VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in March 2024

2024 is fast becoming one of our most anticipated years for hotel openings across the globe. With expansion and development gathering pace and showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon, there are a number of exciting markers with several shiny-new hospitality brands breaking into the market.

This month alone we see the introduction of More Development’s Arev Collection and Aman Group’s Janu, which are set to steal the limelight with their own unique take on bespoke luxury offerings. And while they might be two very different brands, they have ambitious plans in common – so keep your eyes peeled for more projects coming soon.

Not to be outdone by the newcomers, brand titans (we’re looking at you, Four Seasons) are having an incredible year with a plethora of project unveilings. There’s a hive of activity still in areas like Mexico, Morocco, and Japan, but equally exciting is the rise of activity across Europe with a steady flow of projects coming out of London, Edinburgh, Paris, and Rome.

Art’otel London Hoxton

Image credit: Art’otel London Hoxton

Opening just over a year after the launch of Art’otel London Battersea Power Station, Art’otel London Hoxton is set to open at the end of the month and boasts 357 guest rooms – of which 48 are suites. The hotel will feature an art gallery and artworks by signature artist D*Face as well as two original Banksys and exciting pieces from up-and-coming artists.

Designed by Squire & Partners, the hotel will offer a spa with indoor swimming pool, four treatment rooms, and a skyline gym on the 26^th floor. Numerous F&B offerings will include a café and bar with outdoor terrace, a lounge, and rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

Four Seasons Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, Morocco

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Once a Sultan’s summer residence, the historic Kasr Al Bahr ‘palace by the sea’ will open this month as a Four Seasons hotel. Spread across five hectares (twelve acres) of beautifully landscaped gardens, the fully restored and enhanced property includes six heritage and five new buildings, creating 200 guest rooms and suites and making it a true oceanfront oasis in the heart of the city.

“Our new property in Rabat is an excellent complement to our established hotels in Casablanca and Marrakech, providing guests a new opportunity to experience Morocco with Four Seasons,” says Adrian Messerli, President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. “No detail has been overlooked by our esteemed owner partners at Atlantic Coast Hospitality in restoring, renovating and enhancing this important site as a setting for a new era of luxury and glamour in the city.”

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Image credit: Edinburgh by Adam Wilson

Red Carnation Hotels’ first Scottish property will be housed within the former Royal Overseas League building, which was previously a private members’ club. Led by the design team behind the iconic Ashford Castle in Ireland – Toni Tollman, Philippe Bonino and Brian Brennan – this restoration will look to protect and retain the original heart and soul of 100 Princes Street.

Inspired by Alexander McQueen, the design team sought to create a sense of place, working with local artisans to create bespoke pieces. These custom-made design features include tartan designed by Araminta Campbell and a central staircase which features a hand-painted mural by Croxford & Saunders, honouring the adventures of several great Scottish explorers.

Arev St. Tropez, France

Image credit: Arev Collection

Described as ‘a new people based, luxury hospitality brand, creating beautiful places where people meet to live, love and escape’ by development company, More Development, Arev Collection launches its first boutique property, Arev Saint Tropez on 15^th March.

Designed by Luis Bustamante, the hotel is a charming infusion of traditional design with modern and luxurious amenities. Rooms are elegantly designed with alternating red and blue toile and candy cane stripes. The spa is a light and peaceful space and the bar and restaurant offer a touch of glamour with natural elements offset by striking artwork and those signature stripes.

Janu Tokyo, Japan

Image credit: Aman Group

A visionary new brand from the Aman Group, Janu marks a progressive new chapter with a sustainable commitment. Derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘soul’, Janu is being offered as a lifestyle brand designed to encourage connection and promote collective joy.

The flagship for the new brand, Janu Tokyo, is at the heart of Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills development – a vibrant community hub of nature, culture and art. The only hotel within the urban village, Janu Tokyo introduces 122 guest rooms, eight restaurants and a 4,000 sqm spa and wellness centre to a new, landmark building designed by visionary architects Pelli Clarke & Partners.

Main image credit: Four Seasons Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, Morocco / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts