Opinion Articles

Extended-Stay Hotels Continue to Gain in Popularity

The pandemic and hybrid work arrangements have generated strong demand for longer hotel stays, increasing the popularity of cost-effective extended-stay hotels and making them one of the fastest growing segments in hospitality. With higher margins and lower development costs than full-service hotels, extended-stay properties have the potential to generate higher returns on investment. As a result, banks are more likely to provide funding for what are perceived to be lower-volatility, higher-return hotels, particularly those associated with well-established brand families. We expect capital to continue flowing into this segment as long as outsized returns exist.

The Disney-fication of travel: can automated tools make guest experience magic?

A travel tech debate recently went mainstream on USA Today: if AI and self-service are taking over travel, will everything become a D-I-Y experience? The impact of automation and self-service were hot topics in hospitality circles long before ChatGPT was a thing, but when it gets mainstream coverage, it’s evidently on travelers’ minds. 

As Camping Popularity Surges, RV Resorts Look to Capitalize With Hotel-Like Comforts

Over the past several years, H&LA has seen a marked increase in interest from developers and investors in campgrounds and RV resorts. RV parks are rebranding as resorts as they add more amenities. Though camping is far from a new phenomenon, its uptick in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic helped introduce it to many first-time campers, which boosted participation to higher levels. One of the most popular pastimes in North America, camping has the added benefit for travelers of also being one of the most affordable and accessible vacation options.