Hotel Openings

📍 Bangtao, Phuket is transforming into a lifestyle hub with nine hotels (1,640 rooms), nine branded residences (1,649 units), a retail mall, and an international school. Major brands like Marriott and Hilton are driving the change, dubbed "The Bangtao Effect." Key developments include the Peylaa Phuket Autograph Collection with 263 residences by 2028 and a mall opening in 2026. The NLCS Phuket International School will launch in 2028, accommodating up to 1,500 students.

🏨 Pursuit is investing millions to transform Grouse Mountain Lodge into Hotel Whitefish in Whitefish, Montana. By summer 2027, it will feature 144 guestrooms, pool upgrades, and a new 8,250-square-foot Event Pavilion opening in fall 2026. The Event Pavilion will host up to 350 guests, bringing total event space to 16,800 square feet. This project aims to boost local employment and tourism, providing a year-round destination for weddings and events.

🏨 Delano Miami Beach reopens, marking Paris Society's U.S. debut with Mimi Kakushi and Gigi Rigolatto restaurants. Located in South Beach, Miami, the hotel boasts 171 rooms, including Poolside Bungalows and two new penthouses on the 14th floor. The historic Delano Pool and Rose Bar are restored. The Source, a new wellness concept with a 22-seat sauna, opens this fall. Art from artists like Nicola Green and Nina Surel is featured throughout.

🏨 Radisson Hotel Group has rebranded Salzburg's largest conference hotel as Radisson Blu, boasting 262 rooms and 1,785 square meters of event space, including a ballroom for 1,000 guests. Located 300 meters from Salzburg's main railway station, it connects to Vienna, Munich, and Zurich. The property offers 16 event spaces with eco-friendly certifications. Facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, and Baroque restaurant. Salzburg Airport is 5 kilometers away.

📈 IHG Hotels & Resorts reports a temporary dip in Middle East demand due to the Iran war; however, booking for Q4 2026 is rebounding, fueled by GCC and Indian travelers. The Dubai government anticipates recovery in September with increased airline capacity. IHG operates 39 hotels in the UAE, 48 in Saudi Arabia, and 10 in Egypt, with plans to open 27 more in MENA by 2027. Regional meetings continue despite the absence of international conferences.

🏨 Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich, owned by Gough Hotels, has transformed its lobby into a 30-cover destination bar, increasing restaurant capacity by 20 covers. The project, in collaboration with design studio Faber, is part of a broader commercial repositioning, including a new spa and brand refresh. This reflects a trend among independent hotels to enhance communal spaces for increased revenue. Positive customer feedback highlights the success of these changes.

🏨 2026, Tripadvisor announced its Travelers' Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Hotels. G.H. Universal Hotel in Bandung, Indonesia, ranked as the world's No. 1 hotel, noted for its Renaissance-style architecture and luxury amenities like a pet hotel. Reviews from January 1 to December 31, 2025, determined the winners. Other top destinations include Hotel Colline de France in Brazil and FivePine Lodge and Spa in Oregon, USA.

🏊️ Holiday home operator Habitat First Group will launch the Firefly Spa and Restaurant at its Silverlake estate in Dorset on 1 August 2026. The facility, featuring a 25-meter heated outdoor pool, sauna, and wild swimming zones, is the company's largest investment targeting the UK wellness tourism market. In partnership with Espa, it offers specialized treatments and lakeside dining. A second phase in 2027 will add a gym. Located in a nature reserve, it's open to guests, property owners, and residents.