The Hari Hotels Introduce Family Experiences Inspired by Hong Kong and London

From Hong Kong trams to Paddington Bear, families discover Wan Chai and Belgravia

(July , 2026) – The Hari Hong Kong and The Hari London are encouraging families to experience their destinations through the eyes of younger travellers, with family offerings inspired by the neighbourhoods, stories and cultural icons that surround each hotel.

Although separated by more than 9000 kilometres, each hotel has developed family experiences that draw on a strong sense of place. In Hong Kong, children are introduced to some of the city's most recognisable symbols, and in London, storytelling becomes a gateway to the British capital.

The Hari Hong Kong’s ‘Better Together Family Package’ includes a Corner Room with a king bed connected to a Twin Room, daily breakfast for two adults and two children under the age of 12, and a selection of in-room activities created with younger guests in mind.

Among them is The Hari Puzzle Set, featuring illustrations of a Hong Kong tram, the Star Ferry and The Hari mascot. A DIY Confetti Madeleines Set, featuring freshly baked madeleines and colourful toppings, adds another hands-on activity for families spending time together in the room.

Located in Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong's oldest and most diverse districts, the hotel is within easy reach of Victoria Harbour, the city's historic tram network, traditional markets and heritage streetscapes that reveal a different side of Hong Kong beyond its skyline.

The Hari London's ‘Family First’ offering features educational Tonieboxes in selected suites, providing screen-free storytelling, music and educational content ranging from Paddington Bear adventures for youngsters to National Geographic explorations for older children.

In addition to drawing on stories and characters to offer children a different way to engage with the city, the Tonieboxes support a healthy bedtime routine during travel. Beyond the hotel, families find themselves moments from some of London's best-known attractions, museums, parks and royal landmarks.

Children receive welcome amenities tailored to their age and interests, with the hotel’s suites comfortably accommodating families by pairing living space with views of the capital’s iconic skyline. The hotel's Italian restaurant, il Pampero, caters to younger diners with familiar favourites including pizza margherita, penne al pomodoro and spaghetti alla bolognese.

Each experience flows from a belief that travel is most memorable when it fosters curiosity about a destination, according to Dr Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels Ltd.

“Hong Kong and London are very different cities, but both experiences were created around the same idea: giving families opportunities to spend quality time together while discovering the neighbourhoods around our hotels,” he said.

“We want the young and the young at heart to feel connected to the lively and charming neighbourhoods around them at each of our hotels. Whether that is through the stories children listen to in London or the icons they discover in Hong Kong, those local connections become part of the travel experience.”

The family focus also mirrors the origins of The Hari itself. Named after Dr Aron's late father Hari Harilela, the brand was founded on a strong family commitment to hospitality and welcoming guests.

“Some of our happiest memories are of time spent with family. Whether it’s sharing a meal, rummaging through a neighbourhood or simply being together away from the usual distractions of everyday life, quality moments stay with us. That thinking inspired the family experiences at each hotel and encapsulates the hospitality I grew up with,” he said.

Air India elevates Mumbai-London Heathrow services with brand-new B787-9 featuring new premium cabins

Introducing Premium Economy, private Business Class suites, latest-generation inflight entertainment systems, and enhanced long-haul travel experience

Air India today began deploying its newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft between Mumbai and London Heathrow, bringing its latest-generation onboard product to one of its flagship international routes.

Effective today, Air India flights AI131/AI130 between Mumbai and London Heathrow will be operated by the airline's new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring all-new cabin interiors designed exclusively for Air India and installed directly on Boeing's production line. These line-fit aircraft are the first Boeing 787s purpose-built for Air India, embodying the airline's new standards of comfort, technology, and customer experience.

The deployment also introduces Premium Economy Class on the route, offering customers a broader range of travel choices across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.

Air India’s second daily service between Mumbai and London Heathrow will continue to be served by its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring First Class, ensuring customers on both services enjoy an enhanced onboard experience.

Elevated onboard experience

Air India’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a three-class cabin configuration with 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy seats, blending contemporary design, advanced technology, and Indian-inspired aesthetics.

Guests travelling on Air India’s Mumbai-London Heathrow route will now enjoy a wide range of enhancements, including:

• Luxurious Business Class suites, direct aisle access, 79 inches fully flat beds, wireless charging, generous personal storage and immersive inflight entertainment on a large 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen – all designed to provide a comfortable and restful long-haul experience.

• A dedicated Premium Economy cabin with wider seats in a 2-3-2 layout, 38-inch pitch providing ample legroom, generous recline, adjustable headrests, adjustable leg and calf rests, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, offering enhanced comfort and personal space.

• Economy Class experience, with ergonomically designed seats designed for long-haul travel, 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and improved comfort and thoughtfully integrated personal electronic device holders.

• Next-generation inflight entertainment, powered by the Thales AVANT Up system with high-definition touchscreens, Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, AC power outlets and an intuitive user interface across all cabins.

• Bluetooth headphone pairing, enabling guests to enjoy an entertainment content library of over 3,000 hours on board using their own Bluetooth-enabled headphones.

• New mood lighting in the cabins inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions.

• A refreshed onboard product, including thoughtfully curated menus showcasing Indian and international flavours, premium chinaware, glassware and tableware, plush bedding, redesigned amenity kits and other signature touches that together deliver a more refined and consistent onboard experience.

Connecting India with the UK and beyond

The United Kingdom is one of Air India's most important international markets, with strong demand from business and leisure travellers as well as the Indian diaspora. Air India currently operates 57 weekly non-stop flights between India and the UK, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Amritsar with London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham.

Air India’s UK services provide customers with greater choice, convenient schedules and seamless onward connectivity via Air India’s hubs in India to and from destinations across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars Opens in the United Kingdom

The London hotel is the ninth Hyatt hotel opening in the city, signaling Hyatt’s expanding brand footprint in the United Kingdom

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Marking a key milestone in Hyatt’s strategic brand growth in the UK capital, the 204-room hotel is the 14th property in the country, demonstrating the United Kingdom as a priority growth market within Hyatt’s diverse and evolving brand portfolio. In the last five years, Hyatt has increased its brand presence in the UK from five to 13 properties, with six of those based in London.

Housed in a grade II listed building on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars claims a prime spot in London’s business and leisure district, home to global corporations, influential businesses, and law firms. Guests will be able to enjoy convenient access to all that the capital has to offer, with Blackfriars Underground and railway stations just a few minutes away. Many of London’s most popular attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are also within walking distance from the hotel.

In line with the Hyatt Regency brand ethos, the hotel has been intuitively designed for productivity and peace of mind, with an environment for guests to work, connect or relax. Well-appointed guestrooms and suites boast contemporary finishes, high-end amenities, and dedicated workspaces. Three dynamic and diverse food and beverage concepts are poised to become new local culinary destinations. Meanwhile a trio of versatile group spaces offer to host a wide range of meeting and events in this desirable central London location. Guests also benefit from access to a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars situated alongside our neighboring landmarks, businesses and cultural attractions,” said Laurent Schauder, general manager of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. “With our welcoming service, inventive food and beverage offerings and ideal location, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is soon to become the hotel of choice for anyone looking for a memorable experience in the heart of the city”.

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New Opening | Hyatt Place London City East Celebrates Official Opening

280-room Hyatt Place hotel opens in London

London (June 28, 2021) – Hyatt Place London City East, the third Hyatt Place hotel in London, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. Hyatt Place London City East is managed by Cycas Hospitality.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. The property is located a short walk from Liverpool Street and close to some of the capital’s most important cultural and artistic highlights, including Brick Lane, Spitalfield’s Market, and the Tower of London. Hyatt Place London City East offers guests a stylish place where they can be productive in a laid-back and casual environment.

“With its central location and stylish design incorporating local art links, we’re confident the Hyatt Place concept will prove as popular with those enjoying a short break in the capital as it will with anyone traveling on business,” said Michael Mason-Shaw, general manager of Hyatt Place London City East. “Above all, we look forward to introducing more people to the casual yet practical atmosphere associated with the Hyatt Place brand.”   

Hyatt Place London City East offers:

• 280 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play; many of the guestrooms feature their own private terrace and/or city skyline views

• Breakfast Bar with locally inspired breakfast options every morning in the form of a casual yet elevated buffet

• Pocket square Skyline Bar and Terrace serving a perfectly curated cocktail and beverage menu that can be enjoyed with uninterrupted views of London’s iconic skyline

• Zoom Restaurant providing a range of responsibly sourced global and local cuisine

• The Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or night

• The Bar featuring specialty coffees and premium beers, as well as wines and cocktails

• Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free

• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms

• Two flexible event spaces each offering flexible, high-tech meeting/function space for up to 20 guests

• Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

“London is a vibrant city, filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see,” said Wayne Androliakos, Chief Operating Officer, Cycas Hospitality. “Our hotel is central to all of them, and we are confident that the Hyatt Place London City East will exceed guest expectations while providing them with everything they need while exploring the Capital.”

HYATT PLACE LONDON CITY EAST LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place London City East is under the leadership of Michael Mason-Shaw, General Manager, Director of Operations Pino Dispinseri, and Director of Sales Silvia Abreu. In his role, Michael is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s approximately 45 associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Dispensers oversee the day-to-day activities and ensure the highest level of service is provided to each guest. Abreu is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the London area.

For more information, please visit hyattplace.com.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhance its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

ABOUT HYATT PLACE

Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free-flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 365 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service, and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

ABOUT CYCAS HOSPITALITY

Founded in 2008, Cycas Hospitality is a pioneering European hotel management company on a mission to make its hotel the best places to work as well as stay.

Operating across both the extended-stay and mainstream hospitality sectors, Cycas plans to double its multi-brand hotel portfolio across the UK and mainland Europe over the next two years. 

With proven expertise in operations, property development, and asset management, Cycas is the preferred hotel operator for major international franchise brands. Having helped IHG, Hyatt, and Marriott develop their dual-branded hotel concept in Europe, in the last two years, Cycas has welcomed Accor, the Radisson Hotel Group, and Qbic hotels to its portfolio.

With a distinctive performance culture and the philosophy that “our job is not over until we get a smile”, Cycas was recognized as a ‘Best Place to Work in Hospitality (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) and won the UK hospitality industry’s ‘Best Employer Award’ Catey in 2018, for which it was also shortlisted in 2020.

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Radisson adds dual-brand property at Heathrow

Radisson Hotel Group has welcomed two new brands at London Heathrow, joining forces under one roof.

The new Radisson Red hotel features 258 bedrooms showcasing the bold and playful design of the brand.

The other bedrooms, of which there are more than 600 in the neighbouring Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow, follow the Scandinavian-inspired Radisson style, nodding to the heritage of the group.

Family rooms with bunk beds able to accommodate up to four people are featured at both properties.

London's West End to be pedestrianised for outdoor summer dining

Key Take Away

Westminster Council published a detailed document listing the measures they're planning on taking to help businesses reopen - particularly those in the hospitality industry - while also adhering to current government guidelines on social distancing.

Streets being closed or widened include:

• Soho and Covent Garden - temp street closures throughout

• Oxford Circus - temp closure of James Street and Market Place

St James - street widening of Panton St, Jermyn St and Haymarket

In the meantime, the Soho Steet Festival campaign has welcomed the move - but thinks a little more needs to be done. You can read about that here:

www.hot-dinners.com/202006179623/Gastroblog/Latest-news/west-end-london-alfresco-outdoor-dining-summer-covid-pedestrianise-reopen-restaurants