Líbere Hospitality Group has officially opened its first aparthotel in Rome, marking a further expansion into the Italian market following the company’s debut in Milan. The new building is located in the San Lorenzo district and contains 18 units. It consists of one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for short- and medium-stay guests. The property at […]

Lloyds Banking Group’s Dave North and Jeavon Lolay have been confirmed as contributors for the Hotel Owner Conference 2026, as the event builds its programme around the economic, investment and operational trends shaping the future of UK hotel ownership. The Hotel Owner Conference 2026, hosted by Hotel Owner magazine, will take place on 3 November […]

Kensington Hideaway has officially opened this week (2 February) as part of the JMK Group portfolio.  The 59-room boutique hotel features guestrooms themed around writers including Agatha Christie, T.S. Eliot and P.L. Travers, who are associated with the local area.  London-based studio Tonik designed the interiors using references to the local neighbourhood. The property includes […]

Accor has appointed Leire Leoz as chief franchise officer for its Premium, Midscale, and Economy (PME) division, effective 2 February 2026.  The strategic hire is intended to centralise and optimise franchise operations across Accor’s most voluminous segments, following a period where the group has doubled down on an asset-light growth model. Reporting directly to group […]

Hotel management company Castlebridge Hospitality has appointed Craig Patterson as managing director to oversee its strategic development and operational performance.  Patterson joins the Leamington Spa-based firm from Cycas Hospitality, where he most recently served as chief development officer. In his new role, Patterson will be responsible for executing new opportunities across the hospitality sector in […]

IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Fairview Hotels to open four new properties, adding 383 rooms to the company’s UK pipeline. The deal includes the 114-room Voco London – Bloomsbury and three midscale Garner hotels located in Lincoln, Rotherham and Chesterfield. The Voco London – Bloomsbury, situated on Southampton Row, occupies a […]

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham has been sold to a private investor in a deal for an undisclosed sum.  The landmark 106-bedroom hotel is located in Birmingham city centre and serves as a primary hub for both corporate and leisure travellers due to its proximity to Broad Street, the ICC, and Edgbaston Cricket Ground. […]

New hospitality brand The Drey will open its first property in London’s Earl’s Court later this year. The 125-room hotel prioritises digital automation, premium sleep and community initiatives. The brand said the model responds to post-pandemic shifts in guest behaviour by using digital systems to reduce staffing levels and overhead costs. It operates as a […]

The Invercarse Hotel has created 15 jobs and increased turnover by 10% since changing ownership in 2022.  It comes as the site has undergone a refurbishment of guest facilities and public spaces following a £3.2m funding package from Bank of Scotland. Owners Sean Burke and Paul Brownlie used the finance to refinance the acquisition of […]

Apex Hotels and Queen Margaret University (QMU) have reignited their long-standing partnership to establish a new scholarship programme for hospitality and tourism students.  The initiative, which launched in January 2026, revives a collaborative relationship that was originally from 2004 to 2020.  Through the agreement, Apex Hotels will invest £60,000 over the next four years to […]