Press Releases

Accor (unpacked): Domaine Reine Margot Paris Issy – MGallery Collection, Curating Unique Guest Experiences by Celebrating Its Rich Heritage

With an unrivalled global hotel network and portfolio of 45+ brands delivering unique experiences and value, Accor is dedicated to cultivating the essence and unique identities of its brands and destinations. Accor unveils a new video series Accor (unpacked), exploring the fascinating stories of our hotels and brands through the voices of our teams, highlighting how they are shaping their legacy over time, connecting people and places and bridging past, present and forward-thinking vision to shape the hospitality of the future.

The Advantages of Owning a Small Hotel

In an era where personalization and authenticity are paramount, small hotels are emerging as the crown jewels of the hospitality industry. Owners of boutique properties are uniquely positioned to offer something that larger brands often can’t—a hands-on, deeply personal guest experience. During the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference by BLLA, industry leaders Kimberly Walker, Moody Nashawaty, Alex Kirkwood and Ariela Kiradjian dove into the advantages of small hotel ownership, sharing their own experiences and insights into why this model is so attractive in today’s market.

An Interview with BLLA Award Winner, Jon Kully of LEFT LANE

In the ever-evolving landscape of boutique hospitality, LEFT LANE stands out as a pioneering force, transforming historic buildings into vibrant cultural hubs across America. At the helm of this innovative venture is Jon Kully, a visionary who has brought a fresh perspective to real estate development, blending architecture, design, and brand creation into a seamless experience. As part of our 2024 BLLA Award Winners Series, we spoke with Jon about his journey, the ethos behind LEFT LANE, and what it means to be recognized as the Best Boutique Hotel Owner.

Choice Hotels relaunches Radisson Individuals as part of its portfolio of brands, adding a distinctive proposition to the upper upscale segment

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announces the relaunch of Radisson Individuals in the Americas region as an upper upscale soft brand focused on full-service, boutique and independent hotels that stand apart for their distinctive local character and superior guest service. This latest major investment in the Radisson Hotels Americas brands since their acquisition in 2022 builds on Choice's legacy as a pioneer of the soft brand segment and strengthens its portfolio with an offering that serves a fast-growing segment of travelers who value an immersive, one-of-a-kind hotel experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Makes Bold Fashion Debut Through Exclusive Collaboration with Late Checkout

The Ritz-Carlton announced a bold, unexpected collaboration, unveiling its inaugural capsule collection alongside Madrid’s hottest menswear label, Late Checkout. This exclusive drop titled Late Checkout: A Ritz-Carlton Story features nine meticulously curated pieces that redefine everyday luxury—elevating wardrobe essentials with a dash of irreverence and playful sophistication.

An Interview with BLLA Award Winner, Kurt Bjorkman of The Ranch at Laguna Beach

In the competitive world of luxury hospitality, The Ranch at Laguna Beach stands out as a beacon of innovation, community connection, and unbridled creativity. What was once a run-down resort with a rich but fading legacy has been transformed into an incredible resort. This remarkable journey is a testament to the vision and dedication of Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, and his team.

BLLA Set to Host the 2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference

The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is thrilled to announce the 2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, which will be held September 16-17 at the picturesque Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village, California. Nestled in the serene Malibu mountains, this year's conference will explore the theme "The Mycelium Network," symbolizing the interconnectedness of the boutique hospitality industry.

Accor unveils the winners of the 2024 Accor Design Awards x Sofitel at the Maison&Objet Fair

Accor has chosen the Maison&Objet Fair in Paris – a meeting place for business and creative interaction between global players in the world of decor, design and art de vivre – to announce, on September 5, the winners of the 2024 Accor Design Awards, held this year in partnership with Sofitel, that most French of its luxury brands. The event is the ideal showcase for a competition that has been running since 2016 and attracts architecture and interior design students from all over the world to tackle key aspects of hotel design.

Premier celebrates the completion of its Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown adaptive reuse and hotel conversion project

Premier, an end-to-end architecture, design, procurement, project management, and corporate engineering firm with specialization in hospitality, multi-family residential, student housing, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development, is pleased to announce the completion of its latest upscale full-service hotel adaptive reuse and conversion project: Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown. Owned by Ashford Hospitality Trust and Blueprint Hospitality, and managed by Remington Hospitality, the property celebrated the completion of the two-and-a-half-year project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Hyatt to Acquire Standard International and its Iconic Hotel Brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels, Expanding Its Leading Position in Lifestyle Hospitality

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the planned acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This move enhances Hyatt’s position as the leader in the industry’s premier lifestyle space, building on both its organic growth and a series of acquisitions that quintupled the number of lifestyle rooms in Hyatt’s global portfolio between 2017 and 2023. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions.

Embracing Technological Innovation in Boutique Hospitality with Deborah O’Donnell

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, technology plays an increasingly vital role in enhancing guest experiences and streamlining operations. At the forefront of this technological revolution is Deborah O’Donnell, Director of Strategic Sales at DIRECTV HOSPITALITY. With over a decade of experience driving innovations in the hotel industry, Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role, particularly in advancing in-room entertainment solutions. As a facilitator and sponsor at the upcoming Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, she is excited to share her insights on how technology can elevate the boutique hotel experience.

Exploring the Boutique Hotel Revolution with Kimberly Walker

The boutique hotel industry is a rapidly evolving space, where creativity meets hospitality to offer guests more than just a place to stay. For those passionate about this niche market, the upcoming Boutique Hotel Owners Conference on September 16-17 in Los Angeles, presents an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights, network with industry leaders, and discover new strategies for success. To give you a glimpse of what’s in store, we spoke with Kimberly Walker, Creative Director of Nomada Hotel Group, and a facilitator at this year’s conference. Her journey and insights offer a compelling case for why this event is not to be missed.

Unveiling the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference: What to Expect

The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, hosted by BLLA, is set to take place on September 16-17, 2024. This premier event is designed to provide boutique hotel professionals with an immersive experience filled with valuable content, unparalleled networking opportunities, and innovative activities. Here’s what makes this conference a must-attend event for the boutique hotel industry.

Wyndham Rewards Unveils Mural Honoring The Greensboro Six at Gillespie Golf Course

Civil rights pioneers, The Greensboro Six, are being celebrated today with the unveiling of a mural at historic Gillespie Golf Course in Greensboro, N.C. The culmination of a year-long journey first announced during last year's 84th annual Wyndham Championship, the outdoor mural, created by Brooklyn-based artist Vincent Ballentine, highlights the six men's role in helping desegregate the game of golf while celebrating First Tee - Central Carolina, which today calls Gillespie home.

Future Trends in Boutique Hotels

As the boutique hotel industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. At the upcoming Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, taking place on September 16-17, industry leaders will share their perspectives on the future trends shaping boutique hotels. Here are insights and advice from four of the conference speakers: Tara Medina, Kimberly Walker, Deborah O’Donnell, and Alexandra Walterspiel.

Why Partner with BLLA: Benefits for Vendors and Sponsors

In the ever-evolving world of boutique hospitality, partnering with the BLLA and sponsoring our premier events, such as the upcoming Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, offers unparalleled benefits for vendors and sponsors. Industry leaders from DIRECTV HOSPITALITY, Capital One Travel, and Jonas Chorum share their experiences and insights into how this partnership has driven visibility, networking, and business growth.

Phaidon, Monacelli, and The Leading Hotels of the World Launch 'Design: The Leading Hotels of the World' Series

Phaidon, Monacelli, and The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) are pleased to announce Design: The Leading Hotels of the World, the first in a multi-volume series created in close collaboration with LHW and the New York-based media company The Slowdown. With this richly illustrated first volume, discover more than 70 of the world’s most sumptuously designed hotels, all carefully selected from LHW’s legendary portfolio.