Hotel Openings

🏨 Clara Hotel, located in Plano, Texas, is set to open in Q2 2026 after a major renovation by NewcrestImage, keeping its Hilton Tapestry Collection affiliation. Acquired in August 2025, the hotel features 176 guestrooms, including 8 suites, and introduces Field & Vine restaurant and The Library lounge/speakeasy. The revamped 4,000-square-foot courtyard and indoor meeting spaces accommodate 4-50 people. Positioned near Frisco, it offers access to North Texas business and lifestyle hubs.

🏠 Sofitel, in collaboration with Northbaires, is launching its first branded residential project in Argentina, the Sofitel Residences Buenos Aires Madero, expected by 2030. Located in Puerto Madero's Dique four, the development will feature 43 floors, 188 apartments, and 343 parking spaces. As Sofitel's third global residential project, it offers high-standard residences, blending French and local cultures, with luxury services. Accor One Living supports the project, enhancing the ultra-exclusive real estate market in Argentina.

📈 IHG plans to expand its European portfolio by over 25% in three years, focusing on conversions, with 84% of new room openings and 61% of signings in Europe by 2025. Hilton aims to double its EMEA portfolio by 2028, with new builds like Motto by Hilton Paris La Villette (153 rooms) set for 2028. Both companies prioritize conversions but differ in strategy: IHG's broad integration versus Hilton's disciplined approach to urban lifestyle concepts.

🏝️ Vinarosa Resort & Spa in Sonoma County, California, joins the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection. Located near Russian River Valley vineyards, the resort offers 78 rooms and suites with private patios and vineyard views. Culinary offerings include the signature John Ash restaurant and The Front Room bar. Wellness amenities feature a spa, yoga, and event spaces. Owned by Ensemble, the property emphasizes wine country charm and is part of the I Prefer loyalty program.

🏨 IHG Hotels and Resorts expanded by 27% in Europe over three years, adding 32,800 rooms, reaching 150,000 open rooms by end of 2025. IHG opened 102 hotels and signed 117 properties in 2025, with conversions accounting for 84% of openings. Germany is a key market, holding 20% of the room count. European hotel investment hit €27bn (£23.3bn) in 2025. Holiday Inn represents over 60% of IHG's European estate, and the region now makes up 15% of IHG's global system.

🍫 The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, also known as The Chocolate Spa, marked its 25th anniversary with a renovation by Earl Swensson Associates. Initially a 17,000-square-foot facility, it expanded to 40,000 square feet in 2004. Key updates include neutral tones, quartz surfaces, and LED lighting, maintaining a chocolate-inspired design. ESa has collaborated with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company for over 30 years, emphasizing the spa's historic character influenced by Milton Hershey and High Point Mansion.

🚢 Four Seasons' first yacht, "Four Seasons I," officially set sail today, marking a significant milestone 65 years after their first hotel opened. The yacht naming ceremony occurred in Málaga, Spain, with Founder and Chairman Issy Sharp and his wife Rosalie serving as Godparents. The project exemplifies collaboration between Four Seasons, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, and other partners. This expansion from land and sky to sea emphasizes Four Seasons' commitment to genuine care and human connection.