Hotel Openings

🏨 Extended Stay America opened its Select Suites location in Sterling, Colorado. The new property, developed by Colorado Hospitality Services, features 104 rooms across two stories with full kitchens and amenities like an indoor swimming pool and recreation room. The brand now boasts over 200 locations. Strategically situated near Sterling Regional MedCenter and key employers, the site caters to extended-stay travelers, reflecting a commitment to reliable and practical accommodations.

🌊 Meliá Hotels International opened Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives in January, expanding its global reach to South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Guests reach the resort with a 30-minute seaplane from Malé International Airport. It features 100 oceanfront villas, four dining venues, and activities like snorkeling. Visitors enjoy two infinity pools and a spa. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO, highlights the Maldives as an exclusive destination. Meliá runs over 400 hotels globally.

🏪 Extended Stay America unveils its Select Suites in Sterling, Colorado, featuring 104 suites equipped with full kitchens. Developed by Colorado Hospitality Services, the two-story hotel offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a recreation room. Nearby are key facilities like Sterling Regional MedCenter and Northeastern Junior College. Since launching in 2022, the Select Suites brand has expanded to over 200 locations, indicating strong demand for extended stay accommodations across the U.S.

🏨 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile completed a multi-phase renovation in November. The 347-room hotel, located in Chicago's shopping district, is owned by Northwestern Medicine. Two floors were converted into a care facility. The design, inspired by "Where the City Meets the Lake," features work from local artists, including Matthew Hoffman and Joe Craft. Lighting was enhanced for energy and guestroom appeal. The project involved suppliers like Distinction Hospitality and Zenith Rugs.

📍 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile completed a renovation in November, transforming its 347-room property. Two floors were converted for Northwestern Medicine's care facility in Chicago's shopping district. Designers, including Laurie Miller of Anderson/Miller, Ltd., incorporated playful colors and lighting enhancements. Local artists contributed, with sculpture and murals enriching spaces. The theme “Where the City Meets the Lake” influenced design, blending urban and natural elements. Suppliers like Distinction Hospitality and Zenith Rugs supported the project.

🏠 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile completed a major renovation in November. The 347-room hotel, owned by Northwestern Medicine, converted two floors for care facility use, balancing Northwestern's needs with guest preferences. Laurie Miller's design incorporated playful colors and enhanced lighting, working with local artists like Matthew Hoffman and Joe Craft. Suppliers included Distinction Hospitality, Marquis Seating, Maharam, Renwil, and Zenith Rugs. The design theme, "Where the City Meets the Lake," featured colors like coral maroon and marigold.

🏨 November 2026, Chicago: Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile completed a renovation of its 347-room hotel, owned by Northwestern Medicine. Two floors were converted into care facilities. Laurie Miller led design decisions, incorporating local art and playful color themes to cater to both hospital and traditional guests. The renovation emphasized lighting enhancements, including a layered lighting approach and playful color palettes. Collaborations featured local artists and suppliers like Distinction Hospitality, Renwil, and Zenith Rugs.

🏨 Global hotel construction reached an all-time high in Q4 2025 with 15,922 projects (2,437,354 rooms). The U.S. led with 6,146 projects, followed by China at 3,608. Dallas topped city rankings with 193 projects. Record highs were noted in India and Saudi Arabia, with 906 and 394 projects, respectively. Luxury chain growth hit 1,328 projects. In 2025, 2,371 hotels opened globally, and 2026 forecasts include 2,617 new hotels.

🏇 In 2026, Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, will unveil new hospitality spaces during the Spring Meet. The Paddock Building, designed by Matthew Carter, will feature venues like the 1936 Room, Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Ivy Room, and The Rooftop. Over 1,000 new dining tickets will be available, offering varied experiences from lounge seating to buffet-style dining and private gatherings. The design harmonizes with Keeneland's historic and park-like setting, enhancing the race-day experience.

🍴 Nigel Ng, known as Uncle Roger, will open his first UK restaurant, "Kawan by Uncle Roger," in April at 12 Macclesfield St, Chinatown London. With 5 million followers, Nigel partners with Keng Yew and Chef Daren Liew. Kawan spans approximately 1600 sq ft, seating around 60. The menu blends Asian and British cuisines, with fried rice as a signature dish. Designed for sharing and socialisation, it targets tourists, locals, and ESEA communities.