Hotel Openings

🛌 White Hart Hotel in Lincoln has opened two luxury treatment rooms in its new Aquitaine Spa, part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment led by owner Andrew Long. By early 2027, the spa will include a swimming pool and wet spa. Treatments feature detox massages and Amethyst Trust options for medically frail clients. The new 11m Vitality Pool construction begins this autumn, with full spa facilities expected to be ready by early 2027.

🏨 Guildford's Harbour Hotel undergoes a £3 million refurbishment, transforming all 183 rooms by summer 2025. The first phase revamps 72 rooms, enhancing them with luxury interiors and modern technology. Guests enjoy amenities like complimentary in-room gin and Smart TVs. The hotel also supports the local YMCA by donating beds. This initiative is part of Harbour Hotels’ broader update across its 14 UK properties, reflecting commitment to luxury and community engagement.

🍴 September, Lilibet’s opens at 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair. Ross Shonhan launches this 160-cover restaurant, offering exquisite seafood in a setting inspired by British elegance. With dishes tracing an imaginary Grand Tour, the menu features creations like whole turbot pil pil and lobster bisque. Designed by Russell Sage Studio, Lilibet’s reflects a timeless charm with handcrafted elements. The venue will include an Oyster Bar, outdoor terrace, and Cocktail Bar, with bookings available online.

🌊 December 12, 2025, in Jukkasjärvi, ICEHOTEL 36 will open, with 29 artists from 9 countries crafting a 2,800-square-meter hotel using 2,000 tons of Torne River ice. New features include art suites like "Sweep Me Off My Feet" and "Spaghettification." Experience Northern Lights, ice sculptures, and ICEBAR. In mid-November, construction begins, and ICEHOTEL 365 remains open year-round. Explore dog sledding, Northern Lights safaris, and savor local cuisine.

🎨 Lough Erne Resort, 12th-14th September 2025, hosts a "Sketch & Stay" retreat with artist Eamon Colman in Fermanagh Lakelands. Guests enjoy art masterclasses, luxury breakfasts, and a visit to Hambly & Hambly at Dunbar House. Includes a two-night stay, Thai Spa access, and meals. Booking starts at £565 per person, with single occupancy rates available. Call +44(0)28 6632 3230, quoting "Hambly" to book.

🍾 August 2025, at Fairmont Windsor Park, The Library will transform into a Japanese Whisky and Sushi Bar. This space offers a curated collection of whiskies, including rare varieties from Yamazaki, Nikka, and Hakushu. Chef Giri, with experience from Moka London and Buddha Bar, crafts the sushi menu. The bar offers sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails. The setting features an ornate fireplace and a library bookcase, creating a sophisticated experience for guests.

🏨 Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin has joined The Unlimited Collection by Ascott in 2025. It features 136 rooms, three food and beverage venues, including the Toast Restaurant and Buskers Bar, and a sports bar with 24 screens. The hotel is the second in the UK and Ireland to join the collection. The U Shop offers local products and souvenirs. This addition emphasizes Ascott's focus on authentic, culturally rich experiences in key cultural hubs.

💰 Dalata Hotel Group's EBITDA fell 5% to €102.5m for the half-year ending June 30, 2025. Profit-after-tax dropped 45% to €19.6m. Despite a 2% dip in RevPAR and a slight decrease in occupancy, revenues rose 1% to €306.5m, aided by four new hotels in Berlin, Madrid, Edinburgh, and Dublin, adding over 1,000 rooms. On July 15, the board recommended a €6.45 per share offer from the Pandox Consortium, a 49.7% premium.

🏨 Whitbread will open a second Premier Inn in Bath city centre on Lower Bristol Road, replacing the vacant Beazer House office block. The 152-bedroom, six-storey hotel, with a restaurant and bar, will begin construction in early 2026 and open in 2028. It will achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and run on renewable electricity. Bath attracts six million visitors annually, and Whitbread plans to expand to 125,000 rooms from its current 85,000 across 850 hotels in the UK and Ireland.