Hotel Openings

🏨 The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride has launched a new 17-bedroom sea-view extension, part of a £3 million investment by SimpsInns. This addition boosts the total guest rooms to 40. The Kilmory Suite offers panoramic views and a hot tub. A luxury beachfront spa is set to open by early 2026, featuring six treatment rooms and a hydro pool. The restaurant is also being transformed for enhanced sea views.

🛌 Criterion Capital launched the first phase of the world's largest capsule hotel under the Zedwell brand at the historic London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus. The property offers nearly 1,000 soundproof, windowless capsules made from sustainable oak, starting at £30 per night. Guests can enjoy Hypnos mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, and shared amenities. Located near the Trocadero, future phases will expand on amenities and experiences, enhancing the affordable, sustainable, and experience-driven "cocoon" concept.

🏨 Murrayshall Country Estate, near Perth, launched luxury accommodation pods as the first phase of a £30m redevelopment, increasing capacity by 50%. This five-year project, in partnership with Armadilla, enhances the 365-acre estate's offerings, including a 27-hole golf course and AA Rosette restaurant. The expansion promises job creation in the area. Murrayshall recently won Best Hotel Experience at the Central and East of Scotland Thistle Awards. Future plans include a spa and fitness center.

📸 Raffles Hotels & Resorts launched the second part of ‘The Butler Did It’ campaign in London, featuring iconic butler service at Raffles London at The OWO. The narrative includes Tim Easton as the Butler and guests like Henry Golding and Jacquetta Wheeler. The campaign blends historical ambiance with modern storytelling, offering experiences like afternoon tea and personalized stories. Raffles expands globally with new hotels in Jaipur and Sentosa and future openings in Jeddah, Lake Como, Los Cabos, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

🏖 PENN Entertainment, Inc. will open a new hotel tower at M Resort Spa Casino, Las Vegas, on December 1, 2025, pending approvals. The $206 million project nearly doubles room capacity to 765. A new 15,000 sq. ft. Montese Ballroom will open on October 1, 2025. A new restaurant, Meril, in partnership with The Emeril Group, will open, adding to the property's amenities. This is part of PENN's growth, including projects in Illinois and Ohio.

🍴 Musaafer opened in New York City's Tribeca on August 25. Founded by Mithu and Shammi Malik, the 10,000 sq ft Michelin-starred restaurant features a dining room, a subterranean bar, and a “chef’s studio.” The Houston original offers dishes like butter chicken two ways and exclusive items like nihari birria tacos. Chef Mayank Istwal curated the menu. The space, designed by Chromed Studio, showcases vintage Indian architecture. Musaafer plans future expansions and new concepts.

📍 Faena New York opened in Manhattan, 2025, at 500 West 18th Street, marking 10 years after its Miami Beach launch and 20 years post-Buenos Aires debut. The hotel offers 120 guest rooms and a two-storey private residence. Dining, social areas, and the Tierra Santa Healing House wellness area are featured. The Plaza will house Faena Art and Faena Theatre, opening in spring 2026. Chef Francis Mallmann leads La Boca restaurant; interior design by Peter Mikic.

🏨 Azul Hospitality Group is now managing two Seattle hotels: the 153-room Hotel Theodore and the 160-room Mayflower Park Hotel. Partnered with Provenance Hotels and NBP Capital, both properties have prime downtown locations. Hotel Theodore will join Hilton's Tapestry Collection this fall, while Mayflower Park, established in 1927, remains a Historic Hotels of America member. Azul aims to enhance operational performance and elevate guest experiences, maintaining each hotel's unique identity.

🏨 The Ryokan Collection expands its luxurious offerings in Japan with new properties and cultural experiences. Hakone Kairai in Hakone spans 20,000 sq ft, 70 mins from Tokyo. FUFU Tokyo Ginza boasts hot springs and garden views. Gora Kadan Fuji offers Mount Fuji views. Upcoming in 2025, Ryokan Shinsen presents a Swordsmith Experience, and Hanamurasaki introduces the Yamanaka Retreat Tour. Anabuki Tei features a Michelin-trained sushi chef. Enhancements aim for immersive, culturally rich stays.

🌏 Aman is debuting Aman Karingani in Mozambique's 370,658-acre Karingani Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park. The resort includes 30 standalone pavilions with private pools and views, and three- to six-bedroom branded residences. Facilities feature a central Lodge, swimming pool, Aman Spa, and dining with local flavors. Vlad Doronin, Aman CEO, highlights a commitment to luxury and nature. This follows Amanvari's announcement in Mexico, expanding Aman's global presence.