Accommodation Update March 2017

Read on for the latest Accommodation Update, brought to you by VisitBritain's Destination PR team. Highlights in this issue include news on possible developments at a safari park and former jail, as well as a unique pop-up hotel opening this summer in Wales.

LONDON

New and upcoming openings

The Good Hotel at Newham's Royal Docks, London

This unique hotel is London's first floating hotel, and this feat of ingenuity takes full advantage of pure industrial design in a distinctive waterfront location. The 148-bedroom hotel is a not-for-profit business and aims to invest in the local community and encourage unemployed people back into work, while offering premium and luxury accommodation to guests. The hotel is to remain in London for five years. www.goodhotellondon.com

PR contact: press@goodhospitality.org

Four Seasons Hotel London, Ten Trinity Square, London

Situated in the heart of London, the five-star Ten Trinity Square features just 100 rooms, including 11 luxurious and spacious suites, and is based in a historic building, once the headquarters of the Port of London Authority. This spring, the hotel will also see the addition of a lavish spa, designed to reflect the architecture of London's Roman past. There will be eight treatment rooms, including a spacious Spa Suite for couples, a swimming pool, and a special Hammam Suite for steam treatments. The hotel offers an all-day restaurant, The Rotunda, and two destination restaurants, including the first British restaurant by chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the only current French female chef to hold three Michelin stars. www.fourseasons.com/tentrinity

PR Contact: gemma.minto@fourseasons.com

The Lalit London Hotel, London

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, whose 11-strong portfolio has set new standards for luxury and service in India, has chosen London as the site for its first overseas property. Blending the best of Indian culture, hospitality and cuisine with the finest Victorian architecture, the £50million five-star The Lalit London is located in a Grade II-Listed property originally designed by Edward Mountford, the architect of the Old Bailey - the architecturally stunning building of the Criminal Crown Court in London. www.thelalit.com

First quarter 2017: Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch, London

Master sushi chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, is planning his first European hotel, the Willow Street Hotel in London's Shoreditch. The new hotel will house 150 bedrooms and a statement restaurant: a dramatic five-metre high space in the basement. As with all Nobu properties, the design will reflect both the city of origin, as well as Nobu Hospitality's signature East-meets-West philosophy, featuring banqueting and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and modern amenities combined with superior service. www.nobuhotels.com/london-nobu-hotel, www.nobuhospitality.com

PR Contact: pr@nobuhotels.com

May 2017: The Ned, City of London

The former Grade I listed Midland Bank headquarters is being turned into a new five-star hotel, The Ned. Redesigned with the glamour of a 1930s transatlantic ocean liner as inspiration, the hotel will have 252 suites, a rooftop bar with landscaped terraces, a health spa, a gym, and a range of restaurants and cafes, including a New York-style deli, Parisian café, Grill Room and a brand of Cecconi's, the Soho House favourite. www.thened.com

PR Contact: jenny.harris@thened.com

May 2017: Dorsett City, Aldgate, London

Set within a 13-storey building, formerly called The Matrix, this new hotel next to Aldgate tube station will have two restaurants, a bar and 1,600 square feet of meeting space. The hotel will feature 267 guestrooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a fitness centre. The hotel will bring two popular restaurant concepts from west to east London for the first time, with the opening on Shikumen and VQ (Vingt-Quatre). www.dorsett.com/our-london-hotels.php

May 2017: Henrietta Hotel and Restaurant, Covent Garden, London

Brought to you by the Experimental Group and designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, the Henriette Hotel will house 18 rooms and will feature an 80-seat restaurant by British chef Ollie Dabbous. The restaurant will be a modem British bistro and bar and will spread across both the ground and first floor. www.henriettahotel.com

June 2017: The Curtain Hotel and Private Members' Club, Shoreditch, London

Due to open in Shoreditch in June, The Curtain Hotel and Members' Club is launching as the London home for creative entrepreneurs. Centred on 120 guestrooms, including six suites, there is a rooftop pool and lounge, 24-hour fitness centre, treatment rooms, co-working space and 6,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and a screening room. The hotel will feature top New York city chef Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster restaurant. Marcus will also open an all-day taqueria and bar on the ground floor of the hotel. www.thecurtain.com

Autumn 2017: Roomzzz, Stratford, London

Aparthotel company Roomzzz is opening its first luxury London hotel, made up of 87 sumptuous apartments, including several studio and suite sizes - all designed in boutique hotel style. Westfield Shopping Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Stratford tube station are all within walking distance. Roomzzz already has branches in Chester, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham. www.roomzzz.com/coming-soon. PR Contact: Roomzzz@hatchpr.co.uk

TBC 2017: Ibis Styles Piccadilly Circus, London

The landmark Trocadero, a huge Edwardian Grade II listed building ideally located near to Piccadilly Circus, is to become the West End's biggest budget hotel, turning the building into the 583-room three-star Ibis Styles Piccadilly Circus hotel, complete with on-site bar. The new design reflects the history of the area "with a hint of humour perfectly matching the electric eccentricity of the Trocadero". There will be a family suite that sleeps up to four people, complete with children's TV channels, as well as a kids' area in the lobby, plus cots, bottle warmers and high chairs. www.ibis.com. PR contact: Jennifer.COLE@accor.com

TBC 2017: Manhattan Loft Gardens Design Hotel, Stratford, London

This 150-room hotel will occupy the seven lower levels of the 42-storey Manhattan Loft Gardens development. Above the hotel is a 34-storey residential tower where guests and residents share the use of communal spaces including the lobby, leisure facilities, swimming pool, spa facilities, as well as an external roof garden that overlooks the Olympic Park. Its three 'sky gardens' ensure that residents are never more than nine stories from an outdoor space. www.manhattanloftgardens.co.uk/design-hotel

 

Long-lead

Date TBC: Claridge's plans new five-storey basement, London

The iconic luxury hotel has been granted planning permission for a five-storey ‘iceberg' basement to modernise its historic site. Proposals include a subterranean gym, pool, sauna and wine store, plus two new rooftop levels to house 40 extra rooms. Dates are still to be confirmed. www.claridges.co.uk

 

Summer 2018: Cumberland Hotel to become Britain's first Hard Rock Hotel, London

The 900-bedroom Marble Arch site is set to re-open in 2018 as the Hard Rock Hotel, complete with a lobby area hosting live music, as well as a Hard Rock Café, speakeasy bar, spa and ‘rock shop' selling iconic merchandise.

TBC 2018: Belmond Cadogan reopening, Knightsbridge, London

The luxury hotel group Belmond, is backing the £28million investment project in The Cadogan, the prestigious hotel on Sloane Street. Built in 1887 in the Queen Anne style, The Cadogan was the location of Oscar Wilde's infamous arrest. Building on this colourful history, the historic property is undergoing a two-year renovation project, which reduces the number of rooms and suites from 64 to 54 to accommodate the needs of luxury travellers. www.belmond.com/cadogan-hotel-london

January 2019: Robert de Niro's The Wellington, Covent Garden, London

In partnership with BD Hotels, Robert De Niro is opening his first London hotel: The Wellington in Covent Garden. Planning permission has been granted for the scheme, which will include 83 bedrooms, two restaurants, a members' club, deli/cafe and spa and swimming pool.

www.coventgarden.london/wellington

TBC 2019: Art'otel at Battersea Power Station, London Earmarked to open in 2019 in a building designed by Foster + Partners and set around the historic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, this will be a 160-plus bedroom luxury lifestyle hotel offering skyline floors boasting panoramic views. There will be a Roof Garden, an outdoor rooftop pool and bar overlooking the iconic chimneys, curated gardens, a signature destination restaurant and double-height bar with wrap-around views of the Power Station and London skyline. Guests will be welcomed by a public gallery; a multi-purpose creative space offering a rotating calendar of exhibitions, as well as cultural and artistic events supporting established and up-and-coming artists alike. www.artotels.com

 

Refurbs/ expansions

May 2017: Multi-million pound refurbishment of Dukes London, London

Dukes London, located in the heart of Mayfair, is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment. The London property will see a major upgrade to its public areas and bedrooms, which includes a partnership with Liberty London. The addition of a new food and beverage outlet will deliver an all-day casual dining concept. As part of this new concept, the restaurant is to be renamed GBR (Great British Restaurant). www.slh.com/dukeslondon

PR Contact: laura.bardell@slh.com

www.slh.com/dukeslondon

 

SCOTLAND

New and upcoming openings

Kings House Hotel, Argyll, west Scotland

The historic Kings House Hotel has recently added two newly renovated holiday cottages to its offering for weekly letting, which have both been finished to a high standard. Rannoch Edge cottage is situated beside the hotel, sleeps up to six people, and boasts a wood-burning stove. Allt na Feadh is located approximately three miles north-west from the hotel on the West Highland Way, and offers spectacular views across the top of Glen Coe. The cottage sleeps up to five people and is split over two storeys. www.kingshousehotel.co.uk/holiday-cottages

TBC 2017: Radisson Red Hotel Glasgow, Glasgow, west Scotland

The Radisson Red Hotel Glasgow will be located adjacent to Scotland's largest exhibition centre the SECC, and will feature 176 rooms. It joins existing Carlson Rezidor properties in Glasgow: the Radisson Blu and a Park Inn by Radisson in the city. www.radissonred.com

TBC 2017: Urban Villa Edinburgh, Edinburgh, east Scotland

Designed by New York architects Grzywinski + Pons, Urban Villa Edinburgh is poised to be Urban Villa's landmark boutique hotel, comprised of 183 luxurious suites, 8,000 square feet of restaurant and bar/lounge space, overlooking Union Canal with direct views of Edinburgh castle. The hotel has been designed to play homage to Edinburgh's elegant cultural fabric while infusing elements of Manhattan and London style. Each suite has been designed to include a fully fitted kitchen, living room and with half of the suites housing waterfront balconies. www.urbanvilla.com

TBC 2017: Innside by Melia, Glasgow, east Scotland

The Spanish hotel company is bringing its sleek style to Glasgow with this new 175-room premium brand hotel. www.melia.com/INNSIDE-Hotels

Summer 2017: Edinburgh Grand, Edinburgh, east Scotland

The Edinburgh Grand is the latest addition to Lateral City Apartments' portfolio of beautifully-appointed serviced accommodation. A striking Neo-Classical building, it stands on the south-east corner of notable St Andrew Square, just minutes away from key transport links. The building will have 50 luxury apartments and will also include restaurants, bars, retail outlets and a gym. Alongside the serviced apartments, Bon Vivant will be operating a coffee house and evening venue, offering late night entertainment and dining.

www.lateralcity.com/the-edinburgh-grand

Late 2017: Motel One, Glasgow, east Scotland

Motel One Group will open its new £22 million hotel next to Glasgow Central Station. It will have a One Lounge, which is the living room, breakfast café and bar all in one. www.motel-one.com

SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND

New and upcoming openings

One Warwick Place, Kent

Composed of 39 rooms and suites and a range of entertainment spaces, new hotel One Warwick Park has opened in the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. From its origins as a brewery and school house, visionary architectural and interior designs have turned the building into a stunning luxury accommodation offer. Right next to the famous Pantiles area, and only a few minutes from Tunbridge Wells train station, the hotel is perfectly located for enjoying all the activities that this beautiful Kentish town has to offer. www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

Summer 2017: Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa

Southampton's first luxury five-star hotel at Ocean Village. Highlights will include 85 luxury bedrooms, a jetty restaurant featuring a rooftop champagne bar, and the decadent harbour Spa, with gym and swimming pool. www.harbourhotels.co.uk/hotels/southampton-harbour-hotel-spa

Summer 2017: New LEGOLAND Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Berkshire

Situated on the edge of the popular theme park resort, the 61-room LEGOLAND Castle Hotel will bring to life an enchanted world of brave knights and princesses, wily wizards and jolly jesters. Families will be able to choose between two imaginatively themed room types - Knights and Wizards - each with separate sleeping areas for adults and children. Colourful LEGO touches and models will feature throughout - from the lobby's giant LEGO Wizard to the a la carte Tournament Tavern Restaurant, indoor Jester's Play area and outdoor playground. Special guest benefits will include early entry to the park, fast track access on selected rides and LEGO gifts and collectables. Booking is open now. www.legoland.co.uk/castle.

PR contact: tansy@freerange.eu

 

Refurbs/ expansions

April 2017: Modulogs arrive at Tom's Eco Lodge, Isle of Wight

New for 2017, Modulogs will offer year-round accommodation for up to six people in a new style of glamping pod on the Isle of Wight. The cosy pods are fully insulated and kitted out with heaters, comfy sofas (which fold out into sofa beds), log burners, dining tables, compact kitchens with all the essentials, two bedrooms, and a separate shower room and toilet. Coming complete with WiFi and electricity for lighting and plug sockets the pods are equipped for modern-day living. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy their own private decking with seating and BBQ area and a log-burning hot tub. www.tomsecolodge.com/modulogs

Long-lead

2021: New high-rise Hilton hotel to open in Woking, Surrey, south-eat England

Hilton is to open a new high-rise hotel in Woking as part of a £500m regeneration of the town. The 196-bedroom property will be located in the upcoming Victoria Square retail and residential development. The site will include a Sky Bar, all-day restaurant, on-site coffee shop and 700 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom for up to 500 guests. www3.hilton.com/en/index.htm

 

SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND

New and upcoming openings

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

The former headquarters of Lloyds Bank and Midland Bank on Corn Street in central Bristol reopened as the renovated Harbour Hotel in October 2016 and will add a further 22 rooms in spring 2017, along with an indulgent spa set in the former bank vaults. The hotel will blend the original, characterful architecture of the Old City with city views, roll-top baths. It also houses another award-winning Harbour Hotel Jetty restaurant. www.bristol-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Hampton by Hilton, Bristol Airport

Hampton by Hilton has developed Bristol Airport's first hotel - a modular hotel. Think of a building that resembles a highly uniform game of Tetris. Portions of the hotel were built in China before being shipped to Bristol, where the containers were assembled by effectively slotting them together, accelerating on-site construction. There are 201 rooms and parking for 120 cars. www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Summer 2017: Apex city of Bath Hotel, Bath

Apex will feature 177 contemporary bedrooms and will become the city's largest purpose-built conference facility. The largest conference room will hold up to 420 delegates for large events and is suitable for up to 600 for exhibitions. www.apexhotels.co.uk/apex-city-of-bath-hotel

December 2017: The Guildhall Hotel, Bristol

The Grade II-listed Guildhall and Assizes Courts in Bristol's old city is set to become the city's first five-star hotel, complete with 91 luxurious bedrooms, a spa and a rooftop swimming pool. With the removal of two storeys of flooring, the reception area will be restored to its original 1843 triple-height layout, and bedrooms will be adapted from towers and other existing architectural features such as stained-glass windows, pitched roofs, dormer windows and the occasional statue of a famous judge. Even the historic prison cells in the hotel's basement will be converted for use as changing rooms for the luxury spa and gym. www.visitbristol.co.uk

Late 2017: Indigo Hotel, Bath

The Intercontinental Group will open an Indigo Hotel, comprising of 117 bedrooms in 2017. The boutique hotel will be located in a Georgian terrace, close to Bath Spa train station. The hotel will be built on the site of the former Halcyon serviced apartments and Pratt's Hotel. www.hotelindigo.com

TBC 2017: Z Hotel, Bath, south-west England

The hotel will offer 148 bedrooms and follow in the footsteps of all Z Hotels with luxury bed linen, 40" LED TVs, power showers and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. There will also be complimentary cheese and wine each evening for guests. www.theZhotels.com

 

Long-lead

Longleat submits £45million hotel and waterpark application, Wiltshire

The safari park, Longleat, has made a planning application for a £45million hotel resort, including a waterpark, hotel and conference facilities, as well as an 'animal immersive experience'. The all-weather waterpark would stretch across 7,000 sq. ft., with the addition of a 240-bedroom hotel allowing visitors to extend their stay.

Bodmin Jail to become a hotel, Cornwall

Architects have devised proposals to redevelop Bodmin Jail. The refurbishment would include the two wings of the derelict cell blocks where the new hotel would be housed, complete with glazed roof lights that would run the length of both wings creating a centralised atrium. The Grade II-listed building would be formed from three cells with interiors featuring colour and textures inspired by the aged, weathered stone. If permission is granted, work is planned to start on site in early 2018.

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

New and upcoming openings

April 2017: Bournemouth Beach Lodges, Bournemouth, south England

Fifteen beautifully crafted contemporary lodges are soon to open in Bournemouth, between Boscombe and Southbourne. The lodges will be available 365 days a year, and boast a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, WiFi, TV and heating. The timber-framed lodges have been designed with space efficiency in mind, and with utmost respect to the environment.

www.bournemouthbeachlodges.co.uk

 

MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL AND NORTH-WEST ENGLAND

New and upcoming openings

The Woodland Spa, Burnley, Lancashire, north-west England

The Woodland Spa is set in 100 acres of pasture and woodland, with views of the dramatic Pendle Hill, and just two miles from Burnley town centre and the M65. Voted Best Spa in the North for three years running, it was also voted Global Spa of the year in 2015 and 2016. In January, six new bedrooms were added. Guests can expect the same standard of luxury found in their existing three luxury en suite bedrooms and one exclusive luxury Spa apartment, which is ideal for a group of friends enjoying a Spa break. www.thewoodlandspa.com

Moor Hall, Aughton, Lancashire, north-west England

Moor Hall opened in March in Aughton, West Lancashire across five acres of gardens with views to the south over a beautiful lake. A Grade II* listed gentry house of mid-sixteenth century origin, Moor Hall is an important listed building in the UK. In partnership with friends Andy and Tracey Bell, Lancashire-born Mark Birchall who was most recently the Executive Chef of two Michelin Star L'Enclume, will have a restaurant at Moor Hall with seven unique, luxury guest bedrooms. The converted barn will follow later as a contemporary casual dining experience. www.moorhall.com

April 2017: The Queens Head, Troutbeck, Cumbria, north-west England

Robinsons Brewery is reopening the iconic Lakeland pub - The Queens Head at Troutbeck - in April 2017 following a £2million investment. Perfectly placed on the side of the Lakeland fells, The Queens Head overlooks the Troutbeck Valley, just four miles from Ambleside and three miles from Windermere. The former 17^th-century coaching inn boasts an eclectic mix of ancient Cumbrian and contemporary decor alongside its iconic four poster bar.

www.robinsonsbrewery.com/pubs-inns-and-hotels/find-a-pub/o-s/queensheadtroutbeck

May 2017: Holmes Mill Hotel, Clitheroe, Lancashire Holmes Mill is soon to open a boutique 30 bedroom hotel, the latest phase of the £10million redevelopment of the former textile mill in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. The former textile mill is already home to Bowland Brewery, a Beer Hall, function room, café, shop and gelateria, with the new hotel expected to open at the end of May. www.holmesmill.co.uk

Autumn 2017: Roomzzz Aparthotel, Manchester

Roomzzz Aparthotel, part of the Parklane Group, will open its second Manchester site in the iconic Corn Exchange in the city centre. Grade II listed and in the hub of Manchester's shopping district, the Corn Exchange has been transformed into the city's premium shopping quarter. Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange will have period features and beautiful bare brick walls, merged with bold bespoke interior designs, and a total of 114 apartments. www.roomzzz.com

TBC 2017: easyHotel, Castle Street, Liverpool

Plans by the hotel group easyHotel have been approved by the city council, to bring the first-ever easyHotel venture to Liverpool. Formerly the Equity and Law Building, the new 77-bedroom hotel will be situated in Castle Street. www.easyhotel.com

TBC 2017: easyHotel, Manchester

Named after its unique shape and originally built in the 1800s, the historic Flatiron building in Manchester's Northern Quarter will be the new home of easyHotel Manchester. The budget hotel will be located a few minutes' walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station and offers guests a huge array of bars and restaurants on its doorstep. www.easyhotel.com/hotels/united-kingdom/manchester

 

Long-lead

2017/2018: Courthouse Hotel, Cheshire

Flat Caps Hotels has received full planning approval for its second hotel, the 42-bedroom Courthouse Hotel in Knutsford, Cheshire. The former crown court is being converted to house a 150-cover restaurant and bar, and a 550-capacity function space. The two existing wings will be converted into 10 luxury bedrooms in 2017 with the development of a 32-bedroom extension at the rear of the site to open in 2018.

Early 2018: Liverpool strikes gold with new hotel in Martins Bank building

Principal Hayley Group is converting the historic Martins Bank building in Liverpool into a 227-room luxury hotel with a spa, bar and restaurant. Designed by noted architect Herbert James Rowse and completed in 1932, the Martins Bank building is considered to be among the finest classical buildings built in England during the interwar period and was used to hide Britain's gold during World War Two. www.ph-hotels.co.uk

 

Refurbs/expansions

Hallmark Hotels adds eight hotels to its portfolio in north-west England

Hallmark Hotels has widened its offer within north-west England, to provide accommodation, combined with meetings and events space within Liverpool, Preston, Chester, Wrexham and an additional hotel in Manchester. The hotel chain features an eclectic mix of hotel properties including spa and golf retreats situated in a variety of settings, from City Centres to rolling countryside manor houses, coastline to well-placed airport locations. The addition of the eight north-western sites brings the Hallmark Hotel portfolio up to 28 properties, with a total number of rooms offered across the UK up to 2,700.

April 2017: Low Wood Bay, Cumbria

Low Wood Bay in Cumbria will be closing during spring 2017 for a refurbishment, it will redevelop its existing rooms and add luxury rooms and suites. When it reopens in April, guests will be able to enjoy upgraded indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, a brand new luxury spa overlooking Lake Windermere and a choice of restaurants, which will include a new grill concept. Work will then continue building an additional 18 lake view rooms and suites, a new grill restaurant, a luxury spa, a new atrium, and a new block of 29 bedrooms and suites.

www.englishlakes.co.uk/hotels/lake-district-hotels/windermere-hotels/the-new-low-wood-bay-2017/

 

BIRMINGHAM, AND THE MIDLANDS

New and upcoming openings

The Northgate, Suffolk

Part of the multi-award-winning Chestnut Group, the Northgate has an opulent French theme running throughout its ten individually styled bedrooms that combine the buildings charming period features of original fireplaces and sash windows with modern twists of luxury. Expect free standing over-sized baths, decadent padded headboards, marble tiles, fine linen and ornate mirrors. www.thenorthgate.com

Vintage horseboxes at Brooks Country House, Herefordshire

Three vintage 1968 Bedfords horseboxes are the latest additions to Brooks Country House's portfolio. All complete with en suite bathrooms featuring Hansgrohe power showers, the horseboxes offer all comforts including a comfy bed, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and their own little terrace. Two of the horseboxes have bunks for children of up to 12 years. They have access to the hotel facilities which include a snooker room, swimming pool, restaurant ,bar, games room and lounge, and even life-size chess. www.brookscountryhouse.com/bedrooms_old/horsebox/

Summer 2017: Hotel Du Vin, Stratford-upon-Avon, midlands, England

The Malmaison Hotel du Vin Group is creating a new luxurious 48-bedroom Hotel du Vin in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel will have 48 luxurious bedrooms, a bistro du vin, meeting and private dining rooms and a banqueting room with the capacity to seat 80. www.hotelduvin.com

PR contact: malhdv@hudsonsandler.com

 

Refurbs/ expansions

The Maids Head, Norwich

The site of The Maids Head Hotel has been a place of hospitality since the early 12th century when the early Norman Bishops of Norwich established a guest house. The hotel claims to be the oldest in Britain. Its guests over the centuries have included The Black Prince (eldest son of King Edward III), Catherine of Aragon, Queen Elizabeth I and Admiral Lord Nelson. Having recently undergone an 18-month refurbishment, the hotel offers newly appointed suites. www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk

The Norfolk Mead, Norwich

The Norfolk Mead has introduced two spacious suites into its offer of individually appointed rooms. There is also the addition of a new spa with two treatment rooms. The Mead is located on the edge of the Broads with its own private Broad. www.norfolkmead.co.uk

 

WALES

New and upcoming openings

Palé Hall, Bala, north Wales

Located in the tranquil Dee valley in North Wales, Palé Hall is the perfect place for a quiet retreat. Having recently undergone a refurbishment, the Victorian mansion hotel features 18 luxury, individually-styled bedrooms, each with an appointed bathroom, and has just been awarded a five-star rating by the AA. The fine dining restaurant was created in association with Michelin-star chef Michael Caines, with signature dishes realised by their own head chef Gareth Stevenson.

www.palehall.co.uk

May 2017: Hotel Indigo, Cardiff, south Wales

Boutique hotel company, Hotel Indigo, will be opening the latest addition to its portfolio in Cardiff, Wales. Famed for basing individual hotel designs dependent on which city they are homed in, the new hotel promises to embrace the spirit and style of Cardiff. Located at Dominions House on Queen Street the new hotel will have 122 rooms, and will feature the country's second rooftop Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, which will serve a selection of English and French classics.

www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/reservation

June 2017: Wales welcomes first pop-up boutique hotel, nationwide

Three locations across Wales will host Epic Retreats, a new bespoke hotel that will 'pop-up' at three secret, breath-taking locations across Wales. Cambria Tours, an inbound tour operator, have partnered with self-catering agency Best of Wales, and George and Tomos Architects to offer this completely unique hotel experience that will celebrate Wales' Year of Legends. Guests will be treated to the best landscapes and experiences Wales has to offer while staying in one of the eight bespoke cabins.

http://epicretreats.wales./en/

 

Long-lead

Date TBC: Coal Exchange to be transformed into luxury hotel, Cardiff, south Wales

One of Cardiff's most significant historical buildings is being turned into a 200-room luxury hotel. It will include a heritage area, First World War memorial and museum celebrating the history of the Cardiff Bay area. Dates are to be confirmed.

Refurbs/ expansions

The Swan at Hay relaunches after £1million makeover, Hay-on-Wye, west Wales

The Grade II listed Georgian hotel, located in the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye, has been fully refurbished and restored to its former glory. Expect 19 beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, banquet facilities for up to 120 people, and rooms equipped with characterful log-burning fires. Guests can now enjoy the Market Bar; complete with an Aneurin Jones original painting, the 1812 bar with informal dining area, and the Green Room, the hotel's garden room restaurant. www.swanathay.com

Further refurbishment at Metropole Hotel and Rock Spa, Llandrindod Wells, west Wales

The hotel is embarking on a further six-figure refurbishment, following on from the latest revamp which included a major upgrade of the hotel spa - renamed as the Rock Spa.

www.metropole.co.uk/the-rock-spa.html