The hotel is set to have a new gym and spa facility and the restaurant and bar will be extended.
The county council says no-one wanted the reorganisation and it will be too disruptive.
The government tells councils in Herts "timings are still in place" for an announcement.
The Lib Dems do well in St Albans and Watford while Labour loses to Reform in Stevenage.
Polling stations will be open in Milton Keynes and six district council areas between 07:00 and 22:00.
Business owners are calling for improved measures to stop fly-tipping incidents.
Six Hertfordshire councils have elections in May, with changes of political control possible.
A look ahead to elections, the East West rail link and special education by our political reporter.
Most of the 11 existing authorities want four new councils, but others go for two or three.
