Hotel Openings

🏨 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.

🏠 Since 2023, Marriott's branded residences portfolio expanded by 23% in Europe and 59% in the Middle East and Africa. As of 2025, Marriott signed nearly 20 new agreements in EMEA, half being standalone projects. The portfolio spans 18 countries with 33 locations and over 50 projects in the pipeline. Key 2025 developments include locations in Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, and Dubai, with six more openings expected by year-end.

🏠 Sam Nazarian and Marc Anthony are collaborating on HQ Residences in Miami's Edgewater, a 35-story luxury apartment building. Due for completion by 2025, it features units starting at $850,000, with amenities spanning nearly 16,000 sq. ft., including a yoga studio, pool deck, and chef’s kitchen. Dining options include Toma Gourmet by Sofia Vergara and Jack’s NYC Coffee. Developed with Black Salmon, The Boschetti Group, and Constellation Group, the project includes Marc’s speakeasy for nightlife.

🏨 Florence's hidden side comes alive at The James Suite Hotel, where the "Thirteen Mysteries" cocktail menu draws from the city's enigmatic past. In Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the Palazzo Grifoni's open window symbolizes eternal love, inspired by a Renaissance legend. Room rates at this unique experience start at €600 for double occupancy. Explore Florence's secret tales in a city where history, myth, and imagination blend seamlessly.

🏨 Emblems Collection, from Accor, launched its UK flagship, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa in Wiltshire, featuring 42 rooms, 9 cottages, 2 restaurants, a spa, and equestrian center. Six new openings are planned for 2026-2027 across Italy, Greece, and Canada. Accor aims for 60 properties globally by 2032, targeting Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Maud Bailly, CEO, highlights the brand's focus on understated luxury and tranquility.