Lifestyle portfolio grows in UK and Ireland
Hilton has signed two new Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotels in Plymouth and Cork, marking its first entry into both cities. The additions reinforce the company’s strategy of expanding its lifestyle brands beyond major metropolitan hubs and into high-potential regional destinations.
The two properties will join existing Tapestry Collection hotels in locations such as Dover, York, Portrush and St Albans. Combined, the Plymouth and Cork developments are expected to generate around 100 new jobs.
Nick Smart, Vice President of Development for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at Hilton, said the projects demonstrate the company’s commitment to broadening its lifestyle footprint across the region. He noted that Plymouth and Cork’s heritage and tourism growth align well with the locally inspired identity of the Tapestry Collection brand.
Historic New Continental in Plymouth
The New Continental Plymouth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will be delivered under a franchise agreement with Elevate Hotels Plymouth Ltd. Originally constructed in 1865, the property is one of the city’s oldest hotels and will undergo a comprehensive renovation.
Located on Millbay Road in Plymouth city centre, the refurbished hotel will offer 120 guest rooms, meeting facilities, a fitness centre and a restaurant and bar. Opening is scheduled for spring 2027.
Al Malik, Managing Director of Elevate Hotels Plymouth Ltd, described the acquisition as part of a strategy to invest in regional assets with strong fundamentals and potential for long-term value creation. He said aligning the property with the Tapestry Collection brand is expected to enhance its market positioning and overall performance.
New-build project in Cork city centre
In Ireland, Cork City Centre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will be developed in partnership with JMK Group. The new-build property will include 103 guest rooms, with a mix of standard and extended-stay accommodations featuring kitchenettes.
Situated on South Terrace, the hotel will provide a restaurant and breakfast area, a bar and a fitness space. It is expected to open in autumn 2027.
The location places the hotel within walking distance of Cork’s cultural attractions, commercial district, universities and key transport connections, positioning it to serve both leisure visitors and business travellers.
Sonia Kajani, Director at JMK Group, said Hilton’s global recognition and distribution strength made it a strong partner for the project and highlighted the appeal of adding a premium lifestyle property to Cork’s hospitality offering.
Access to Hilton Honors
Guests at both hotels will participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s loyalty programme. Members can earn and redeem points for stays, benefit from contactless check-in, choose rooms digitally and access exclusive discounts.
The two signings follow recent lifestyle brand announcements in the region, including Motto by Hilton in Manchester, Tempo by Hilton in Belfast and Curio Collection properties in London, underscoring Hilton’s continued investment across the UK and Ireland.

