Hotel Magazine

House of Gods Lands in Canary Wharf - The Hotel That Treats You Like a Star

Booking lines for London’s hotly anticipated new hotel launch are now open

The velvet ropes remain drawn, rooftop cocktails are yet to be poured, and the grand reveal is still on the horizon – but House of Gods London is already promising guests an experience far beyond an ordinary stay ahead of its opening on the 27^th October 2025.

Perfectly positioned at the centre of London’s cultural playground and in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Canary Wharf, guests will be just moments from iconic attractions including the Museum of London Docklands, Greenwich, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

The brand-new hotspot will not only become one of London’s most glamourous places to stay but it will feature the very first rooftop to grace Canary Wharf, making it the perfect spot for post-work drinks or a relaxing afternoon in the city. Sacred Garden, a 300-capacity rooftop bar and restaurant will provide a moment to soak in the skyline and sweeping views over Eden Dock at what will soon be London’s most iconic destination.

House of Gods will feature 79 opulent rooms and suites that will follow the intimate, design-led spirit of House of Gods Edinburgh and House of Gods Glasgow with the new London property promising the same immersive glamour – but on a grander scale.

The exciting new spot is launching with a bold promise: to treat every guest like they’re famous, and to kick this off with a bang they will be running a special offer on all stays until 23rd December. Guests can simply book with the exclusive code ‘VIP LONDON’ to unlock VIP check-in with glass of bubbly, a £20 cocktail bar tab to use on the rooftop and a royal room welcome with chocolates and a bottle of exclusive House of Gods Prosecco. Don’t forget milk and cookies delivered to you before bed, a mimosa breakfast on the rooftop – oh and late checkout, because VIPs leave when they want.

Backed by Imbiba, the specialist Leisure, Education and Healthcare investor, this will be the third property from the acclaimed Scottish hotel group, following its cult-status launches in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Now accepting bookings, House of Gods London will open later this year in the heart of one of London’s most dynamic districts, bringing its trademark decadence and drama south of the border.

Maximalist by design and boutique in attitude, House of Gods is set to shake up London’s hospitality scene.

Mike Baxter, Founder of House of Gods, said:

“Since 2019, House of Gods has been built on a simple promise: every guest should be treated like they’re famous. At House of Gods, our guests aren’t just visitors, they’re the stars of the show. With our incredible new hotel in Canary Wharf, we’re taking that philosophy to dazzling new heights.

London is our boldest move yet and every detail has been designed to make guests feel truly celebrated. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome London into the world of House of Gods.”

Bookings are now open. Come for the glamour, stay for the drama: www.houseofgodshotel.com/london

by Hotel Magazine

Domaine Des Etangs Auberge Announces Exclusive Partnership With French Heritage Porcelain Brand, Bernardaud

Domaine des Etangs Auberge, the 13th century château retreat on 2,500 acres of private estate in rural south-western France’s Limousin region and part of ultra-luxury hospitality brand Auberge Resorts Collection, set to debut in London in Spring next year, is delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with Bernardaud. This marks the French heritage porcelain brand’s first hotel collaboration.

Founded in 1863 in Limoges, the historic birthplace of French porcelain, Bernardaud has built a legacy of excellence and innovation over five generations of family craftsmanship. Located just a stone’s throw from Domaine des Etangs Auberge, this locally rooted partnership embodies Auberge Resorts Collection’s commitment to honoring each destination’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The exclusive partnership, which will run from summer and into the festive season, brings immersive experiences to the guests of Domaine des Etangs Auberge. Each experience, which is exclusively available at the French château, will honour the heritage of art de vivre in the region. From intimate etiquette workshops and refined afternoon teas served on Bernardaud porcelain, to private visits of the Bernardaud Manufacture for a rare glimpse into the artistry behind each handcrafted piece, this partnership is set to offer guests a timeless journey into French elegance and craftsmanship.

Signature experiences include:

• Un Goûter de Porcelaine – The Bernardaud Art of Tea: Explore the evolution of teatime traditions guided by a Bernardaud expert, followed by an indulgent afternoon tea paired with sweet creations by the château’s pastry chef, and elegantly served on Bernardaud porcelain. During the month of December, guests will be treated to a dedicated Festive Afternoon Tea, rich with seasonal flavours and showcasing Bernardaud’s new Christmas Collection.
• Au-Delà du Repas – The Elegance of the Table: A guided practical workshop in the history and modern adaptation of French dining etiquette. Guests will learn how to master the art of tablescaping, followed by a four-course dinner prepared by Matthieu Pasgrimaud, Executive Chef of farm to table fine dining restaurant Dyades that was recently awarded a Michelin Star.
• Exclusive Visit to the Bernardaud Manufacture: A private guided tour of Bernardaud’s Limoges atelier, complete with the opportunity for guests to personalise their own porcelain piece alongside the artisans.

“This partnership offers our guests a unique journey into the heritage and savoir-faire of two French icons, both rooted in the Limousin region,” says Ernesto Ovalle, General Manager of Domaine des Etangs. “Together with Bernardaud, we are delighted to share the timeless beauty, refinement, and craftsmanship that define life at the château and our wider Auberge Resorts Collection ethos.”

Steeped in history, Domaine des Etangs Auberge, the much-loved 13th century château estate is home to eleven rooms and suites, as well as six individual one-to-five-bedroom Farmhouse Cottages. The art de vivre retreat is surrounded by 2,500 acres of beautiful private countryside for hotel guests to discover, including seven tranquil lakes, forests, gardens and undisturbed pastures, with grazing cows, deer and an array of birdlife and biodiversity. Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a one-of-a-kind destination where guests come to restore balance, reconnect to simpler pastimes and discover Michelin-starred farm-to-table gastronomy, art and natural wellness in a peaceful rural setting.

Guests can enjoy art and nature trails, vegetable garden and farmyard guided tours, mushroom foraging, biking through the estate with a picnic stop en route, row boating on one of the lakes and horseback riding. In the surrounding area, guests are encouraged to explore the local village of Massignac and the picturesque Cognac region; further afield, Dordogne and Bordeaux can be discovered as part of a road-trip itinerary.

by Hotel Magazine

AVLA License - Settlement With Britannia Hotels

AVLA and Britannia Hotels confirm that they have reached an extrajudicial settlement of copyright infringement proceedings raised by AVLA in the Court of Session, Edinburgh under s.20 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. The terms of settlement include the agreement by Britannia Hotels to enter the AVLA Licence for all of the hotels they operate in the UK.

Audiovisual Licensing Alliance (AVLA) Limited is a UK not-for-profit licensing body established by the community of audiovisual creatives, including producers, authors, performers, directors, and visual artists. Recognised and monitored by the UK government, AVLA manages a vast repertoire that spans films, series, documentaries, cartoons, and other shows regularly broadcast on the major national television channels and beyond.

Hotels, aparthotels, serviced apartments, B&Bs, and similar establishments are legally required to obtain an AVLA licence if they provide guests with access to TV channels featuring audiovisual content from AVLA’s repertoire. This requirement applies both to televisions in bedrooms and in communal areas, such as restaurants or bars. Operating without the licence constitutes a legal infringement of the rights of the creators AVLA represents.

Max Rumney, Co-Chairs of AVLA, stated:

“Respecting copyright laws is crucial not only to avoid legal or reputational risks, but also to support creators. As a not-for-profit organisation, AVLA distributes the vast majority of licence fees directly to the rightsholders we represent. In an industry that normally operates on a project-driven basis, this contribution is key to ensure that the talent required for ground-breaking British content remains and continues to be significant contributors to the UK economy.

Hotels that prioritise compliance demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices and respect for intellectual property rights. We encourage businesses that have yet to obtain an AVLA licence to contact our team and regularise their position to avoid legal risks and higher costs.”

by Hotel Magazine

GROUND Unveils Their NEW Hotel Collection in Collaboration With La Bottega

GROUND Wellbeing is proud to announce the launch of the GROUND Hotel Collection, a new range of refillable wet room amenities developed in partnership with La Bottega, the global leader in eco-conscious luxury hospitality. This collaboration combines GROUND’s intentional approach to wellness and scent rituals with La Bottega’s innovative sustainable packaging solutions, creating an amenity collection that reflects the future of hospitality: luxury, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.

Crafted using the revitalising BEO scent formulation, a crisp, energising blend of citrus, lemongrass, and eucalyptus, each product is rooted in nature, free from harsh chemicals, and enriched with essential oils to support calm energy and sensory wellbeing. The result is a collection designed to support calm energy, cleanse the body, and nourish the skin, creating a mindful pause within the rhythms of travel or retreat.

This collaboration answers a growing demand: luxury traveler's seeking continuity in wellness experiences beyond the spa, from treatments to in-room rituals.

The full wet room range includes:

Shower Gel 300ml (Available Online + Hotel Partners) RRP €25.00

Hand Wash 300ml (Available Online + Hotel Partners) RRP €25.00

Hand & Body Lotion 300ml (Available Online + Hotel Partners) RRP €28.00

Shampoo 300ml (Hotel Partner Exclusive) N/A

Conditioner 300ml (Hotel Partner Exclusive) N/A

Soap Bar (Hotel Partner Exclusive) N/A

Each formula reflects GROUND’s signature commitment to natural, plant-based ingredients, with up to 98% natural-origin content, vegan-friendly formulations, and the exclusion of harsh ingredients such as SLES, parabens, silicones, phenoxyethanol, and more.

Available in 300ml refillable dispensers, the range is offered as standalone bottles or wall-mounted options, designed with elegance and sustainability in mind. The Hand Wash, Lotion, and Shower Gel are also available for retail, inviting guests to continue the GROUND ritual long after their stay.

This partnership prioritises planet and people, using eco packaging solutions:

Aluminium Tubes: 100% aluminium, plastic-free, endlessly recyclable

Refillable Bottles: Made from 100% R-PET (recycled PET), fully recyclable

Cartridge System: Eliminates contamination and reduces operational costs

No Single-Use Plastics: A sustainable solution for five-star properties

Peigín Crowley, Founder of GROUND Wellbeing:

"It is an honour to collaborate with the globally renowned La Bottega Team to co-create the GROUND Hotel Collection. In a world where reducing single-use plastics is essential, La Bottega has gone even further—pioneering new eco materials without compromising on quality. We are beyond fortunate and grateful to launch this sustainable and intentional solution for the hospitality industry."

Tommaso Pacini, CEO of La Bottega:

"The luxury traveller now pursues wellbeing far beyond the spa, seeking moments of calm and connection in their bedrooms, understanding the power of scent and the value in this continuity throughout each property and resort. For this, we are proud to work with GROUND, a spa brand that embodies a sincere commitment to sustaining the self—and in turn, our planet."

This launch marks another step in GROUND’s evolution as a global wellness partner to luxury hospitality properties, where meaningful wellness rituals and sustainability now go hand-in-hand. The GROUND Hotel Collection with La Bottega is already enhancing guest experiences in a number of renowned five-star properties, including:

Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare

The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney

Limewood Hotel, The New Forest

 Jumeirah Carlton Tower Spa, London

Ellenborough Park Hotel, The Cotswolds

These properties reflect the growing demand for sustainable luxury and meaningful wellbeing experiences across global hospitality.

by Hotel Magazine

Global Hotel Rates Set for Modest Growth in 2026

Geopolitical factors and regional economic conditions influencing hotel pricing across key business destinations

Global hotel rates are expected to remain relatively stable through 2026, with geopolitical instability and uncertainty surrounding potential US tariffs limiting demand and restricting big price increases.

The Hotel Monitor 2026, produced by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) (NYSE: GBTG), a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events, is an annual forecast of global hotel rates in key business travel destinations across the world.

Despite a more moderate outlook for next year, Amex GBT’s consulting team predicts continued rises in rates for high-end accommodation, due to growing demand. The forecasting is based on analysis of company data, combined with inflation and GDP forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Forecast summaries include:

The report provides further analysis of key cities and countries, exploring the underlying factors driving the predictions:

• New York: Hotel rates are predicted to rise by 4% – despite projected softening of demand for inbound US travel, generated by various factors including uncertainty over tariffs, New York remains one of the world’s top destinations for business travel and meetings.
• London and Riyadh: Upcoming hotel development projects in both cities will continue to improve supply, tempering rates despite strong demand. London leads Europe with 80 projects and nearly 15,000 rooms on the way, while Riyadh tops the Middle East with more than 17,000 rooms in development.
• India remains the country to watch in 2026: Amex GBT anticipates another year of strong rate growth; while not reaching the level of last year’s increases, price rises will outstrip regional and global averages. The city of Bengaluru, which is one of the world’s leading technology and AI hubs, is a notable mention; in the first quarter of 2025, it achieved the country's highest occupancy and average room rate.

Amex GBT Meeting & Events finds changing attendee preferences influencing venue sourcing and meeting strategies. These include show-stopper venues, popular on social media, to create more memorable events. Wellness, accessibility, and inclusivity are growing in importance, with more requests for specialized dietary options such as plant-based and gluten free food, as well as cultural accommodations.

Dan Beauchamp, Vice President, Consulting, Amex GBT, said: “This year’s forecast reveals a nuanced global environment where geopolitical uncertainties are tempering hotel rate increases. These insights allow businesses to make more informed travel decisions in an increasingly complex landscape. Understanding local market conditions will help companies optimize their travel budgets and strategies.”

Simon Fishman, Vice President, Global Hotel, Amex GBT, added: “As the data shows, in today’s volatile world, the news cycles impact hotel prices in often unpredictable ways. Amex GBT’s hotel marketplace gives companies more flexibility and choice, providing access to more than two million properties across 180 countries, as well as over 45,000 hotels with pre-negotiated, business-friendly discounts and amenities via the Preferred Extras Hotel Program. We’re enabling companies of all sizes to quickly adapt to changing business needs while accessing the best rates and traveler experiences.”

The full report is available to download here: Hotel Monitor 2026.

by Hotel Magazine

A Third of Employees Anxious About Lack of Trained First Aiders in the Workplace

• 34% of employees feel anxious that some days they have no trained first aiders in the workplace¹
• Nearly a quarter (22%) of the workforce has never had any first aid training
• Almost four in five (79%) workers genuinely care about their colleagues and show it through small everyday actions  
• St John Ambulance is encouraging organisations to train up more workplace first aiders as part of its Save a Life September campaign

New research from health charity St John Ambulance shows that a lack of trained workplace first aiders is causing feelings of anxiety among employees.

The study reveals that almost three in ten (29%) employees have experienced times when no one present in their workplace was first aid trained.

Concerningly, of first aid trained employees, over two in five (43%) have reported being the only person on site with first aid skills, meaning that if they were to have an accident or emergency at work, there would be no one available to help them.

The research comes as St John Ambulance launches its Save a Life September campaign to encourage organisations to train more of their workforce in life saving first aid.

The study reveals a significant skills gap across all sectors, putting employees in physical and psychological danger. Nearly a quarter (22%) of the workforce have never had any first aid training at all and of those who are trained, over a fifth (22%) have skills that are more than five years old, meaning that they may have forgotten these skills and have outdated qualifications.

Lisa Sharman, National Head of Education and Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, said: “Inconsistencies in working patterns, hybrid working, and a lack of trained first aiders mean that employees are left at risk of not having any life-saving support in a crisis. 

Building life-saving skills within the workplace not only ensures people can act quickly and confidently, but also helps all employees feel safe at work. This Save a Life September, we’re urging employers to provide up-to-date, practical first aid training to show staff they care.

“Even if your workplace seems low-risk – like an office – accidents and emergencies still happen – choking, slips, allergic reactions, or even serious unexpected situations like terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Having multiple trained first aiders is an important safety measure that will protect both colleagues and the business. Plus, if an employee is harmed due to a lack of first aid provision, the employer may face legal action, fines or prosecution” 

The research also showed that almost four in five (79%) employees genuinely care about their colleagues, and the same proportion said they go out of their way to help their colleagues wherever they can.

This highlights a gap between caring and capability, with many staff unable to help their colleagues in an emergency, even though they would want to.  Some of the most popular ways employees show they care about their colleagues include:

• Making a colleague laugh when they’re stressed (43%)
• Taking on extra work to help a colleague (39%)
• Making a tea or coffee when it’s not your turn (34%)
• Covering for them when they were running late (32%)
• Making them a birthday cake (14%)
• Swapping teams with them in the company sweepstake (10%)

Lisa Sharman added: “From cups of tea to emotional support, employees have shown that they’re there for each other at work. But while many people want to help their colleagues in an emergency, not enough would know what to do.

“On average, employees make more than 10 cups of tea and coffee for colleagues each week. Over the course of the year that adds up to more than three full working days of tea-making, more time than it would take them to do a St John Ambulance first aid course, which will equip them with skills to help in all manner of crises, including cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, or choking.²

“Getting first aid trained is one of the strongest, clearest actions a colleague can take to show they care – because it’s practical, life-saving, and puts others first.”

For more information visit sja.org.uk/sals

by Hotel Magazine

UK Hotels See Significant Boost in Spa Revenue After Profitroom & TRYBE Integration

Woolacombe Bay Hotel reports 70 per cent of spa revenue now coming from online bookings

One year on from launching a market-first integration, hospitality tech firms Profitroom and TRYBE are revealing the revenue-boosting results for spa hotels across the UK.

At Woolacombe Bay Hotel in Devon, the impact has been immediate. Spa bookings increased by 14 per cent within the first three months of integration. Today one-third of spa bookings are made online, slashing reliance on phone reservations, which previously accounted for 70 per cent of package sales.

Guests are spending more too, thanks to personalised upsell prompts built into the booking journey, with online bookings accounting for 70 per cent of spa revenue overall.

Beyond boosting bookings, TRYBE has helped eliminate duplicate bookings, reduced abandoned spa carts and freeing up almost 30 hours of admin time per site, per week.

The technology behind the results is a smart integration of Profitroom’s award-winning booking engine with TRYBE’s specialist spa management software. It allows hotels to provide automated and personalised packages, including rooms, spa treatments, dining, and add-ons in one smooth journey.

Patryk Luszcz, UK regional director at Profitroom, said: “Hotel operators are facing a tough balancing act right now, delivering exceptional guest experiences while keeping costs and workloads under control. That’s why this partnership with TRYBE has proven so valuable over the past 12 months.

“By bringing spa and wellness bookings into the core reservation journey, we’ve helped hotels unlock new revenue without adding pressure to already stretched teams. No extra staff, no clunky systems, just a smarter way to deliver what today’s guests expect.

“It gives hoteliers the confidence that package delivery is no longer a complex or time-consuming task, but a streamlined process made possible through innovative tech integrations.”

With UK guests increasingly seeking wellness experiences like thermal therapy and overnight spa breaks; the integration allows hotels to market and monetise these offerings, while cutting the time it takes to deliver them.

Ricky Daniels, co-founder of TRYBE said: “TRYBE was launched in response to a clear need within the industry. The barriers to entry for guests wanting to book a spa break were limiting. Spa and wellness bookings were often abandoned due to challenges such as the need to phone or email to enquire, disjointed booking journeys, or slow loading times.”

“It’s been 12-months since we partnered with Profitroom, we’re seeing how this integration is changing that. From bathhouse experiences to personalised packages, guests can now book it all in one go, no phone calls, no back-and-forth and no duplicate bookings causing issues for teams and guests alike.

“It’s a simple switch that’s driving real results. More impulse bookings, smoother operations and a much better way for hotels to showcase what today’s guests are really looking for.”

The TRYBE integration with Profitroom enables hotels to offer 24/7 online booking for spa treatments, leisure activities, experiences, wellness packages and F&B all via one guest‑facing booking portal.

It means that hoteliers can save on operational costs and reduce team time while ensuring a reliable booking experience for customers.

For more information on Profitroom, visit www.profitroom.com and for TRYBE, visit www.try.be

by Hotel Magazine

Synergy Give eXperience Day Attendees a Chance to Win Their Award-Winning Grill

Synergy Grill Technology are taking their newly announced eXperience days to a whole new level by giving each attendee a chance to win their very own Synergy Grill.

The grill on offer is the ST600, in either gas or electric. To be in with a chance of winning this grill, worth £7,400* an operator simply needs to attend a Synergy eXperience day.. Justin Cadbury, Founder and Chairman of Synergy Grill Technology, goes on to detail the benefits of attending these highly anticipated events:

“Our free-to-attend eXperience days provide chefs and operators with a unique opportunity to experience the unrivalled flavour, power and innovation of Synergy’s patented grill in a perfectly curated session. Throughout the course of the eXperience day, attendees can expect to learn more about Synergy’s unique offering, via presentations and live-demos on our award-winning grills, washed down with gourmet drink and food cooked on a Synergy Grill, of course!...What’s more, every event attendee will be entered into a draw to win one of our grills which is a massive opportunity itself!”

So far, Synergy Grill has released 5 eXperience day events. These include:

• 9^th September, 2-5pm, with Alecta Technical Solutions (Ringwood Hampshire)
• 18th September, 10:00 - 14:00 with Catering World (Glasgow, Scotland)
• 23rd September, 16:00 - 20:00 Waltons and Company (Bradford, West Yorkshire)
• 14th October, 10:00 - 14:00 Caltel Catering Equipment and Hire (Telford, Shropshire)
• 21st October, 15:00 - 17:00 Roundstone Catering Equipment (Melksham, Wiltshire)
• 11th November, 11:30 - 14:30 Allsop & Pitts (Torquay, Devon)

To book your slot, or to find you nearest eXperience day event, visit https://synergygrill.com/synergy-demo-days/

For more information on Synergy’s award-winning range, please visit www.synergygrill.com, call 01480 811000 or email info@synergygrill.com

*Gas, ST600, £6,706. Electric, ST600, £7,430.

by Hotel Magazine

Grand Metropolitan Hotels Ends Partnership with Hotel Brand “7Pines” of Düsseldorf-based 12.18. Group

Grand Metropolitan Hotels has terminated its cooperation with the “7Pines” brand, which belongs to the Düsseldorf-based 12.18. Group, with immediate effect.

From the perspective of Grand Metropolitan Hotels, there are considerable doubts regarding the stability and continuity of the luxury hotel brand 7Pines Hotels & Resorts. According to publicly available information, the brand development team at 12.18 has been dissolved. At the same time, the flagship hotel in Ibiza is currently up for sale “without brand affiliation.” These developments impair a successful positioning and, as a whole, call the future viability of the brand into question.

“In light of these circumstances, we view the outlook for the 7Pines brand as critical and uncertain. Within our international portfolio we manage numerous brands that are growing successfully – including within the framework of the Destination by Hyatt brand, which serves 7Pines Hotels & Resorts as a collection brand and distribution system. Under the Destination by Hyatt brand, our newest hotel in Opatija will also open next spring,” explains Walter Neumann, Chief Executive Officer, Grand Metropolitan Hotels.

Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman of Grand Metropolitan Hotels, also emphasizes the importance of clear brand strategies: “Our ambition is to manage brands that are not only attractive today, but that endure in the long term and generate sustainable value creation. We stand for well-founded and solid partnerships, long-term development, and clear perspectives. Especially in a market characterized by uncertainty and rapid change, stability and reliability are the decisive success factors – not only for us, but above all for our investors and our hotel partners.”

With this decision, Grand Metropolitan Hotels underscores its consistent focus on future-proof partnerships and hotel projects that promise growth and can compete successfully on an international scale. The company thereby reaffirms its role as a reliable partner in the hotel and hospitality industry – one that provides orientation and bases its brand strategy on foresight and stability.

Focusing on internationally established partners such as Hyatt not only strengthens the hotel group’s own portfolio but also provides investors and owners with the security of benefiting from globally anchored distribution systems, high quality standards, and the possibility of continuous expansion. With the upcoming market entry in Opatija, Grand Metropolitan Hotels once again demonstrates its ability to successfully develop attractive destinations with long-term potential and integrate them into a stable brand portfolio.

by Hotel Magazine