Hotel Openings

🍺 Bursa Bar, designed by Mirzoyan Studio, opened in 2023 in Kyiv's historic Podil neighborhood. The 55-square-metre space features plywood panelled walls, a green latticed ceiling to enhance acoustics, and a design inspired by musical instruments, targeting vinyl enthusiasts and live-set fans. The bar includes a DJ booth and an extensive vinyl record collection, with lighting and ventilation systems concealed within the intimate atmosphere. Despite the ongoing war, Kyiv has seen new projects like this bar and others.

🏡 Wilderness Mokete opens in Botswana's Mababe region, offering tented suites within a 50,000-hectare private concession near the Okavango Delta. Nine ensuite canvas suites feature air conditioning, WiFi, retractable roofs, and are connected by wooden walkways. The site operates off-grid using renewable PV energy. Minor Hotels will debut Tivoli and NH brands in Yining, China, with a dual-branded 400-room hotel, set to open in 2026. Virgin Limited Edition joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Legend Collection with properties across various countries. Red Roof launches HomeTowne Studios Greenville with 50 rooms in South Carolina, following a $1 million renovation.

🎨 SDCO and Basic Projects revamped Sullivan's Fish Camp, a family-owned diner since 1988 in Charleston, blending contemporary and retro designs to reflect its history. Amy Pastre and Courtney Rowson of SDCO joined with Kate and Ben Towill of Basic Projects to create a visual identity encompassing bold typography, illustrations, and vintage art. The space features commissioned fish illustrations by Duane Raver and marine-grade finished furnishings to withstand beachgoer wear and tear. The design overhaul also extended to merchandise and tableware, with a product range including key chains, hats, and T-shirts. Sullivan's Fish Camp stands as a landmark among Charleston's growing creative scene, complete with a walk-up ice cream window and marine-themed memorabilia.

🏛 Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants launched Kimpton Claret Hotel in Denver, Colorado's Belleview Station neighborhood as the first lifestyle boutique hotel in the area. The 19-floor establishment features 190 guestrooms, including four suites, and offers Italian-inspired cuisine at Saverina, curated by Executive Chef Christian Graves. The Halo Rooftop Bar on the 19th story serves as a social spot with live music. The hotel provides 10,000 square feet of meeting space and is notable for being pet-friendly and having various amenities like yoga mats in every room. This is Kimpton’s second hotel in Denver.

🍺 The Pig’s Ear, run by brothers Richard and Oliver Gladwin, launches in Chelsea, replacing The Chelsea Pig pub. Chef Chris Hermes leads a kitchen promoting sustainable British seasonal cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the Gladwin family farm. Menu highlights include Lindisfarne oysters, Atlantic prawns, Scottish langoustines, Sussex rose veal liver, and Cornish megrim sole. The compact drinks menu offers cocktails, West Sussex sparkling wines, and Harvey’s Sussex ales. Featuring an old-world ambience, the pub dates back to 1870. More offerings include a refined dining room opening in September and a "living room" for various activities. The pub also hosts a bi-monthly 5km running club, "The Flying Pigs".

🏖 SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole in Wyoming, with its 121 all-suite property, has completed a property-wide redesign inspired by the Teton Range. The transformation includes updated suites, a new lobby, business center, fitness center, and 1,500 square feet of meeting space. The redesign was led by EDGEiD, incorporating local elements and art by the likes of Ryan Sheets and Christopher Warren. The hotel, near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, now offers an immersive guest experience with its modern aesthetic and natural elements.

🏡 Shinola to open its second hotel in a new $300 million multi-use development in downtown Indianapolis, featuring a 4,000-capacity music venue by Live Nation, retail space, and a skybridge. The 226,000 square foot, 13-story hotel will offer 170 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, terraces, event spaces, and a fitness center. Demolition starts Q4, completion expected in 2027. Public hearing on the proposal in August.

🏨 The LCP Group, L.P. originated construction financing for Moxy Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta's downtown entertainment district. Atlanta-based Nexera Capital and Emerge Hospitality Group are developing the 13-story, 183-room hotel, featuring a rooftop restaurant, lounge, lobby bar, and retail. Opening is set for Q2 2026. The property is near Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and major venues like State Farm Arena, with access to the 3.9 million sq ft Georgia World Congress Center.

📱 The Publisher, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opened in Fredericksburg, Va., joining Marriott Bonvoy. Owned by Vakos Companies, the hotel features 98 rooms, a bar, restaurant, and 2,000 sq ft of event space. Raines added Sea Palms Resort to its portfolio; the 121-room resort in St. Simons Island, Ga. includes an 18-hole golf course and various amenities, with Raines expanding by around 20 properties in six months. U.S. hotel industry saw declines: occupancy at 69.2% (-3.7%), ADR $158.21 (-1.5%), RevPAR $109.51 (-5.2%). RIU opened Riu Plaza Chicago with 390 rooms, planning a rooftop bar and further expansion in Toronto and New York. Marriott introduced Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, Calif., offering 376 rooms and 21,000 sq ft of meeting space.