Hey, readers, happy Tuesday! This week, let’s talk about hotel renovations . . . refurbishments . . . restorations . . . upgrades . . . and whatever other synonyms might fit!
Hotel renovation projects planned for 2026 and beyond are proving that “new” doesn’t always mean “built from scratch.” Around the world, existing hotels are being thoughtfully upgraded, redesigned, and modernized to meet changing guest expectations. These hotel projects highlight how global hotel renovations are focusing on smarter design, stronger brand identity, and better functionality, all while creating new opportunities for hotel suppliers.
Below are three renovation-led hotel projects worth watching, pulled from the THP hotel database.
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Planned opening: 2026
Rooms: 204
The iconic circular Holiday Inn in downtown Raleigh is being reimagined as Hotel Indigo. The renovation preserves the building’s distinctive architecture while introducing modern, locally inspired interiors and upgraded amenities. This project is a strong example of adaptive reuse—blending heritage architecture with contemporary hotel upgrades to create a boutique-style guest experience.
Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
Planned opening: 2027
Rooms: 146
Currently under construction, the former Center Hotel Mainfranken is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and will reopen as gambino Hotel Bamberg. The project reflects Europe’s growing trend toward repositioning existing hotels into lifestyle-driven properties, with refreshed layouts, modern design, and a stronger brand identity aimed at leisure and city-break travelers.
Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan
Planned opening: 2026
Rooms: 126
Located approximately five minutes from Tosu Station and around 30 kilometers from Fukuoka City, the hotel is positioned to attract corporate travelers thanks to the region’s strong manufacturing base. Its proximity to transport links, local shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions makes it a convenient option for both business stays and short visits.
Across these global hotel renovations, a few common themes stand out. Hotels are investing in smarter room layouts, refreshed public spaces, and designs that reflect their local culture. Rather than full demolitions, many hotel projects focus on preserving existing structures while upgrading interiors, technology, and guest amenities.
Modernization often includes improved lighting, flexible, longer-lasting furniture, energy-efficient systems, and better use of communal spaces.
For hotel suppliers and industry professionals, the trends in hotel renovations are becoming clearer and focus on the following:
Adaptive reuse over new build, especially in urban locations
Brand repositioning, turning older hotels into lifestyle or boutique offerings
Business-friendly upgrades, with a focus on efficiency and comfort
Local design influence, helping hotels stand out in competitive markets
These trends create demand for innovative materials, bespoke furnishings, technology solutions, and sustainable products, making renovation-led hotel projects a major growth area.
As this new year starts, hotel renovation projects like these show that the future of hospitality is all about upgrading what already exists but doing it smarter. Because “new” looks very different in 2026.