With the UK set for even more notable hotel openings in 2026, The Hotel Spotter picks 7 of the best to watch out for — from five-star heritage buildings in London to renovated townhouses in Belfast and Glasgow
1. Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch
Years in the making, London’s Admiralty Arch will finally be unveiled in the spring as a Waldorf Astoria property with 100 rooms and suites and 17,500 sq ft of residences. The iconic landmark, which was built in 1910, offers views down The Mall to Buckingham Palace and across Trafalgar Square. Chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud recently announced they will be at the helm of signature restaurants Coreus and Café Boulud. hilton.com
2. Six Senses London
Situated within the former Whiteley’s department store in London’s Baywater, Six Senses London will open as part of a £3 billion regeneration of Queensway. The Grade II-listed building will feature shops, restaurants and a cinema as well as the 109-room property — home to the brand’s signature spa as well as a members club and 14 residences. sixsenses.com
3. Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere
Fairmont’s fifth UK property is set to open in late 2026 following the redevelopment of The Mere in Cheshire. Just outside Knutsford, south-west of Manchester, the historic 157-acre estate will offer 116 bedrooms and an 18-hole championship golf course after a multi-million pound restoration and expansion. fairmont.com
4. Hotel Gotham Bristol
Closed since 2010, Bristol’s historic Guildhall will reopen this summer as the Hotel Gotham Bristol. The third Gotham property in Bespoke Hotels’ portfolio, the 75-room hotel will feature a spa, restaurant and rooftop bar. Restoration of the gothic revival architecture began in 2023, with the Grade II*-listed building dating back to the 19th century. hotelgotham.co.uk
5. The Pig at Groombridge, Kent
Historic manor house Groombridge House, near Tunbridge Wells, will open as The Pig at Groombridge in 2026 following an extensive renovation of the Grade I-listed property. Dating back to 1674, the main manor house on the 100-acre estate will host nine rooms while the other buildings will create a total of 56 rooms — the house was built by barrister and architect Philip Packer with the help of his friend Christopher Wren. thepighotel.com
6. Arthouse Glasgow
Set to open in April, Arthouse Glasgow will occupy a 19th-century townhouse with 76 bedrooms. Formerly Abode Glasgow, the hotel will become the new home of Italian restaurant Celentano following its relocation from Cathedral House. The brand is the first property from hotel group Oberland, which has plans to open in Manchester as well across the UK and Europe. oberland.co.uk
7. The Malone, Belfast
Dating back to 1945, and under its current name for the past 35 years, The Malone is set to reopen in February after an 18-month refurbishment. Just south of the city centre, with 103 rooms and a 240-guest ballroom, the boutique hotel is set to combine the elegance of its Victorian townhouses with modern touches and an extended restaurant in the leafy avenues of the Queen’s Quarter. themalonehotel.com