Hotel Openings

🏨 Criterion Capital received planning approval from Wandsworth Council to transform the former Morley’s department store in Tooting into a Zedwell hotel. The development will retain the historic façade, adding 92 hotel rooms, retail, and food outlets. The project supports Criterion's reuse-first strategy, focusing on waste reduction and local regeneration. Construction timelines are yet to be announced. Halima Aziz, Criterion Hospitality's head, emphasizes the adaptive reuse philosophy and economic impact on the area.

🍹 Red Carnation Hotels has opened Stanley's, a new rooftop bar, at The Chesterfield Mayfair in London. The bar accommodates 60 guests, featuring a retractable roof and views of Mayfair. It serves cocktails like Stanley’s Martini and Thymes in Paris, and small plates such as lobster rolls. Opened amidst the group's refurbishment efforts, including 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh. The design includes burnt-cedar decking, a marble bar, and a mosaic by Maggy Howarth Studio.

🍴 Markus Thesleff, CEO of Thesleff Group, will open MA/NA, a luxury Japanese dining spot, in January 2026 at 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, West Mayfair. The 156-cover venue, led by Executive Chef Leo Tanyag, will offer refined Japanese dishes and an extensive drink list. Features include a private dining room for 20 and a cocktail bar directed by Pietro Collina. The design incorporates dark wood, amber lighting, and a dragon-shaped banquette. Register interest at www.manarestaurants.com.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts partners with Urban Property Group to bring Crowne Plaza Parramatta to Australia's central business district, opening 2029. Located opposite Parramatta Train Station, the 217-room hotel offers an all-day restaurant, lobby bar, rooftop infinity pool, and event spaces. Western Sydney International Airport's 2026 opening boosts accessibility. Parramatta's growth in commerce and culture attracts business and leisure travelers. Crowne Plaza has 14 hotels in Australia and 415 globally.

🏨 M Social Hotel New York Downtown opened after a transformation by Millennium Hotels and Resorts. Located in the Financial District, it boasts 569 rooms, including 98 suites, views of the Hudson River, and a new restaurant, Beast and Butterflies. The hotel offers 3,550 square feet of meeting space for up to 160 guests. Design features draw on local landmarks, and sustainability is prioritized with LED lighting and refillable water bottles. The hotel aims to be a social and business hub.

🍷 Who? Crú Food & Wine Bar, led by Simon Bozas. When? Expanded since 2002, with new openings planned for 2026 and 2027. Where? Locations in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado, and major airports; expansions in Atlanta, Dallas, Greenville, S.C., Florida, Arizona. What? Offering 30 wines by glass, 300+ by bottle; plans to open 4-6 new locations yearly, aiming for 25 in three years. How? Through brand refresh, updated menus, and e-commerce platform launch.

🏨 Radisson Hotel Group announced 210+ hotel signings and openings in 2025 across EMEA and APAC. In Europe, new properties will open in Manchester and London, with Radisson Blu expanding in Paris, France, Germany, Türkiye, and Montenegro. In China, 130 hotels have opened this year. Radisson surpassed 200 hotels in India. Radisson Red expanded in Oslo, UAE, India, and Thailand, focusing on sustainability with the second Verified Net Zero hotel in Oslo.

📍 Kirklees Council approved plans on October 2023 to redevelop Huddersfield’s George Hotel. Rooms will increase from 91 to 108, preserving its architectural heritage. The Grade II-listed hotel will include a bar, restaurant, gym, and conference facilities, operated by Radisson Red. This is part of Huddersfield's town centre regeneration, alongside The Light at Kingsgate and Our Cultural Heart projects. Councillor Graham Turner highlighted its impact on the local economy and visitor attraction.

✈ Shangri-La Group has opened Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport and Traders Hongqiao Airport at Shanghai's Hongqiao transportation hub, coinciding with the 8th China International Import Expo. The dual-branded development offers 91 rooms at Shangri-La and 520 at Traders, both connected to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and the high-speed rail. Traders features quick check-in/out and smart tech like luggage robots. Nearly 3,000 sqm of event space is available, reflecting a "luxury + efficiency" strategy.

🎧 Caledonian Edinburgh reopened its Caley Bar on Princes Street on 1 November after a refurbishment by Cunningham McLean. The renovation, inspired by Japan's jazz kissa, includes vinyl turntables and new seating. The bar offers a new cocktail menu with local ingredients, including the Birch drink, and small dishes. Owner Henderson Park and operator Klarent Hospitality led the investment. This relaunch is part of the hotel's ongoing updates while maintaining its distinguished reputation.