Hotel Brand vs. Hotel Franchise: A Distinction That Could Save You Millions
The author argues that owners focus too much on brand selection while overlooking franchise agreement economics that determine profitability over 10-20 years.
The author argues that owners focus too much on brand selection while overlooking franchise agreement economics that determine profitability over 10-20 years.
The author critiques Choice Hotels' six AI tools for prioritizing owner ROI over guest experience, arguing that technology should enhance human moments that create loyalty.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a leading luxury hotel brand of Accor, today announced plans for its first-ever alpine resort, located in Courchevel 1850, the most iconic address in the French Alps. In collaboration with Art de Vivre as developer and owner, the resort is slated to open for the 2028 winter season and will deliver a refined, intimate slopeside retreat within the exclusive Jardin Alpin precinct."The introduction of Raffles Courchevel marks an extraordinary milestone for our brand, representing our first venture into the stylish world of alpine luxury and our second distinguished address in France, joining Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris," said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts. "The selection of Courchevel underscores our commitment to thoughtfully expanding the Raffles brand in the most coveted resort destinations worldwide. Raffles is celebrated for its highly personalized service, inherent sense of elegance, and unmistakable spirit of glamour. Courchevel, with its natural allure and vibrant sophistication, provides the perfect match. We are thrilled to collaborate with Art de Vivre, whose vision and dedication align perfectly with our own, to craft an exceptional and completely unique resort experience in the mountains."Courchevel 1850 stands as a global icon of alpine glamour, renowned for its concentration of Michelin-starred dining, luxury maisons, and exclusive boutiques. Set within Les Trois Vallées, the world's largest interconnected ski area and the ultimate winter playground for mountain adventure, Courchevel 1850 has drawn generations of discerning travelers seeking the rare combination of world-class skiing, refined living, and unrivalled cultural and social energy.Raffles Courchevel will occupy a premier position within the Jardin Alpin, the most elevated and coveted enclave of Courchevel 1850, with sweeping panoramic views across the Tarentaise Valley. Guests will enjoy a refined and exclusive alpine setting, with close proximity to the resort's most sought-after dining, cultural, and social venues. Conceived by JMV, with interior design by Humbert & Poyet, the resort will feature 50 guestrooms and suites, offering an intimate and considered experience informed by Raffles' legacy of highly personalized service.Each guestroom will be meticulously designed and generously proportioned, with many including furnished private balconies that frame the surrounding peaks. At the heart of the resort, a collection of distinctive dining spaces will invite guests to savour exceptional cuisine against a stunning alpine backdrop, from a signature bar and elegant tea lounge to two destination restaurants with winter gardens and expansive terraces. After a day on the slopes, the Spa and recovery zones will serve as a destination for restoration and renewal, combining traditional alpine wellness with precision therapies rooted in longevity science. The offering will encompass treatment rooms, thermal experiences, a dedicated fitness centre, and a panoramic swimming pool. A carefully considered programme for younger guests — centred on nature, sport, and wellbeing — will provide crafted experiences that invite young travellers to explore the magic of the mountains in their own way.
GBTA data shows China leading with $408B projected spending while Japan, South Korea, and India drive regional growth despite geopolitical headwinds.
Centara introduces signature touchpoints including sleep rituals, family activities, and local cultural collaborations across its Thailand-based hotel portfolio.
Dalata Hotel Group Ltd ("Dalata"), the largest hotel operator in Ireland with a growing presence in the United Kingdom and continental Europe, has today opened Maldron Hotel Croke Park with development partners McAleer & Rushe.
Gerdts founded POST Integrations in 1991 and EboCom in 2000, providing payment processing exclusively to hospitality, while Gilbert led HSMAI for 30+ years.
The author argues that travel companies optimizing customer-facing problem-solving tools are missing AI's shift toward preventing problems entirely before customers encounter them.
Companies should train frontline staff, monitor complaint patterns, and create consistent recovery processes to transform service failures into trust-building opportunities.
Four Seasons unveils 2028 private jet journeys featuring new hotels in Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice with luxury expedition packages.
Italy posted the strongest RevPAR recovery in Europe at +53% since 2019, while hotel investment hit €2.5 billion across 110 transactions.
Hotel F&B operations face margin pressure from food inflation and labor costs while guest expectations rise, but new technology and data-driven strategies offer opportunities for profitable differentiation.
Wednesday turns on three concrete signals: a bold opinion declaring the unified PMS era over, a $300M Accor-Shoreline bet on Nigeria, and a European pipeline now at record-high early planning.
The fully transformed hotel ushers in a new chapter for downtown Atlanta, rooted in intentional design, well-being, and connection.
Research shows reframing sustainability messaging from "nature out there" to "your relationship with nature" drives stronger guest participation in eco-friendly choices.
Procaccianti Companies, one of the nation’s premier real estate investment and services firms, announced today the renovation of the Holiday Inn South Kingstown, reinforcing the firm’s continued investment in its Rhode Island portfolio and focus on long-term asset value creation. TPG Construction, the firm’s construction management affiliate, managed the entire renovation processes and the hotel will continue to be managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts, the firm’s hospitality management subsidiary.
Europe's hotel pipeline reached 1,731 projects with early planning stage hitting record highs, led by the UK with 268 projects.
Garcia, a 30-year industry veteran and Lebatex founder, will receive NEWH's top honor alongside two scholarship recipients.
GBTA supports new EU legislation requiring integrated booking systems and emissions data for cross-border rail and multimodal business travel.
The third-generation room, built by Genberg Underwater Hotels, channels all proceeds to coral reef restoration and community programs in Tanzania's marine conservation area.
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