Property development company S Harrison has appointed Ogilvie Construction to transform Osborne House, a 1970s office building in Edinburgh’s Haymarket area, into a 157-room hotel. The project will involve partial demolition and the addition of two new accommodation wings and an extra storey. S Harrison partnered with Comprehensive Design Architects for the plans, emphasising sustainability by retaining much of the existing structure. The hotel, set to open in Spring 2026, will be operated by Meininger Hotels, which runs 36 hotels across 26 European cities. Located near Haymarket railway station, the new hotel will feature a bar, restaurant, lounge, and outdoor terrace. This development is part of S Harrison’s broader investment strategy in Edinburgh, following their conversion of Buchan House into a boutique hotel for Malmaison. Ogilvie Construction brings expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability to the project.
The London Earls Court Hotel has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, repositioning as a co-branded Mercure and Ibis property. The revamped hotel will feature 226 Ibis rooms and 282 Mercure rooms, with additional Mercure rooms being added by early 2025. The Mercure rooms will have a ‘Layers of Time’ theme inspired by Doctor Who, while the Ibis rooms will cater to various traveller needs. The hotel includes a new restaurant, Barnaby’s, designed with a home-dining twist, and versatile meeting spaces capable of hosting up to 1,200 guests. The redevelopment aims to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation near popular London attractions and excellent transport links.
Dalata Hotel Group has opened a new 268-room Maldron Hotel in Liverpool, marking its first property in the city. Located on Park Lane, the hotel is close to Liverpool One retail outlet and Lime Street Station. The hotel features a contemporary lobby with self-check-in pods, a bar, a restaurant, and an onsite gym. It also includes the Grain and Grill restaurant and a Red Bean Roastery coffee dock. Designed to a BREEAM Excellent rating, the hotel emphasises sustainability. This opening is part of Dalata’s UK expansion, which includes new hotels in London and Brighton. CEO Dermot Crowley expressed confidence in the hotel’s popularity and highlighted the brand’s commitment to growth in the UK.
The Queen at Chester hotel has completed a £5m refurbishment, enhancing 104 bedrooms and public areas. The Italianate building now features patterned wooden floors, panelled walls, and luxurious fabrics. The Colonnades and Palazzo suites have been refreshed for events and conferences. A new bar in the Albert room boasts marble tops and rich gold finishes. The hotel includes 11 conference rooms, with the Colonnades Ballroom accommodating up to 400 delegates. General manager Bob Fairweather and LGH Hotels CEO Simon Teasdale emphasised the careful restoration and the hotel’s role in hosting both tourists and business guests, aiming to maintain its historical significance and welcoming atmosphere.