Hotel Openings

🍴 La Stella Italian Steakhouse and Music Lounge opened in Addison, Dallas in 2025, occupying an 11,000-square-foot space that housed Lawry's The Prime Rib for over 40 years. Designed by Daniele Venenzoni, it blends Old World Italian and Art Deco styles. The venue, hosting over 400 guests, includes a music lounge for 21+ patrons. Signature dishes include a 40-ounce bistecca alla Fiorentina and Japanese A5 wagyu steak. Expansion plans target Fort Worth.

🏨 Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) marked its 35th anniversary in 2025 by adding 100 new member hotels, surpassing 650 properties across over 90 countries. In 2026, new openings include Niva Labriz Seychelles, Shanghai Muh Shoou Zhujing in China, The Landmark Rhodes in Greece, and THE PASONA in Japan. In Australia, Levantine Hill Hotel will open, as well as Sanctuary Rainforest Resort in Dominica. SLH’s partnership with Hilton celebrated its first anniversary in July 2025, boosting revenue by 18%.

📑 Sonesta International Hotels Corporation opened 45 hotels in November under franchisee NPA. These include 30 Sonesta ES Suites, 14 Sonesta Select Hotels, and 1 Sonesta Simply Suites, spread across 15 states. This expansion is part of a planned sale of 113 managed properties. By 2024, Sonesta aims to add 10 more properties, totaling 14,803 rooms in 28 states. NPA aligns with Sonesta for their industry expertise and market knowledge.

🏨 Travelodge expanded significantly in 2025, opening 21 hotels and adding over 1,800 rooms in the UK. New builds were in Skegness, Harwich, London Beckenham, and Chiswick, while 17 hotels were acquired and rebranded. Nine hotels were upgraded, with more to follow in 2026. Projects include a 182-room hotel in Cardiff and developments in Douglas and Watford. Internationally, new acquisitions in Madrid and Bilbao are planned for 2026-2027. Sustainability features were emphasized in new builds.

🏨 Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks will acquire the Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick in mid-January, marking its first venture into accommodation. The hotel, a family-run establishment for over 60 years, will undergo a seven-figure refurbishment, transforming it into a venue with 12 rooms, a pub, and a restaurant. Construction is set for spring 2026, with reopening in late 2026. The redevelopment will create 25-45 jobs, retaining current staff during refurbishment. Buzzworks aims to expand its presence in East Lothian.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts launched its Vignette Collection in Africa with Fairview Hotel Nairobi's addition. The brand, introduced three years ago, now boasts 27 hotels and plans for 41 more. The 99-room hotel, in Nairobi's Upper Hill, features early 20th-century architecture and modern amenities. Dining options include Mukutan, Pwani, and Giuseppe. Fairview participates in the Vignette Collection's Memorable Rituals, like SimuStories, and community initiatives with Kenya National Library Service.

🏨 Omni Hotels & Resorts opened Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel on Thursday as part of the Broward County Convention Center District expansion. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, it features 801 guest rooms, 82 suites, and over 120,000 square feet of meeting space. The project will boost the local economy by $450 million and create 3,000 jobs. Dining options include seven venues, with an Italian chophouse opening in 2026. Wellness amenities include the 8,500-square-foot Mokara Spa.

🏨 Marriott International plans to open The Cape Town EDITION at V&A Waterfront in 2026. This marks Africa’s first EDITION hotel, featuring 142 rooms, suites, and private residences. Designed by Neri and Hu with StudioMAS, it will offer dining venues, a rooftop bar, a spa, and a pool. Located in Granger Bay, it offers views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. This development is part of Marriott’s African expansion strategy focusing on luxury lifestyle brands.