Today’s news in brief – 19/2/25
Scotland’s five-star Seaton House hotel has completed construction and is set to open in March near St Andrews Golf Club’s Old Course. Built by Pacific Building, the 42-room luxury hotel features six suites, bespoke interiors by Upperworth Studios, and locally inspired design elements like the Rae family tartan. Guests can enjoy dining experiences curated by chef Roy Brett. General manager Michael Davern expressed excitement about welcoming guests, while Pacific Building’s Gerard McMahon highlighted the project’s craftsmanship and prestige.
Criterion Capital has launched its fourth Zedwell hotel in Knightsbridge, housed in the historic Scotch House. Part of a wider plan to develop 8,500 rooms by 2028, the hotel offers sleep-centric “cocoons” with soundproofing, purified air, and ergonomic design. Situated near Harrods and Hyde Park, the hotel caters to business and leisure travelers. Sustainability is a key focus, with Criterion also investing in the Knightsbridge Green Estate. Criterion’s Halima Aziz emphasised the hotel’s role in preserving heritage while redefining urban hospitality.
The Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood has appointed Ronald Little as its new general manager. With leadership experience at Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh and DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, Little aims to strengthen the hotel’s market position following a £10m refurbishment in 2024. He plans to enhance guest experiences, foster local partnerships, and integrate Marriott’s offerings more deeply into Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
Construction on the Dakota Manchester Airport hotel is progressing, with its reinforced concrete frame rising. Set to open in 2026, the 154-room luxury hotel will feature a brasserie-style grill, a bar, and parking for 130 vehicles. This marks the fifth collaboration between GMI Construction Group and Evans Property Group. Evans’ Marc Banks praised GMI’s ability to deliver luxury in prime locations, while GMI’s Anthony Judge emphasised the hotel’s significance for Manchester Airport and the broader region. The project is expected to create over 150 jobs.
