Today’s news in brief – 27/2/25
Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch has announced Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud as its official chef partners, each overseeing a signature restaurant when the luxury hotel opens in 2026. The hotel, a transformation of the historic Admiralty Arch in partnership with Reuben Brothers, will offer 100 rooms and maintain the Waldorf Astoria brand’s signature elegance. Originally commissioned by King Edward VII, the arch boasts views of Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. General manager Guillaume Marly highlighted the collaboration as a key step in establishing the hotel as a premier dining destination in London.
Hotel du Vin Bristol has completed a £1.1m refurbishment of its guestrooms, bistro, bar, and meeting spaces, led by designer Anita Rosato. The redesign pays homage to the building’s industrial heritage with a mix of French-style and industrial furniture, exposed brickwork, and bespoke carpets. General manager Andrew Thresh emphasized the importance of preserving the hotel’s historic character while creating a modern, stylish atmosphere. The project follows similar renovations at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh and precedes upcoming investments in Henley-on-Thames and Cannizaro House in Wimbledon, as part of the brand’s £9m sustainable energy investment plan.
Ruby Molly Hotel in Dublin has been sold for €86m (£71.11m) to Deka Immobilien by ESR Europe. The 272-key hotel, located in the historic fruit markets area, was developed by ESR Europe Active Real Estate Fund IV and opened in May 2024, pre-let to Ruby Hotels on a 25-year lease. The sale follows ESR Europe’s €159.7m (£132m) disposal of an Irish residential development in January 2025, bringing its total realisation in Dublin this year to €246m (£203.4m). ESR Europe’s Managing Director Alex Ray praised the project’s success in delivering strong returns.
A new report by Crowne Plaza by IHG reveals that 66% of US and UK travelers now combine business trips with leisure time, up from 53% in 2022. The trend, driven by flexible work policies, is seen as a key benefit of remote work by 56% of respondents. A YouGov survey of over 12,000 people across nine countries found that 67% support blended travel for its flexibility. Crowne Plaza’s VP Ginger Taggart emphasized the brand’s commitment to shaping this shift with innovative hotel designs and social spaces that cater to evolving work-travel lifestyles.
