London: London’s hotel offering has received a further boost with the news that a significant number of new hotels and venues are set to open there in the next few years.
According to findings from a new report monitoring hotel capacity across European cities, London is set to add 11,600 rooms to its hotel market by 2020.
Further analysis from the 2018 London Hotel Development Monitor Report shows that the growth of the capital’s hotel market is set to overtake a number of major European cities by 2020, including Paris, Berlin, Lisbon and Milan.
As London continues to attract high levels of business and leisure visitors, hotel operators are showing interest in opening up their newest properties in the city, with an eight per cent uplift predicted by 2020.
The growth will provide international Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) buyers with innovative options across various price brackets, with the research predicting increases for both high-end and economy hotels in London.
The report also highlights the growth of the lifestyle hotel market segment or those that place an emphasis on design, art and the latest technology features. Hotel brands of this kind in London include: CitizenM, Soho House, Rosewood and The Ned.
Tracy Halliwell MBE, director of tourism, conventions & major events at London Convention Bureau, said: “London is a world class destination for leisure and business travellers and it’s no surprise to see that hoteliers are showing a strong appetite for opening some of their best and most exciting properties in the capital.
“We’ve seen a number of different styles of hotel open across a range of price bands, providing even greater choice for visitors from all over the world,” she added.
Graham Craggs, managing director at JLL Hotels & Hospitality, said: “London is one of the most liquid hotel markets in Europe and a popular investment hotspot for both domestic and international investors. The weaker pound has attracted a variety of overseas hotel operators and investors to invest in hotel real estate.
“Despite political uncertainty, investors and hotel companies continue to view London as a key destination. This is evidenced by the willingness to consider new development opportunities and the number of new hotel brands opening in the London market,” he added.
Some of the top new hotels in London include:
The Londoner: Scheduled to open in 2020, the five-star 15 level hotel will have 350 rooms and 15 suites; five concept restaurants and lounges including a rooftop bar; a ballroom for up to 1000 guests, two new Odeon Luxe cinemas and a subterranean spa.
The Principal London: Opened earlier this year, The Principal London is a Grade II-listed landmark building that occupies the eastern flank of Russell Square in Bloomsbury.
Former US embassy turning into a Rosewood Hotel: The former US Embasy in Mayfair will be transformed into a Rosewood Hotel. The property will offer 137 guest rooms and suites, as well as a variety of dining and entertainment spaces, including five gourmet restaurants. The property will also feature a signature spa, as well as six flagship retail spaces and a grand ballroom with space for up to 1,000 guests.
Manhattan Loft Gardens design hotel: The Manhattan Loft Corporation is behind the Manhattan Loft Gardens Design Hotel. The 150-room hotel occupies the seven lower levels of Manhattan Loft Gardens, a mixed used development with three ‘sky gardens’. Hotel facilities and services will include a gym, spa, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Hard Rock Hotel London: Opening in spring 2019, London’s first Hard Rock Hotel will take over the site of the Cumberland Hotel. It will comprise of 1,000 rooms and suites and a Hard Rock Café, as well as two bars.
Art’otel London Battersea Power Station: Situated around the site of London’s historical Grade-II listed, Battersea Power Station, the property is expected to open in 2020. The 160-bedroom lifestyle hotel will have a rooftop pool and bar, a signature restaurant and a gallery.
