The owner’s exit strategy must be considered as soon as the operator is selected, and the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) negotiated. Indeed, a well-structured exit strategy can help avoid a costly dispute and preserve an asset’s value and liquidity. The following key points, illustrated by real-life examples, should be considered.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) has fundamentally changed the landscape for real estate investment in America—permanently enshrining the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) framework and expanding the horizon for hotel mixed-use development. For developers, investors, lenders, and deal sponsors, the new OBBB regime offers unmatched certainty, flexibility, and opportunity—but it also demands rigorous compliance and strategic planning. Here’s a deep-dive narrative for industry professionals charting the future of hospitality-led community reinvestment.
With the recent change in the makeup of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), many employers are asking whether there are any labor relations issues they should be preparing for to best position their businesses to operate with maximum flexibility and achieve organizational goals. Even with an NLRB that, by all appearances, will be more employer friendly than its predecessor, the answer is yes. This is because unions may likely turn to certain tactics to add unrepresented employees to existing bargaining units in the workplace.
For small business owners, facing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit can feel like an uphill battle. These lawsuits often allege accessibility violations, and the costs of litigation can be daunting, even for businesses striving to comply with ADA regulations. However, a recent victory in the case of Orlando Garcia v. Zarco Hotels Inc. (Case No. 21STCV00023), defended by Stuart Tubis, Esq. and Martin Orlick, Esq., provides a roadmap for defendant businesses to not only fight these lawsuits but also recover significant attorneys’ fees when they prevail. It takes the right facts, the right lawyer and a genuine commitment to fight for what is right.
I must admit, I feel a little bad that I am only now featuring this book on Hospitality Net. Maggie Chen is a friend I have known for many years at EHL Hospitality Business School, and her latest work deserves much more attention. Hospitality Vibes is not just another industry book. It is a heartfelt and deeply researched exploration of what makes our sector truly unique. The insights she shares are, in my view, a must-read for hospitality students and professionals around the globe who want to understand how our industry can evolve with purpose.
If you’re in the hospitality industry, chances are you’ve invested in tools or vendors promising to make your website “ADA compliant.” Maybe you’ve added overlays, run automated scans, or even rebuilt your site with accessibility in mind. You did everything right—or so you thought. So, why are hotels still getting hit with accessibility lawsuits?
After many years of study and proposals, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finally adopted its Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, or junk fees, which takes effect on May 12, 2025.
About one year ago, the state of California passed two bills that introduced significant changes for the state’s hotel industry. By mid-May of 2025, the United States will implement a similar, comprehensive law that will affect hoteliers around the globe.
In addition to traditional key money, or those offered in “reverse” management contracts, guarantees are becoming increasingly common in hotel management agreements (HMAs). But are they all beneficial? And if so, how should they be negotiated?
There’s a reason we say Living Hospitality is more than a tagline at Newport—it’s a commitment. And like any commitment, it requires consistent action, not just intention.
We are living in a new global reality. A reality where politics, economics, and personal choices are not separate silos but tightly intertwined. A reality where tariffs may target goods, but their shadow falls over hearts, plans, perceptions, and plane tickets.
On April 24, 2025, the California Supreme Court issued a major decision in New England Country Foods, LLC v. VanLaw Food Products, Inc., clarifying that parties cannot use contract clauses to limit liability for intentional wrongdoing.
In a world increasingly defined by diversity and cultural exchange, the hospitality industry stands as a bridge connecting people from all walks of life. Travelers seek experiences across the globe, and the concept of creating hospitality cohesion in projects spanning several continents and cultures has never been more important.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in both the private and public sectors, gaining invaluable experience in technology, digitalization, and banking. This diverse background has shaped my perspective on the pivotal role that public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in accelerating global tourism and addressing the pressing challenges our sector faces.
In hospitality, uniforms are the signals that convey identity and enhance guest experience through design and presentation. Beyond appearance, these carefully designed clothes are visual ambassadors that connect a brand's value and premium service quality. According to a 2023 Cornell Hospitality Quarterly study, 73% of guests believe staff uniforms directly reflect the general quality and professionalism of a hotel.
When a commercial lease comes up for renewal, the new rent amount is usually determined through indexing. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In particular, this does not apply when renewing leases for “monovalent” or “single-use” premises. Understanding and applying this principle can help secure more favourable rent conditions. Below, we discuss how to navigate this tricky issue.
The bedrock of any hotel transaction, representations and warranties (“reps and warranties”)1 offer protection to the buyer by guaranteeing that a business’s assets and liabilities conform to the statements of fact made by the seller. Here, we outline the key points and strategies for successfully negotiating reps and warranties when selling a hotel.
The news is full of headlines about President Trump’s announcement last week (February 25, 2025), that in the next two weeks, he will propose a $5 million “Gold Card” program to replace the EB-5 program. The new program would allow wealthy individuals to pay $5 million directly to the US government to obtain US citizenship.
Guest loyalty isn’t built on points alone—it’s built on moments. It’s the warm welcome at check-in, the server who remembers a guest’s favorite drink, or the housekeeper who goes the extra mile to personalize a stay. In today’s hospitality landscape, where options are endless and travelers expect more than just a place to sleep, creating meaningful connections is what sets a hotel apart.
While our country is burdened with some of the heaviest taxes in the world, the debate has resurfaced with the introduction of new tax measures aimed at closing a budget gap that remains, despite everything, €150 billion in deficit.