Hotel Openings

🏨 New York City and Phoenix are set to lead U.S. markets in hotel room openings by 2026, with 4,852 and 3,650 rooms, respectively. Dallas will follow with 3,558 rooms. In 2025, 749 hotels with 79,116 rooms will open, while 2026 is projected to see 891 hotels with 99,011 rooms. The trend continues in 2027, with 1,688 hotels and 191,926 rooms anticipated. Despite challenges, optimism remains high due to the record number of projects in the pipeline.

📍 IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to expand to over 400 hotels in India by 2026, operating 51 hotels and developing 80 more with nearly 12,000 rooms. In 2025, India marked a third consecutive year of record signings. Key brands include Six Senses, InterContinental, and Crowne Plaza, with Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express representing over 70% of operations. Garner and Vignette Collection are new market entries. Crowne Plaza Lucknow, IHG's 50th hotel, opened in May 2025.

📍 Appellation Healdsburg, opened in Sonoma County, joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Located in Healdsburg, it spans 8.5 acres with 108 rooms, two pools, and a spa. Culinary offerings include Folia Bar & Kitchen and Andys Beeline rooftop lounge, led by local chefs. The resort promotes regional traditions through workshops and is part of SLH’s 650+ hotels across 90+ countries, emphasizing a connection to place and luxury experiences.

🏨 Motto by Hilton Nashville Downtown opened in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring 13 stories and 260 rooms, managed by Chartwell Hospitality and owned by Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. Located in the South of Broadway district, it offers 44 connecting rooms and a variety of room options. The hotel includes amenities like a fitness center and a ground-level coffee shop. Junie's Drink and Graze provides globally inspired small plates and cocktails, celebrating local Tennessee whiskey.

🏠 Staycity Group announced a new 20-year lease for an aparthotel in Vienna's 4th District, set to open in 2028. The 300-apartment complex will feature amenities like a gym and co-working areas, situated near Taubstummengasse U-Bahn. Construction begins this summer, marking Staycity's partnership with JP Immobilien. Staycity, operating 39 aparthotels with about 6,400 keys, plans to expand with over 6,900 keys. This project complements their Wilde, Vienna Fleischmarkt, launched earlier this year.

🏨 Black Sheep Hotels opened the Ambassador Hotel in Inverness on 17 January 2026 after a £6 million refurbishment of the former Strathness House Hotel. Located on Ardross Terrace, the hotel, built in 1874, now features 14 boutique rooms. The hotel includes the Talk of the Town restaurant, led by chef Sinclair Pinto, offering a Scottish-Indian menu using local produce. The renovation preserved original features and introduced contemporary design. The hotel is near Inverness Castle and other landmarks.

🌊 Meliá Hotels & Resorts will open Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives in January 2026 in the South Ari Atoll. The resort features 100 oceanfront villas, offering Water, Sunset Suite, and Beach Villas. Guests reach the resort via a 30-minute seaplane from Malé International Airport. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling and diving in the nearby South Ari Marine Protected Area, home to whale sharks and manta rays. The resort includes four dining options, two infinity pools, and a spa.

📍 IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to triple its presence in India by 2030, adding 80 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms. By 2025, IHG will have 400 hotels, supported by strong owner confidence. The Vignette Collection will debut in 2026, enhancing luxury offerings. Holiday Inn Express leads signings in Q3 2025, while Crowne Plaza represents 25% of hotels in development. New Garner hotels will open in Etawah, Kathua, Kutch, and Bhiwadi.

🏨 Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena opens this spring in the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood. It features 131 rooms, including 27 Spanish colonial-style and the luxurious two-bedroom Catroux Suite. Guests can enjoy eight dining concepts, two rooftop pools, and wellness at UMARI Spa. Designed by François Catroux, the hotel integrates historic restoration with modern luxury, offering panoramic views and access to Cartagena's rich cultural sites. There are also 15 private residences and event spaces with two ballrooms.

🏨 Ayan Hotels & Resorts unveiled Ayan Zalaat Hotel & Spa near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Opened in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the 32-room retreat offers luxury with European design, Mongolian cultural elements, and 10 dining venues. Ayan Zalaat features a spa with Swiss expertise, cultural performances, and extensive event spaces. Ayan Hotels plans to expand with 21 villas and a sports center. Nightly rates start at $850.