Hotel Openings

🏨 Roshan and Srishankar have acquired The Lion Hotel and Restaurant, a 17th Century property in Berriew, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Former operators, sculptor Andrew Logan and Michael Davis, launched it in 2018 as a boutique hotel with seven en suite bedrooms and three dining rooms. After eight years, they are stepping back. The new operators aim to highlight hospitality and Welsh produce, positioning it as a destination restaurant and hotel. The sale was managed by Christie and Co's James Dodd.

🏨 Balfour Miami Beach, designed by Anton Skislewicz in 1940, joins Registry Collection Hotels. This 82-room South Beach icon blends Art Deco style with modern luxury. Guests enjoy amenities like complimentary beach chairs, bikes, and pet-friendly options. Culinary highlights include the Mediterranean-inspired Laurel and SoFi Coffee. Part of Wyndham's global portfolio, Balfour aligns with the brand's growth plans, including expansion into India by 2026. Located at 350 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

🏖 Meliá Hotels International, in collaboration with Gruppo Stay, will open its first hotel in the Dolomites in 2026, expanding its Italian presence. Located in one of Europe's limited and prestigious alpine markets, the development addresses supply scarcity while tapping into the area's destination value.

🏨 Liverpool is witnessing a surge in demand for aparthotels due to their flexibility and space, which traditional hotels lack. Aparthotels offer kitchens and living areas, attracting leisure visitors, business travelers, and remote workers. This model supports Liverpool’s dynamic cultural scene and enhances travel experiences, allowing guests to set their own pace. Operators benefit from varied stay lengths and efficient housekeeping. This accommodation type fits modern city breaks and bolsters Liverpool's visitor economy.

🏨 Hilton has partnered with Higuerón Developments to open Waldorf Astoria Marbella in 2029, marking the brand’s debut in Spain. The hotel will be located in Málaga province, reinforcing Hilton's luxury expansion in Southern Europe.

📍 Accor, in partnership with Capital Hospitality Europe (CHE) and EXTENDAM, opened TRIBE Den Haag Centraal, a flagship lifestyle hotel, in the Netherlands. This aligns with Accor's strategy to expand design-led lifestyle hotels in dense European cities through strategic developments.

🎁 Hilton Molino Stucky Venice offers festive celebrations from 8th December to New Year. Guests enjoy Italian-style banquets, live music, and a Roaring 20s-themed New Year’s Eve party. Key events include a seven-course New Year’s Eve dinner at Aromi for €490 per adult and a Twixmas feast on 27th December for €120. Spa treatments start at €90. Skyline Rooftop Bar hosts a New Year's Eve party for €100-€150. Room rates begin at €240 per night.

📌 Le Méridien Arlington will start a renovation in January 2026 to enhance its guest experience. The updates will include 154 guest rooms, public spaces, a new ballroom, and a restaurant. The renovation, inspired by local heritage and mid-century modern elegance, is expected to finish by Spring 2026. Located at 1121 19th St N, Arlington, VA, the hotel will remain operational with work done in phases to minimize guest impact.

🌟 From December 22, 2025, to January 9, 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands hosts "Celestial Festive." Events include Cosmic Flow Yoga, Coral Garden Snorkeling, and the Michelin-starred MINIMAL Gelato from December 18–25. Key dinners: Starlight Dinner on December 27, Penfolds Wine Dinner on December 30, and Ocean Aroma Dinner on January 2. The Galactic New Year Countdown on December 31 offers fine dining and performances. Celebrate New Year's Day with Cosmic Sound Baths and Zodiac Crystal Sessions.

🌍 Chester, UK, sees LTI announce 2025's top luxury hotels. Highlights include Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica, Rosewood Mandarina in Mexico, and The Chancery Rosewood in London, which tops the list. The Rocco Forte Carlton in Milan invested $60 million for 71 rooms, while Vienna's Mandarin Oriental offers 138 rooms. Dubai's Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab boasts 300 rooms and 86 suites. LTI provides detailed reporting for affluent travelers, funded by membership fees—no ads or bookings.