Constellation Hotels has appointed Neil Jacobs, former Six Senses CEO, to lead a new hotel operating company managing its London properties (The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Emory) plus a pipeline including Paris, Marrakech, and Hackwood Park. The strategy combines lifestyle elements with ultra-luxury service.
Inception Group is set to open The Admiral's Mess, a new 2,400 square foot bar concept, within the Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch. The 60-seat bar will offer a distinctive experience inspired by the building's heritage. The hotel, restored by Reuben Brothers in partnership with Hilton, will feature 114 rooms and restaurants by Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud.
Hilton has signed the London Bridge Hotel under its Tapestry Collection brand through a franchise agreement with Gama Holdings, marking the lifestyle brand's debut in London and becoming Hilton's ninth brand in the city. The 153-room hotel, located at 8-18 London Bridge Street, is expected to open in early 2028 after a transformation costing over £12 million. It will offer easy access to landmarks such as The Shard, Borough Market, and Tower Bridge. This signing supports the growth of Tapestry Collection across the UK and Ireland, with the brand expected to reach six hotels by 2028.
Colbert Collection has launched its first hotel, Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, in Florence's historic center. The property features 69 rooms and suites, blending heritage with modern comforts. The brand emphasizes culture, gastronomy, and connection, with a second hotel in London scheduled for Q4 2026.
Startup Hotel Splitter has launched a hotel booking platform that compares traditional single-hotel stays with split-stay itineraries to identify cost savings. Launching first in London, it targets longer city breaks where nightly rates fluctuate. Founder Aaron Johal aims to make split stays a mainstream booking option and expand to other expensive urban markets.
Lyft has acquired the UK business of London black cab app Gett for an undisclosed amount, expected to close in coming weeks. The acquisition enables Lyft to offer a range of ground transport options in London, from black cabs to bikes and chauffeur services. Lyft previously acquired Freenow and TBR Global Chauffering, and plans to test autonomous rides with Baidu in London.
Short-term rental management company Veeve (part of UnderTheDoormat Group) has taken over management of 200 high-end homes from Onefinestay in London and Paris, expecting additional revenues of ~£2.3 million annually. Onefinestay will support the transition for continuity. CEO Merilee Karr says this reinforces Veeve's position in the high-end market. The move follows the successful onboarding of over 700 properties during the UnderTheDoormat-Veeve merger. Onefinestay plans to expand in Europe, the Caribbean, and the US.
Uber and Lyft have partnered with Baidu to launch Apollo Go robotaxis in London. Uber will start testing in H1 2026, and Lyft has signed a definitive agreement with testing pending regulatory approval. The UK government plans to pilot self-driving passenger services from spring.
The SAP Concur blog published a London travel guide for attendees of events such as SAP Concur Fusion, covering five major airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Luton), express trains and taxi costs, business hotel options, Tube and taxi transport, plus dining and sightseeing suggestions.