Hotel Openings

Le Specialità Expands to Miami 🍕 Le Specialità, founded in Milan in 1977, opened in Miami's Design District on November 10. Led by Spicy Hospitality Group, this 100-seat restaurant features a "Milan meets Miami" design by Rockwell Group. The menu includes over a dozen pizzas and classic Italian dishes, while the bar offers a 260-label wine list. Future expansions are planned beyond Miami, along with new ventures like Karyu and Yasu in the Design District.

🍵 Maman, a café brand founded by Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte, opened its first Texas location in Dallas on November 20, 2023, at The Plaza at Preston Center. Established in New York City in 2014, Maman is known for its French provincial style and unique offerings, like the Croque Maman and celebrity collaborations. The Dallas spot features Texas-inspired menu items like the cheesy brisket croissant and implements a no-laptop policy to promote social interaction.

🏨 Fort George Hotel and Spa in Belize City was awarded Belize’s Best MICE Hotel for 2025 at the World MICE Awards in Bahrain on 6 December. The Lord Ashcroft Centre, offering over 6,600 square feet of flexible meeting space for up to 500 guests, was a significant factor. Opened in early 2024, the hotel features in-house event planning and a new room tower set for 2026, adding 120 rooms. Located 30 minutes from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport.

🏨 Valencia Hotel Collection acquires property in downtown Tyler, Texas, to build Hotel Blackstone, reimagining the historic Blackstone Hotel. Originally opened in 1922 and demolished in 1985, it will reopen as a boutique hotel with 144 guestrooms and 5,700 sq. ft. of event space. Positioned at Broadway and Ferguson Streets near Smith County Courthouse, construction starts post-design approval. Hotel Blackstone aims to boost Tyler’s economic growth, blending Art Deco with East Texas charm.

🏨 Whitbread, the parent of Premier Inn, received approval to transform Dorset House, a 90,000 sq ft vacant office in Southwark (SE1), into a 421-room hub by Premier Inn. This marks the end of a busy development year in Central London, emphasizing the group's focus on conversion-led growth.

🏨 Hilton has launched Canopy by Hilton in Türkiye with hotels in Istanbul and Izmir, representing a regional development strategy. The openings emphasize the significance of lifestyle brands in Hilton's pipeline. Operators and investors are focusing on design-led, locally integrated properties in high-demand urban areas.

🍷 Lancaster House Hotel completed a refurbishment of its Sandeman Bar, inspired by its 30-year connection with the House of Sandeman and its 1790 origins. Managed by Tammy Barwell, the update features new furnishings, artwork, and a Sandeman timeline. The design was influenced by a research trip to Porto and includes details like upholstered seating and a branded barrel. The bar continues to host port and cheese events, celebrating its history with Sandeman wines from Portugal's Douro Valley.

🏨 The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced a new Vivanta hotel in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The 100-key hotel will feature contemporary design, dining options, and a pool lounge bar. It includes meeting rooms and a banquet hall over 2,500 sq. ft. Vellore, known for its cultural and educational significance, is a major hub for education and healthcare. This project is IHCL's first in Vellore, expanding its presence in India.

📈 Daish’s Holidays plans a £1m refurbishment across 10 UK hotels in early 2026, targeting 155 bedrooms and communal areas. The Sandringham Hotel in Weston-super-Mare receives the largest investment of £250k for 90 bedrooms. Scarborough, Llandudno, Newquay, Torquay, Weymouth, Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, and Eastbourne hotels will also upgrade rooms. Paul Harper emphasizes the investment's role in enhancing guest experiences with modern amenities amidst competitive hospitality demands.

🏨 lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne, a 90-room hotel, opened in December 2025 at 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Managed by The Ascott Limited, the hotel is near key attractions like Queen Victoria Market. The site, originally a YWCA hostel from 1975, was redesigned by DKO architects. Featuring Bonnibel restaurant and event spaces for up to 250 guests, it's part of lyf’s expansion, following successes like lyf Bondi Junction Sydney, which achieved over 85% occupancy in 2025.