Hotel Openings

🏨 Bob W plans to open a 136-unit aparthotel in Stuttgart's Bad Cannstatt district in 2027. The 3,000-square-metre property will feature smart apartments, a communal kitchen, and a 550-square-metre fitness area operated by FITSEVENELEVEN. Located near Bad Cannstatt railway station, it offers easy access to Stuttgart city centre. Real estate platform THRIVE 2039 eG, with apm projektmanagement GmbH, is developing the project, which aims for DGNB sustainability certification. Bob W plans 12 new openings across the DACH region.

🏨 Sonesta International Hotels Corporation reopened the Sonesta Essential Houston Hobby Airport in Newton, Massachusetts. This 131-room upper-midscale hotel is near William P. Hobby Airport and seven miles from downtown Houston. This marks Sonesta’s third hotel opening in Greater Houston in 2026. Sonesta Essential features include elevated bedding, high-speed complimentary WiFi, complimentary hot breakfast, all-day coffee, and a fitness center. The brand emphasizes easy new builds and conversions with flexible operational frameworks.

🏖 Hilton will convert Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina into Hilton Key West Resort & Marina on Stock Island, Key West, Florida, with reservations open from July 1, 2026. Owned by Sunstone Hotel Investors, the resort offers 175 guestrooms, including 86 suites, with private balconies. Amenities include dining venues, multiple pools, and recreational activities. A complimentary shuttle connects guests to downtown Key West. The resort features a 570 sq. ft. boardroom and a 1,140 sq. ft. outdoor patio for events.

🏨 Anchor Construction broke ground on the AC Hotel by Marriott CityCentre Houston, a six-story, 153-room hotel in West Houston, Texas, on a project valued at $19 million. The development, led by PA Hospitality and designed by DLR Group, spans 85,810 square feet, including a pool, bar, fitness center, and meeting space. Completion is anticipated in late 2027, with Anchor Construction overseeing the transition from planning to construction.

🌊 At the EHL HumanX Summit in Lausanne, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, discussed the brand's vision. In 2024, she assumed leadership of the luxury ocean travel brand. Explora I launched in 2023, Explora II in 2024, with a full fleet of six ships by 2028. Notably, 30% of guests are first-time sailors. Explora focuses on "ocean travel" instead of "cruising," offering an all-inclusive experience emphasizing time and ocean wellness.

🏨 After a seven-year restoration, Casa Bonavita opened in Attard, Malta, envisioned by the Rug Company's Christopher and Suzanne Sharp. The 17-room retreat blends historical charm with modern design, showcasing Sicilian marbles and Murano glass. The hotel features lush gardens cultivated over 15 years, two pools, a hammam, and dining by chef Dex Oseman. A highlight is the Folly Suite, a private villa-style sanctuary with a rooftop terrace and pool.

📖 North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith completed a £760,000 refurbishment of 22 bedrooms in six weeks, including bathroom remodels and furnishing updates. The hotel, off the M6 motorway and owned by Thwaites, also renovated its Hartside meeting room. Using blues, greens, and neutrals inspired by the Lake District, the refurbishment aims to enhance guest experience. The project follows a 2024 conference space update and emphasizes bespoke details and continuous investment.