News

Aman to launch Bangkok hotel

When Aman Nai Lert Bangkok opens in historic Nai Lert Park it will feature some of the city's largest suites and a medi-wellness centre set across two floors. Rose Dykins reports Aman Resorts is launching a hotel in Bangkok in April 2025.

London, Istanbul and Dublin set to add most hotel rooms in Europe

London, Istanbul and Dublin are the European cities forecast to see the highest number of new hotel rooms this year, according to figures from industry analyst CoStar. Across Europe, CoStar is forecasting that there will be just under 107,000 new rooms added during this year, including those properties that have already opened in early 2025.

Spanish hotel fined 1,500 euros for wanting to photocopy a guest’s ID card

While the argument over the new 'big brother' visitor registration scheme rumbles on, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has fined a hotel in Cantabria, 1,500 euros for requiring a photocopy of a guest’s ID card as a requirement to complete their reservation. The traveller, when refusing to provide said copy, saw how their reservation was cancelled.

Drone allegedly used to spy on female tourist in Sanya hotel

In Sanya, Hainan Province, a female tourist has reported being possibly filmed by a drone while taking a shower in her hotel room. The local police confirmed on Saturday, 8th February, that they had received a report from the victim, Ms. Song, and are currently investigating the matter.

IHG launches Garner brand in Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts continues the international growth of its newest midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, with the opening of its first three hotels in Japan.

Taliban hands management of Serena hotel to German firm

A luxury Afghanistan hotel that saw several bloody attacks during the 20-year insurgency is now being managed by a German company a week after the Taliban government took control of it, the firm´s CEO told AFP.

Ruby Hotels to debut in Malta

Ruby Hotels has unveiled plans to open its first hotel in Malta, located in the heart of Valletta’s historic old town. The project, developed in partnership with VBL Group, will open its doors in early 2026. 

13th edition of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia from 8-10 April

The 13th edition of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia is set to return as a standalone event in 2025. It will serve as a pivotal platform for global industry leaders to capitalise on Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector while contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives.

Top hotel chains eye Hilton Seoul redevelopment

Major hotel franchises are vying to operate a new hotel to be launched as part of the Millennium Hilton Seoul redevelopment project, betting on the site’s lucrative potential.

Unexpected guest: Dutch hotel gets seal surprise

A guest at a seaside Dutch hotel got more than she bargained for when she opened her room to find a large grey seal kipping on the floor. Startled staff called an animal association in Vlissingen, southern Netherlands, which said it was an unusual call-out even though they often get bizarre requests.

Trivago and Travala Partner for Crypto Hotel Booking

Trivago, a renowned hotel search engine, has partnered with Travala, a platform accepting cryptocurrency. This collaboration will allow millions of Trivago users to find, compare, and book Travala's 2.2 million properties worldwide.

New Grand Mercure hotel opens near Shanghai expo centre

Accor announced the latest addition to its Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts portfolio in Greater China, with Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park. Set to open in March 2025 in Pudong district, the hotel offers 326 guestrooms, including 57 suites.

Cehat and Hostelería de España warn of a "serious impact" from rising labor costs

The reduction of working hours to 37.5 hours a week, whose draft bill was approved Tuesday by the Council of Ministers, could cause a 3% drop in turnover in the tourism and hospitality sector, equivalent to 5,099 million euros a year, according to the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation(Cehat) and the Spanish Hotel Industry.

Starwood Hotels is making a comeback

SH Hotels & Resorts will rebrand as Starwood Hotels in February, marking the revival of the iconic Starwood name created by under Starwood Capital Group founder Barry Sternlicht some 30 years ago.