Hotel Openings

🏨 Fort George Hotel and Spa in Belize City was awarded Belize’s Best MICE Hotel for 2025 at the World MICE Awards in Bahrain on 6 December. The Lord Ashcroft Centre, offering over 6,600 square feet of flexible meeting space for up to 500 guests, was a significant factor. Opened in early 2024, the hotel features in-house event planning and a new room tower set for 2026, adding 120 rooms. Located 30 minutes from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport.

🏨 Valencia Hotel Collection acquires property in downtown Tyler, Texas, to build Hotel Blackstone, reimagining the historic Blackstone Hotel. Originally opened in 1922 and demolished in 1985, it will reopen as a boutique hotel with 144 guestrooms and 5,700 sq. ft. of event space. Positioned at Broadway and Ferguson Streets near Smith County Courthouse, construction starts post-design approval. Hotel Blackstone aims to boost Tyler’s economic growth, blending Art Deco with East Texas charm.

🏨 Whitbread, the parent of Premier Inn, received approval to transform Dorset House, a 90,000 sq ft vacant office in Southwark (SE1), into a 421-room hub by Premier Inn. This marks the end of a busy development year in Central London, emphasizing the group's focus on conversion-led growth.

🏨 Hilton has launched Canopy by Hilton in Türkiye with hotels in Istanbul and Izmir, representing a regional development strategy. The openings emphasize the significance of lifestyle brands in Hilton's pipeline. Operators and investors are focusing on design-led, locally integrated properties in high-demand urban areas.

🍷 Lancaster House Hotel completed a refurbishment of its Sandeman Bar, inspired by its 30-year connection with the House of Sandeman and its 1790 origins. Managed by Tammy Barwell, the update features new furnishings, artwork, and a Sandeman timeline. The design was influenced by a research trip to Porto and includes details like upholstered seating and a branded barrel. The bar continues to host port and cheese events, celebrating its history with Sandeman wines from Portugal's Douro Valley.

🏨 The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced a new Vivanta hotel in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The 100-key hotel will feature contemporary design, dining options, and a pool lounge bar. It includes meeting rooms and a banquet hall over 2,500 sq. ft. Vellore, known for its cultural and educational significance, is a major hub for education and healthcare. This project is IHCL's first in Vellore, expanding its presence in India.

📈 Daish’s Holidays plans a £1m refurbishment across 10 UK hotels in early 2026, targeting 155 bedrooms and communal areas. The Sandringham Hotel in Weston-super-Mare receives the largest investment of £250k for 90 bedrooms. Scarborough, Llandudno, Newquay, Torquay, Weymouth, Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, and Eastbourne hotels will also upgrade rooms. Paul Harper emphasizes the investment's role in enhancing guest experiences with modern amenities amidst competitive hospitality demands.

🏨 lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne, a 90-room hotel, opened in December 2025 at 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Managed by The Ascott Limited, the hotel is near key attractions like Queen Victoria Market. The site, originally a YWCA hostel from 1975, was redesigned by DKO architects. Featuring Bonnibel restaurant and event spaces for up to 250 guests, it's part of lyf’s expansion, following successes like lyf Bondi Junction Sydney, which achieved over 85% occupancy in 2025.

🏨 Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, opened after a $30M transformation from the former Verdanza Hotel. Located near Isla Verde Beach, the hotel features 223 rooms. Guests enjoy access to Vivo Beach Club and its amenities. Renowned chef Efraín Cruz leads culinary offerings. With 16,000 sq. ft. of event space, it marks the sixth Hyatt in Puerto Rico, managed by Highgate Hotels, alongside three other Puerto Rican properties.

🏨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) celebrated the grand opening of Hyatt Studios Huntsville, Alabama, marking its second property with 3H Group, following Mobile's earlier launch. Situated near Redstone Arsenal and local attractions, the hotel offers 120 studio suites with full kitchens, a 24/7 market, free breakfast, and EV charging. The property features a 623-square-foot meeting room. In 2026, 3H Group plans to debut a Caption by Hyatt in Chattanooga, expanding its southern U.S. presence.