Maximise your Avios, air miles and hotel points

New hotels: Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell, JW Marriott Crete, Luxembourg Marriott

Links on Head for Points may support the site by paying a commission.  See here for all partner links.

Some new hotel openings in recent days:

IHG opens Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell

The long delayed but intriguing Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell has opened, on the corner of Goswell Road and Clerkenwell Road. Barbican is the nearest underground station, with Farringdon being the nearest major interchange.

If you know where the YOTEL London City hotel sits, it is about 150m down the road.

Intriguingly, the hotel includes a listed pub, the Hat & Feather. As you can see below, the rooms extend to either side of the pub:

Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell

One interesting feature is:

…. our Kodak Wall celebrating Clerkenwell’s rich photographic history where Kodak once thrived. Take your camera out into the streets of Clerkenwell and capture its unique spirit for a chance to see your photo displayed next to this historic landmark. Celebrate creativity and history in every frame.

You can find out more on the Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell website here.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa opens

For somewhere sunnier, Marriott has unveiled the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa.

This is, apparently, the first JW Marriott beach resort in the Mediterranean. According to Marriott:

The resort features 160 elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas, all offering sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, with the majority including private pools to enhance the sense of exclusivity and relaxation. Nestled in Marathi, near the charming town of Chania, the resort spans over 100 acres of idyllic coastline, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with Crete’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

In terms of design:

With its natural surroundings, artful design, and immersive guest experiences, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa combines carefully curated design with experiences that reflect the authentic spirit and culture of the island.

Crafted by the acclaimed Athens-based studio Block722, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa embodies contemporary elegance rooted in a deep respect for its natural surroundings. Set along one of Greece’s most breathtaking coastlines, the resort is harmoniously integrated into the landscape with planted roofs, olive and carob tree groves, and natural materials including marble and wood. Each thoughtfully selected design element reflects a commitment to allowing the environment to guide the architecture, creating a seamless connection between nature and modern luxury.

Each guest room boasts wide windows framing sweeping panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, while shaded terraces and private pools encourage a quiet connection with the sea and sky. Inside, the aesthetic is calm and tactile: soft, organic lines and a palette of earthy Mediterranean tones, including terracotta, olive, sand, and stone, create a sense of effortless harmony. Sculptural lighting and handcrafted ceramic decorative pieces subtly nod to Crete’s traditional forms, reinterpreted with a contemporary eye.

Alongside the usual mix of food and drink outlets, the resort includes the ANOSEAS Spa, which “combines traditional Cretan healing rituals with modern immersive therapies”. The spa includes five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy experiences and a beauty room. The resort also has a yoga deck and four swimming pools.

For families, the resort has ‘The Phestos Den’ with indoor and outdoor spaces, including a vegetable garden!

Special packages are available up to 31st August and there is a separate family offer where a second room for children comes at half room.

Marriott Bonvoy points rooms seem decent value. For a five night stay from 11th to 16th August, for example, a Deluxe Room is 375,000 points or €3,668. Even with the special deal for cash, you are still getting over 0.8p per point.

You can find out more on the JW Marriott Crete website here.

JW Marriott Crete opens

Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa opens

Finally, Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa has just opened.

I won’t go into detail because we have been invited to the launch event next month and more coverage will follow. As Marriott puts it:

Housed in a former 1930s landmark directly opposite Luxembourg’s central train station, the hotel blends historic character with modern perks. It features 153 rooms and suites, five meeting rooms, a gym, a new M Club Lounge (accessible to Platinum Elite members and above), and Brasserie Alfa – an elegant all-day restaurant serving French-Luxembourgish dishes in a sleek Art Deco setting.

The building itself has strong historic and design credentials – originally opened in 1932, it was a hub for jazz nights, society events and even hosted General Patton during WWII. It’s just been fully reimagined by Swiss interior architect Iria Degen, with a thoughtful restoration of Art Deco features (marble counters, Palisander wood, vintage lighting) complemented by commissioned works from local artists.

The Luxembourg Marriott website is here and we will review it in July.


best hotel loyalty promotions

Hotel offers update – July 2025:

Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.

Want to buy hotel points?

  • Hilton Honors is offering a 100% bonus when you buy points by 24th July 2025. Click here to buy.
  • World of Hyatt is offering a 20% bonus when you buy points by 21st July 2025. Click here to buy.

Comments (31)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Tariq says:

    Stayed at the Indigo this week – spacious, nicely designed and furnished, occupancy seemed low still (think it’s only been open a couple of weeks). Barbican or Old Street a short bus ride away, or approx 10 min walk. Was told that breakfast is usually hot buffet but offering a la carte at the moment (presumably due to occupancy). Note that despite the way it’s written in IHG’s description of the hotel, there is no gym onsite – reception offer an access card to a 24/7 gym nearby (didn’t take it up so no further info).

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

The UK's biggest frequent flyer website uses cookies, which you can block via your browser settings. Continuing implies your consent to this policy. Our privacy policy is here.