Hotel Openings

🍴 Lannan Pantry, a retail and event space, opened on 28th October in Edinburgh, next to the Lannan bakery. It offers seasonal produce, meats, charcuterie, cheese, and wine. The first pre-orders for viennoiserie went live on 4th November for collection from 11th November. Opening hours are 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Designed by Patricia Rodi and Natalie Cécile, the interior features French-inspired elements. Owner Darcie Maher aims for a zero-waste approach, integrating the pantry with Lannan's kitchen and bakery operations.

🍷 Who? Whisky expert Phil Keene, House of Hazelwood, and Treloyhan Manor. When? 30 November 2025. Where? Treloyhan Manor. What? Exclusive whisky tasting event featuring 250 years of whisky heritage with six rare whiskies aged between 33-53 years. How? Led by whisky expert Phil Keene; tickets cost £500 (or £250 with accommodation) for one of 36 spots.

🏠 The former HSBC bank in Chipping Norton is on sale by Watling Real Estate for £1.8 million. Built in the late 19th century for Midland Bank, it was vacated by HSBC in 2017. Planning consent exists for conversion to a boutique hotel and restaurant. Features include domed stained glass roof-lights. Located in the Cotswolds, the property suits various uses, tapping into local tourism, including attractions like Diddly Squat Farm Shop.

🏨 Habyt, one of Europe's largest flex-living operators, launched Atipico Hotels, debuting in Madrid. Founder Luca Bovone cites this as a natural evolution from Habyt Flex launched earlier this year. Atipico targets markets in Portugal and Italy, leveraging Habyt's extensive development and operational experience. As the flex-living model faces challenges, Habyt aims for sustainable growth by balancing community-focused coliving with short, medium, and long-term stays to avoid pitfalls like Sonder's collapse.

🏨 Ardbeg House, a luxury hotel on Islay, Scotland, opens with 12 themed bedrooms inspired by Ardbeg distillery. A Stannah Stairiser CR2 lift ensures accessibility to upper floors. Designed with Russell Sage Studio and over 20 architects, it features interactive elements like "Press for Smoke." The compact lift, installed in two days, accommodates wheelchairs with an 800mm x 1000mm platform. Challenges included ferry transport and tight space. Custom green paint matches the hotel's decor.

🏨 Scheduled for February 2026, the K West Hotel in West London will transform into Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherd’s Bush. This strategic shift follows a 2023 agreement between Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The revamped hotel will feature 231 rooms, a restaurant, bar, and wellness space. Inspired by its past as BBC’s Kensington House recording studios, it honors its musical legacy. Situated near cultural hotspots, it targets travelers seeking cultural experiences.

🏨 Crowne Plaza Budva is set to open in Budva's Slovenska obala promenade, offering 81 rooms, a sea-view restaurant, and meeting spaces. Developed with Uniprom Hoteli, it strengthens IHG's Adriatic presence. IHG operates 12 hotels in the Balkans, with 10 more in development. The project supports Montenegro's tourism growth, alongside global brands like Hyatt and Accor. Crowne Plaza brand has over 400 properties globally, enhancing its hybrid travel offerings.

🏖️ The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail, in Lionshead Village, transformed with a $40 million renovation in 2021, offers 344 rooms, including 22 suites. Located 150 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, it provides easy access to skiing and hiking. Features include a recovery-focused spa and four dining venues. Part of Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, it includes 29,000 sq. ft. of event space, with the Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 1,000 guests.

🍴 Claro, London, opened a year ago in St James’s, receiving Michelin Guide recognition. Chef Shadi Issawy and Chef Patron Ran Shmueli offer modern Mediterranean cuisine. The anniversary Berkshire menu celebrated local producers. Dishes included venison tartare from Vicars Game and a lamb platter slow-cooked for 15 hours. Head Sommelier Ron Bronfman paired wines like the 2022 Unterebner Pinot Grigio. Claro plans East Mediterranean–inspired holiday menus, embodying thoughtful hospitality and culinary excellence.

🏨 Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai opened at Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. This 303-meter tower, designed by UNStudio and engineered by Werner Sobek, features 259 rooms and suites, and 224 residences launching in 2026. The hotel offers 10 dining venues, a rooftop helipad, and a two-floor wellness center. With over 2,000 square meters of event space, the opening marks the brand's second Dubai location and expands its portfolio to 44 hotels in 27 countries.