Hotel Openings

🍴 Motek, founded by Charlie and Tessa Levy, opened its first New York location in the Flatiron District. Established in 2020, this Miami-born Mediterranean restaurant is known for its kosher-style menu and vibrant design. The New York space was designed with Silvia Zofio of SZPROJECTS, combining Mediterranean warmth with New York's sophistication through vintage-inspired elements and natural materials. This flagship celebrates cultural connection and storytelling, aiming to recreate familial hospitality in an elegant setting.

🏨 Hotel renovations enhance existing elements to meet modern guest expectations. Key areas include guest rooms, bathrooms, public areas, infrastructure, and exteriors. Renovation differs from remodeling, focusing on improvement rather than structural changes. Factors prompting renovation include wear and tear, outdated design, guest feedback, safety issues, and brand alignment. Key renovation ideas include exterior updates, lobby redesigns, guest room enhancements, tech integration, and sustainability. Planning tips involve phased renovations, budgeting, hiring experienced contractors, and transparent guest communication.

🏨 Bi Design House, founded by Sheila Man, is a five-bedroom guesthouse located in Canggu, Bali. Originally designed by Sylvia Fairman, the house transformed into a bespoke hotel after five years. The renovation, featuring Indonesian art and design, took two years. Collaborating with Canadian designer Annie Gauvreau, the design reflects local craftsmanship. The property includes themed rooms, a central courtyard, and views over rice paddies, emphasizing natural airflow and sustainability.

🍴 Chicago, early September: Adalina Prime, a 10,500 square-foot steakhouse, opens in Fulton Market, created by chef Soo Ahn and his team. Featuring global influences, the menu includes Illinois-raised wagyu and dishes like tteokbokki mac & cheese. The restaurant, designed by Dunne Kozlowski, features an open kitchen and two-story wine cellar. Executive chef Nemanja Milunović and chef de cuisine Andy Lownes join Ahn. The bar, managed by Damian Keehn, serves until 1 a.m. on weekends.

🍴 Nina Matsunaga launches Tsuchi, a new restaurant concept at The Black Bull, Sedbergh, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The tasting menu, priced at £85 for seven courses, is available Wednesday to Saturday dinner and Saturday lunch. Matsunaga blends British seasonal ingredients with Japanese and German influences. Wine pairing costs an additional £55. Reservations via phone or the website.

🎷 Every Wednesday, Meliá White House in London hosts "Sip & Sax" from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at '35 Bar and Lounge, featuring live music by pianist or saxophonist and singer. Guests enjoy 50% off cocktails during Social Hour from 7 pm to 9 pm. Notable performers include Stacey Dawson and Jon Nickoll. Signature cocktails include Delicious Sour, Flora Dora, and Vesper, and guests can savor a varied food menu. For reservations, call +44 207 391 3000.

🏝 Reimagined Lagen Island, a private resort in Bacuit Bay, reopens in September 2025 after a year-long transformation. Featuring refreshed interiors inspired by Filipino heritage, the resort offers eco-friendly experiences. October marks the end of the rainy season, revealing lush landscapes and 28°C seas, ideal for kayaking, windsurfing, and turtle spotting. The island emphasizes regenerative travel, offering conservation talks, craft sessions, and serene nature exploration. Enjoy a warm escape with a focus on nature and cultural immersion.

🍹 Anise, located in Devonshire Square near Liverpool Street, reopened in September 2025 after a full renovation. Bar Manager Piyush Gouchwal collaborated with mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana on an innovative cocktail menu, blending Indian spices with local botanicals. The bar offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, including the City of Colour and Keralan Sunset. Chef Vivek Singh's menu includes Indian-inspired bar bites like Mumbai chilli cheese toastie. The bar operates Monday to Saturday, 3 pm to midnight.

🏨 AMANO Group, a German boutique hotel brand, acquired Waterman House at 41 Kingsway, London, on September 29. Formerly an office, this property will become a 70-room hotel, revitalizing a vacant 25,000 sq ft building. Located near Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, this £20m acquisition brings AMANO’s London investments to £150m. The group aims to replicate its Covent Garden success, which boasts over 90% occupancy. Waterman House redevelopment expects streamlined operations with existing hotels.

🍴 Kwame Onwuachi joined Las’ Lap's team for their new Miami Beach location, opened on August 5 at the Daydrift Hotel. This is the brand's first expansion outside New York, serving Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken and codfish fritters. The 3,000-square-foot space features an extensive rum selection and cocktails with island ingredients. The intimate design includes a rooftop bar and a lush patio. Onwuachi's Afro-Caribbean menu honors his Creole, Nigerian, Jamaican, and Trinidadian heritage.