Bisnow UK Hotel Real Estate Summit 2026

I attended Bisnow's UK Hotel Real Estate event yesterday, where two panel discussions explored investment, development and the future of the hospitality sector.

One of the biggest takeaways was that hotels are no longer just places to stay – they're expected to offer an experience. Whether luxury or mid-market, operators are increasingly looking at ways to create destinations that keep guests engaged and encourage them to spend more time (and money) on site.

Lloyd Lee of Yoo Capital spoke about the recently opened Olympia development, highlighting the importance of thinking beyond the hotel itself. By integrating restaurants, bars, event spaces and other amenities, developments can create more value and become destinations in their own right.

There was also a sense of optimism about the market, with panellists noting that the sector continues to recover from COVID-19 and that investment and development opportunities are growing.

The discussion also touched on AI, with the consensus being that it can improve operations but shouldn't replace the people who are at the heart of hospitality.

The panel also looked at how developers are making more of existing assets, from office-to-hotel conversions and mixed-use spaces to extending established hotels, unlocking additional value.

Overall, there were interesting discussions on how the hotel sector is evolving, with experience-led design, mixed-use developments and smart investment strategies shaping the future of hospitality.

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