Hotel Openings

🏨 Criterion Capital acquired Mansell Court in Tower Bridge to launch Zedwell Tower Bridge, marking the second Zedwell in London's City. Following a November 2024 acquisition, the brand plans over 9,000 rooms in the UK, with future openings in London, York, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Zedwell hotels feature windowless cocoon rooms with body-cushioning mattresses and noise-reducing walls. Halima Aziz emphasizes its alignment with London's 'Destination City' strategy for sustainable urban retreats.

🏖️ Alltours plans significant expansions in Greece for the 2025 summer season, opening a 5-star hotel, Carolina Sun Beach, in Crete, and a modernized 4.5-star Allsun Malia Beach resort. This adds to their six Allsun properties in Greece. New Alltoura club resorts include Club Hotel Mare Blue & Village in Crete and Kiotari Miraluna Resort in Rhodes. Alltours extends its portfolio to Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Porto Heli, Nafplio, and Thessaloniki.

🏨 Arcotel Hotels opened its fourth Vienna property, Arcotel AQ, in Althan Quartier. The four-star hotel, offering 157 rooms and suites, fuses historical and contemporary design. The grand opening is set for September 2025. Located near Franz Josef Train Station, it supports local development and provides easy city access. Arcotel, with twelve hotels in Austria and Germany, plans further growth, including Arcotel Tabakfabrik in Linz in 2026.

🏠 Interior designer Marianne Tiegen completed a renovation project in Verbier, Switzerland, turning an old hotel into a 1,000-square-meter private residence for a London-based family. The "1936" project emphasized reclaimed materials, including 18th and 19th-century French antiques and regional alpine objects. Custom-made Belgian linen sofas, fireplaces, and mineral-based limestone paint were used. This seasonal retreat mirrors Tiegen's commitment to sustainable, circular design, evident in similar projects across Europe and North America.

🍴 China Tang, founded by the late Sir David Tang, is opening its Dubai location this weekend at The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection. With interiors inspired by 1930s Shanghai, it features 180 seats and two private dining rooms. Chef Li Zhenjun, with 25 years of experience, leads the kitchen. Signature dishes include Beijing Duck, prepared in a custom-built oven, and new creations like Foie Gras Cherries. Open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM, it aims to redefine dining in Dubai.

🏡 Aldar launches Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with 133 luxury furnished residences offering stunning views and amenities. Launching for sale on May 22, 2025, the development features one-to-three-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and penthouses. Residents enjoy 24/7 concierge services, wellness facilities, and entertainment areas. Designed by Nordic Office Architects and KZ Design Services, it targets sustainability with 3 Pearl Estidama and 2 Star Fitwel ratings, aiming for 25% lower emissions, and increased energy and water efficiency.

🎭 Glastonbury 2025 unfolds from June 25th, spotlighting The Pop-Up Hotel’s luxurious upgrades. Key features include Papa Salt gin (founded by Margot Robbie and others) hosting a pool party, Wild providing sustainable toiletries and Pilates sessions, BrewDog offering Punk IPA and Lost Lager, Wonderland Cocktails serving carbon-neutral canned drinks, and Beauty of Joseon gifting SPF skincare. These partners enhance festival experiences with refreshing beverages, eco-friendly wellness, and sun protection.

📍 IHG Hotels & Resorts launched Candlewood Suites Berlin Charlottenburg, marking the brand's debut in Germany. Located in Berlin's Charlottenburg district, it offers long-term travelers comfort and convenience. IHG plans further expansions in Germany, with upcoming locations in Fürth, Heidelberg, Düsseldorf, Augsburg, and another in Berlin. Candlewood Suites features studio and apartment-style rooms with amenities like kitchens, laundry, gym access, and a 24/7 marketplace. Chief partners include NOVUM Hospitality's CEO, David Etmenan.