered solutions streamline check-ins and boost guest satisfaction, combining innovation with personal hospitality. The rollout covers the majority of Bespoke's portfolio, enhancing guest interaction and operational efficiency.

1 min

Elysian Real Estate reveals bohème hotel in Austin

🏨 Elysian Real Estate plans to open its boutique hotel, bohème, in East Austin in summer 2026. Located at 400 Comal Street, the hotel will feature 20 individually designed rooms, including six suites, and is being reimagined by Baldridge Architects. Amenities include a rooftop bar, lobby bar, and a first-floor grocer, with additional F&B offerings by Nova Hospitality. Walker L. Molinare, the founder, emphasizes the hotel as a tribute to Austin's art and music culture.

2 min

Trump to launch Maldives resort backed by crypto investment

🏖 Dar Global and The Trump Organisation will debut an ultra-luxury resort in the Maldives by late 2028, featuring 80 beach and overwater villas, located 25 mins from Malé. This marks Trump Hotels' first venture in the Maldives and the world's first tokenised hotel, with investors buying stakes via digital tokens. This project is part of a broader collaboration, including developments in Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

3 min

Watchdog bans hotel adverts over “misleading” prices

💸 UK, April-May 2025: The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints against Accor, Booking.com, Hilton, and Travelodge for misleading 'from' prices. Ads overstated deals with limited room availability at the advertised rates. Accor was cited for £27 rooms at Ibis Budget Birmingham Centre. ASA's AI identified these ads, leading to their removal and future compliance orders. Companies acknowledged the issue, promising clearer pricing.

1 min

Ciel Dubai Marina opens as world’s tallest hotel

🏨 UAE: November 2025, the Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, opens as the world's tallest hotel at 377 meters, featuring 82 floors, 1,004 rooms, and an infinity pool on the 76th floor. Developed by The First Group and designed by Norr, this property offers eight dining venues, a gym, meeting spaces, and a spa set to open in February 2026. Guests have access to Soluna Beach Club, making it a luxury destination.

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