We’ve said it before: 2026 is set to become an exciting year for the hotel business. According to commercial property industry expert CoStar, Europe alone is expected to welcome 123,789 new hotel rooms throughout the year, and we’ve selected six of the most exciting hotels from major hospitality brand which are scheduled to open their doors in 2026.
Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, London, United Kingdom
London lovers looking for their next royal stay in the city should look no further. The Grade I-listed Admiralty Arch, commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, was used as government offices until 2011 and is currently being transformed into a magnificent Waldorf Astoria.
Featuring some 100 rooms and 14 residences, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2026 and offers views over Buckingham Palace. The perfect place to go for an unforgettable stay that might even earn you an impromptu meeting with a member of the royal family at one of the on-site restaurants by chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud.
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Venice, Italy
Staying in Venice’s Doge Palace isn’t possible, sadly, but travellers will be able to experience the next best thing as of April 2026. Designed by the same architect as the above mentioned tourist highlight, the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice’s Cannaregio neighbourhood will offer 47 different rooms and apartments, a gastronomic restaurant, and the so-called Wagon Bar. The bar is a reference to Accor’s Orient Express revival, as the group is set to reopen two luxury train routes.
The Standard, Lisbon, Portugal
Hyatt’s The Standard concept will be setting foot ashore in Lisbon as of 2026. Situated in the former Portuguese Royal Navy Hospital at the Palácio Santa Clara just above Lisbon’s Alfama neighbourhood, the new 170-room hotel is expected to be just as design-worthy as the group’s other locations. Offering a combination of hotel rooms and apartments, as well as a rooftop terrace, spa, and gardens, the hotel caters both to tourists wanting to spend a weekend at the Portuguese capital and to those longing for a longer stay.
Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, Spain
Mandarin Oriental’s locations across the globe are known for their qualitative spa services, and things won’t be any different for the brand’s first hotel on the Balearic Islands. Stunning sea views can be enjoyed throughout the property, and the two adults’ pools in particular make for a fine spot to enjoy the surroundings.
A hydro-massage pool, cold plunges, steam rooms, and aromatherapy showers complete the relaxing offer. Moreover, the hotel will feature two restaurants: Nikkei-style dining venue Nobu Matsuhisa and steakhouse Leña.
The St. Regis, Budapest, Hungary
At the time of writing, Budapest’s new Marriott hotel, The St. Regis, is set to open at the start of June 2026, and it promises to be an exciting addition to the city’s hotel offering, especially for architecture lovers. The hotel will be located in part of the so-called Klotild Palaces, Belle Epoque-era buildings located within a stone’s throw from the Danube River.
Offering 63 rooms and 39 suites, the St. Regis pays homage to Budapest’s thermal baths culture with a spa including a pool, sauna, hammam, experience showers, celebration bar, and three treatment rooms. Culinary enthusiasts, too, will undoubtedly find what they’re looking for at one of the hotel’s dedicated spaces, such as the 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Klotild Patisserie and coffee house, and The St. Regis Bar.
Rosewood Blue Palace, Crete, Greece
Although an exact opening date has not yet been communicated at the time of writing, the Rosewood Blue Palace on Crete – located near the port town of Elounda – is already the place to be for travellers looking to wind down in a luxurious setting. Described as a seaside sanctuary, the resort will be designed by Greek firm K-Studio and feature 154 rooms and suites. Excitingly, 85 of those will feature private pools, while other guests may enjoy the three outdoor pools at the venue.
Moreover, the hotel will feature a so-called Asaya (Rosewood’s holistic well-being concept), as well as a fitness center, movement studio, yoga pavilion, and dedicated areas for guests to explore hydrotherapy treatments. Combined with the six on-site restaurants and bars, guests will have little reason to leave the premises during their stay.
