Hotel Openings

💡 David Rockwell designed The Hand & The Eye, a 36,000 sq ft venue for magic in Chicago's McCormick Mansion, dating back to 1895. Opened after a five-year renovation, it functions as a private club and performance venue. The space includes intimate magic performances and features secret doors, custom decor, and adjustable tables. It's located at 100 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611. The project was commissioned by Glen Tullman, combining architecture and magic.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts now operates over 200 hotels in Canada and plans to expand with nearly 40 more. In 2026, the Canadian tourism sector is forecasted to hit $140 billion, with a 6% annual increase in visitor spending. IHG's growth includes opening new hotels in Barrie, Aurora East, Pembroke, and Woodstock, and debuting the Garner brand by 2027 in Red Deer, Medicine Hat, and near Calgary International Airport.

📍 Accor aims to expand from 830 to 1,600 hotels in Greater China within 5-6 years, focusing on luxury brands like Raffles and Sofitel. The company reported a 46% year-on-year increase in inbound tourism in mainland China from Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Accor, partnering with Jin Jiang International, H World Group, and Sunmei Digital Intelligence, plans to open new luxury hotels, including Fairmont Hangzhou Huagang and Sofitel Legend Wuxi by 2025.

🏨 Langham Hospitality Group's Cordis Hotels & Resorts brand opened Cordis, Xi’an in Airport New City near Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. The hotel features 252 guestrooms and suites with Tang Dynasty-inspired design. Facilities include a pillarless ballroom and a Ming Court restaurant. Developed with Xi’an Hao Rui Property Co., Ltd., it caters to business and leisure travelers. This launch aligns with the “Let Your Heart Rule” campaign, emphasizing personalized guest experiences.

🏁 Formula 1 hospitality at Silverstone in 2026 saw the launch of The Vale, a premier space designed by Flux Nexus. The event attracted 564,000 fans, marking it the largest F1 event ever. It features a two-level setup with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a music lounge above the circuit. The 11-month project was constructed in weeks, using an 8m aluminium frame and a 10m cantilever roof. The luxury experience includes VIP arrivals and entertainment on weekends.

🏨 In July 2026, The Royal Sonesta Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts, completed a major renovation, refreshing 400 guestrooms and suites, enhancing a 30-by-45-foot saltwater pool and fitness center, and introducing the Scull & Keel restaurant. The hotel, located near popular Boston attractions, now offers improved amenities including modern fitness equipment and a new dining option with a menu focused on New England seafood and signature cocktails, in partnership with Lamplighter Brewing Co.

📈 HITEC 2026 explores AI booking agents reshaping hotel ownership. Sean Anderson argues for RPA over AI for certain hotel automations. Hotel loyalty programs, with vast member data, remain vital against AI agents. Accor to transform a 16th-century citadel into a luxury hotel by 2027. The AI Hospitality Alliance survey finds 78% prioritize trend leadership. A 23-year-old accountant reveals $1.4 million in hotel fraud. Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit opens in August; Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges in Vietnam launches July 20.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts surpassed 200 open hotels in Canada. By 2026, Canadian tourism is expected to see visitor spending rise by 6%, reaching over $140 billion. New voco hotels are planned for Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls. The Garner brand will debut in 2027 with three hotels in southern Alberta. Nearly 40 hotels are in development, including six set to open this year in Barrie, Aurora East, Pembroke, and Woodstock.