Heather Sandlin

🏨 Whitbread plans to add 2,200 Premier Inn rooms across Outer London, targeting 17 locations, including Peckham Rye and Stratford. No new hotels have opened there since 2022. James Hall leads site identification, aiming for conversions and new-builds. Whitbread already operates 85,500 rooms in the UK and Ireland, aiming for 98,000 by 2030. Long-term, they target 125,000 rooms. Expansion responds to demand from leisure and business customers.

🏏 Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have formed a strategic partnership until 2029, making Marriott the Official Accommodation Partner for ICC men's global events. Key events include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Marriott will host teams, officials, and fans in over 450 properties and offer ICC travel packages, enhancing fan experiences in nations like India and Australia.

🏨 Mollie's plans to open its first Scottish hotel at Edinburgh Park, covering 0.63 hectares. The proposal includes 207 rooms, a diner, and a bar. The project could create 455 construction jobs and £38.6m GVA annually. After opening, 69 jobs and £3.3m GVA are expected yearly, with 120,888 visitor nights. The site is chosen for its transport links and proximity to Edinburgh Airport. The development follows sustainability standards, aiming for B Corp certification.

🏨 RBH Hospitality Management will operate the 99-room Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile, enhancing its partnership with Accor and marking a new collaboration with Legal and General. This is RBH's sixth Ibis property, expanding their presence in Accor’s economy and midscale brands across the UK. The addition also strengthens RBH’s presence in Edinburgh, following recent portfolio expansions in July 2025. CEO David Hart highlights strong business momentum as they enter 2026.

☕ In early 2026, the Pierhouse Hotel is set to open a new cafe overlooking Castle Stalker and Loch Linnhe, on the A828 between Ballachulish and Connel. The former Castle Stalker View Cafe, closed in April 2025, will undergo winter refurbishment, creating 10 hospitality and retail jobs. The cafe will offer home baking, seasonal soups, and a small shop with Scottish products. General Manager Fiona McLean aims to preserve the venue's 20-year legacy while enhancing visitor experiences.