Hotel Openings

🍷 Lancaster House Hotel completed a refurbishment of its Sandeman Bar, inspired by its 30-year connection with the House of Sandeman and its 1790 origins. Managed by Tammy Barwell, the update features new furnishings, artwork, and a Sandeman timeline. The design was influenced by a research trip to Porto and includes details like upholstered seating and a branded barrel. The bar continues to host port and cheese events, celebrating its history with Sandeman wines from Portugal's Douro Valley.

📈 Daish’s Holidays plans a £1m refurbishment across 10 UK hotels in early 2026, targeting 155 bedrooms and communal areas. The Sandringham Hotel in Weston-super-Mare receives the largest investment of £250k for 90 bedrooms. Scarborough, Llandudno, Newquay, Torquay, Weymouth, Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, and Eastbourne hotels will also upgrade rooms. Paul Harper emphasizes the investment's role in enhancing guest experiences with modern amenities amidst competitive hospitality demands.

🏠 Radisson Individuals adds New Bath Hotel and Spa to its UK portfolio in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. The 18th-century property features 54 rooms and an outdoor lido with mineral spring water. Spa amenities include ESPA products, hot tub, sauna, and steam room, accessible to guests and visitors. Dining services are offered at the Fountain Restaurant, and event spaces accommodate up to 150 guests. Located near the Peak District, it’s about 30 minutes from Derby and 2.5 hours from London by train.

🌴 1 Hotels plans to open 1 Hotel Cabo in Los Cabos, Mexico, by late 2028 or early 2029. Partnering with Grupo Questro and Grupo MRP, the resort will feature 124 rooms, infinity pools, and a rooftop bar. Emphasizing sustainability, it will use organic materials and biophilic design. The development will connect to 1 Homes Cabo, allowing residents access to hotel amenities. Architecture is led by Agustín Caso and Miguel De la Torre.

🏨 Marriott International has achieved 100 signed agreements for City Express by Marriott properties in the U.S. and Canada. In 2025, six hotels opened, with four more expected by year's end. Key projects include a 197-room hotel in Kissimmee, a 90-key property near Dulles Airport, a 73-room hotel in Amarillo, and an 86-room hotel in Carson City. The brand's expansion also includes two planned properties in Osaka, Japan, targeting midscale travelers.

🏨 Marriott International has reached 100 signed agreements for City Express by Marriott properties in the U.S. and Canada as of 2025. Six properties have opened this year, with four more set to open by year-end. Key upcoming locations include Kissimmee, Dulles, Amarillo, Sandusky, and Carson City. The brand targets midscale markets and offers amenities like modern guestrooms and complimentary breakfast. Expansion plans include two properties in Osaka, Japan.

🏠 Líbere Hospitality Group will open its first Paris property in the 8th arrondissement by early 2026. The Spanish firm aims to expand across Europe with an asset-light model, managing but not owning buildings. The Paris site currently has 12 apartments for up to 50 guests, set to increase to 19 units. Líbere, operating in six countries, plans revenue to exceed €32 million in 2025, with 1,000 units active and a 2,300-unit pipeline.

📍 Hilton London Bankside expands with 76 new rooms, increasing capacity to 368. Available from 1 February 2026, the expansion introduces 12 new room categories, enhanced amenities, and a ninth floor with skyline views. The project, by Splendid Hospitality and SpaceInvader, emphasizes sustainability with recycled materials. Hilton London Bankside, awarded Best Luxury Sustainable Hotel in Northern Europe in 2025, aims to enhance guest experiences and expand team opportunities.

🏨 Whitbread secures planning for a 421-room Premier Inn hub at Dorset House, Southwark. Acquired in May 2025, the 90,000 sq ft site will open in summer 2028. This marks Whitbread’s fourth Central London conversion in 2025, adding nearly 1,000 rooms. Investments exceed £100m, with aims for renewable energy use. Construction starts in the second half of 2026. Whitbread targets 125,000 UK rooms, with London housing 18% of its 86,000-room estate.

🏨 Roshan and Srishankar have acquired The Lion Hotel and Restaurant, a 17th Century property in Berriew, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Former operators, sculptor Andrew Logan and Michael Davis, launched it in 2018 as a boutique hotel with seven en suite bedrooms and three dining rooms. After eight years, they are stepping back. The new operators aim to highlight hospitality and Welsh produce, positioning it as a destination restaurant and hotel. The sale was managed by Christie and Co's James Dodd.