Hotel Openings

🏨 Global hotel construction reached an all-time high in Q4 2025 with 15,922 projects (2,437,354 rooms). The U.S. led with 6,146 projects, followed by China at 3,608. Dallas topped city rankings with 193 projects. Record highs were noted in India and Saudi Arabia, with 906 and 394 projects, respectively. Luxury chain growth hit 1,328 projects. In 2025, 2,371 hotels opened globally, and 2026 forecasts include 2,617 new hotels.

🏇 In 2026, Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, will unveil new hospitality spaces during the Spring Meet. The Paddock Building, designed by Matthew Carter, will feature venues like the 1936 Room, Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Ivy Room, and The Rooftop. Over 1,000 new dining tickets will be available, offering varied experiences from lounge seating to buffet-style dining and private gatherings. The design harmonizes with Keeneland's historic and park-like setting, enhancing the race-day experience.

🍴 Nigel Ng, known as Uncle Roger, will open his first UK restaurant, "Kawan by Uncle Roger," in April at 12 Macclesfield St, Chinatown London. With 5 million followers, Nigel partners with Keng Yew and Chef Daren Liew. Kawan spans approximately 1600 sq ft, seating around 60. The menu blends Asian and British cuisines, with fried rice as a signature dish. Designed for sharing and socialisation, it targets tourists, locals, and ESEA communities.

🌳 Grand Metropolitan Hotels' Brionj brand will open a sustainable resort in Janja Gora, Croatia, in 2027. Located near Plitvice Lakes, this exclusive resort will feature around 60 lodges, emphasizing sustainability and "nature-to-table" cuisine. Guests can explore the private hunting reserve, home to diverse wildlife, with guided tours. The project, led by Valter Kiš and Martin R. Smura, promises luxury and tranquility in a pristine natural setting.

🏨 The Webster is launching hotels in London and New York in 2026. The Webster Covent Garden opens in London this July, followed by The Webster Times Square in NYC later this year. London’s hotel features 110 guestrooms on Lincoln’s Inn Fields. New York's property is on the historic Webster Hotel site. Both hotels offer mid-century designs and communal spaces. London includes three dining venues, and New York partners with Maison Premiere. London reservations start at £350/night.

🏠 The Woodcote, West Sussex, received planning approval to convert its historic pub and cottage into a lodge with a bistro and 16 suites. Led by McLean Quinlan, the project restores hedgerows, creates wetlands, and manages rainwater. It aims to maintain South Downs views, add woodlands, and protect the Dark Sky Core Area with low-level lighting. Ledmore Capital aims for Michelin Green Star recognition. Landscape architects Studio Engleback and designer Peter Mikic guide the project to blend with nature.

📍 Ruby Group's Milan venture will feature a 128-room hotel, scheduled for 2028 in the Isola district as the third Italian property. This aligns with their dense European urban market strategy, debuted in Rome. Supported by a partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, Ruby uses a "Lean Luxury" model for efficient growth. The initiative reinforces Ruby's position in high-liquidity markets, bolstered by collaboration with Kervis SGR for urban redevelopment.

🏨 Locke Copenhagen opens in March in Postbyen, a new district near Central Station, Tivoli Gardens, and the Meatpacking District. This first Scandinavian location includes 234 rooms, showcasing world-class interior design and vibrant, dynamic social spaces inspired by Denmark’s design heritage.

🌴 Crystal Cove, Barbados, opened on the West Coast, 15.9 miles from Grantley Adams International Airport, featuring 88 rooms. As the first all-inclusive Tribute Portfolio resort, it merges vibrant design with island living. The resort boasts three lagoon pools, two restaurants, and a coffee shop, with the Cave Bar as a standout feature. Guests enjoy motorized and non-motorized water sports, a kids club, and a fitness center. The resort caters to up to 70 people for events.