Hotel Openings

🍳 Robert Aikens has been appointed executive head chef at The St. Regis London, opening in Mayfair mid-2026. The hotel will feature 195 rooms, including 66 suites, an all-day restaurant, a jazz bar, and private dining spaces, following the redevelopment of the former Westbury Mayfair hotel. Designed by Richmond International, it includes two new floors and expanded public areas. St. Regis operates over 61 hotels globally, with the London site being its latest addition.

🏨 Travelodge has opened a 151-room hotel in Stratford, London, its 86th property in the city. The hotel, converted from a vacant office building, avoids new construction's carbon impact. It features a Bar Café and is near Stratford Station and attractions like Westfield Stratford City and London Stadium. Travelodge operates over 600 UK hotels and plans 300 more. Tony O’Brien highlights the project's sustainability and financial benefits.

🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has opened Ginger Gurugram in Sector 1, Gurugram, Haryana, developed by the Rajdarbar Group. Located in the Global Foyer Mall, the hotel features 59 smartly designed rooms, Qmin culinary platform, an infinity pool, a fitness center, and boardrooms. Gurugram is a major corporate and tech hub in India. For more details, visit Ginger Gurugram's [hotel website](https://www.gingerhotels.com/hotels/ginger-gurugram-sector-1).

📈 Minor Hotels is targeting growth in 2026 with a focus on market depth, portfolio diversification, and capital-efficient expansion. The group signed 40 contracts in 2025 and expects 25 new signings in Q1 2026. With over 640 properties globally, they aim for asset-light expansion, including 60% of new deals in the Middle East and Asia. Expansion in North America, Japan, and India is planned, alongside a REIT listing in mid-2026 to enhance capital efficiency.

🌊 NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, located in Baa Atoll, Maldives, has reopened after extensive refurbishment, featuring 105 villas, 30 overwater, and the unique 150 sqm Reethi Suite. The eco-friendly resort includes diverse dining options across eight restaurants and bars. Accessible by a 35-minute seaplane from Malé or a domestic flight followed by a speedboat. Guests enjoy activities from water sports to wellness treatments at REVIVE Spa & Wellness. Close to Hanifaru Bay, famous for manta rays and whale sharks.

🏠 Emirates Developments and Jumeirah will develop Jumeirah Residences Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, blending vibrant city life with luxury experiences. The project will feature 253 apartments from one to five bedrooms, located adjacent to The Galleria Mall, offering canal and city skyline views. In 2025, Emirates Developments launched a Hilton residential tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, and "Stellar By Elie Saab" on Yas Island, showcasing their commitment to high-value branded residences.

🏨 Meliá Hotels International plans to expand in Malta and Gozo with nine hotels opening by 2026. The project, in partnership with Agius Group's Blue Clay Collection, aims to enhance Malta's luxury tourism. In November 2025, Hotel Ben Marsalforn Affiliated by Meliá opened on Gozo. Two new hotels will launch in Victoria, Gozo, along with locations in San Lawrenz, Buggiba, and St. Julian's. The expansion supports Malta's MICE sector with conference facilities.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to expand its footprint in Greater China by the first half of 2026 with new openings across over 200 cities. Currently, IHG operates over 1,400 hotels, with 13 brands in the region. Upcoming locations include Chongqing, Huzhou, Hefei, Ningbo, Jinan, and Nanjing. Key openings include InterContinental Taipei and Holiday Inn Shanghai Tourism Zone. These efforts are part of IHG's strategy to cater to evolving travel trends and diverse guest expectations.

🏨 Domes Resorts has entered the Spanish market by taking over Baobab Suites in Tenerife, located in Costa Adeje. Baobab Suites features 125 suites, three restaurants, and several private pools, earning a 92% satisfaction score on TripAdvisor. It has added a wellness and sports area with four paddle courts, a beach volleyball court, and yoga facilities. This move enhances Domes Resorts' international presence, aiming to expand in both mature and emerging tourism markets.

🏨 The Grand Hotel Vanuatu will reopen in Port Vila on 6 March 2026, after the casino's reopening on 4 December 2025. The hotel, damaged by a December 2024 earthquake, underwent extensive restoration. Upgrades include 74 rooms and suites, a coral-colored exterior, dining options, and five event spaces. Located by Port Vila harbour, it's 15 minutes from the airport. The Zagame family owns this iconic four-star hotel, a symbol of resilience and renewal.