Hilton’s boutique-flavoured brand Curio Collection is about to hit double digits in the UK. The latest addition? The Derby London City, a 237-room stunner, is scheduled to open its doors in early 2026 smack in the Square Mile.
This one’s not from scratch: the building on Great Tower Street was once boring office space, but it’s getting a glow-up courtesy of real estate outfit Dominus, which will both own and run the show. Hilton’s handling the branding magic under its increasingly cool Curio Collection umbrella.
In This Post
London’s Curio Club Grows Stronger
Once complete, The Derby will join Curio cousins like Lost Property St Paul’s and The Trafalgar St. James, the latter of which recently had a facelift and now flaunts its London glam even harder.
Inside The Derby, expect a mash-up of “contemporary flair” and “quirky charm”, Hilton’s words, not ours, but we’re intrigued. Of the 237 rooms, ten will be suites, presumably designed for guests who want a bit more London luxe with their lie-ins.
Dining, Design, and a Nod to Nostalgia
Foodies, take note: Rycrofte’s will be the hotel’s all-day dining spot, complete with café and bar vibes. Think modern British plates served with a side of sophistication. A 24-hour gym and meeting rooms round off the amenities. City workers and weary tourists, you’re both covered.
Nick Smart, Hilton’s VP of Development for the UK, Ireland, and Nordics (quite the mouthful), says the expansion proves Curio’s “forward-thinking lifestyle“ credentials are working a treat. Translation: this boutique-meets-brand formula is making money and guests happy.
Dominus CEO Preet Ahluwalia added that the building, snapped up in 2023, is being refurbished with a “sustainable design approach“ and will blend London’s heritage with a modern hotel experience. Basically: old bones, new vibes.
Why It Matters
- The Derby London City will be Hilton’s 10th Curio Collection property in the UK.
- It’s another tick for the growing trend of office-to-hotel conversions in post-pandemic London.
- The Square Mile isn’t just for bankers and barristers anymore; it’s becoming a surprisingly buzzy hotel hotspot.
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