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Meet RENAI by Renaissance: The Pilot Program for Renaissance Hotels’ New AI-powered Virtual Concierge Service

Travelers staying at select Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, will soon have instant access to vetted, insiders’ picks for vibey cocktail bars, under-the-radar attractions, top-rated breakfast spots and more through an exciting new virtual concierge service. Today the brand announced a pilot program for RENAI by Renaissance (pronounced “ren-A”), which stands for Renaissance Artificial Intelligence, and is akin to having a well-connected local who is available 24/7 all right from guests’ smartphones.

Lawrence H. Abrams has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at The St. Regis Deer Valley

The St. Regis Deer Valley, one of the most luxurious mountain Resorts in the world, today announced the appointment of a new Chef de Cuisine, Lawrence H. Abrams. Abrams comes to The St. Regis Deer Valley directly from Michelin-starred Valle in Oceanside, California where he served as Sous Chef under renowned Executive Chef Roberto Alcocer. Prior to Valle, considered the exemplar of Baja Mexican Cuisine, Abrams was Corporate Chef of The Cottage Restaurant Group including locations in La Jolla, Encinitas and Del Mar, California. Abrams became known for his menus utilizing fresh fare and unexpected flavors to complement The Cottage's revered classics.

Trailborn Debuts First Hotel

Inspired by themes of Americana, Trailborn collaborated with acclaimed Venice Beach-based architecture firm, Electric Bowery, to design Trailborn Rocky Mountains in a way that pays homage to the rustic wilderness that surrounds it. Each Trailborn hotel is crafted with a strong sense of place, featuring art, decor, and amenities from local makers. For this project, the design team maintained the historic feel of the lodge, while reimagining and renovating every guestroom, bathroom, lobby, pool, and outdoor space. The rooms at Trailborn Rocky Mountains & Rocky Mountains Outpost are design-forward, functional, and fashioned to serve as comfortable respites between outdoor adventures. Guests can choose from a variety of layouts, including king, double queen and bunk options, adjoining rooms and a deluxe suite - ideal for families, or groups traveling together. Each room is stocked with a lightweight portable cooler to fill with goods from the onsite market, a mini fridge, a Fellow tea kettle, Huck x Trailborn artisan instant coffee, Tivoli bluetooth radios, Grown Alchemist bath products, Barebones lanterns, and ample space to relax and unwind. Select rooms have private balconies with additional seating. Adding to the modern-meets-rustic aesthetic, custom furniture and lighting in natural materials are a nod to American craftsmanship - including wooden beds, sustainable cork flooring, banquette benches, side tables with inset charging stations, and multiple storage options. Rooms are neutral in tone with artwork commissioned as a nod to local surroundings, and textiles inspired by local artisans.

Trailborn Launches Hospitality Brand

The new hospitality brand rooted in and inspired by the great American outdoors opens its first hotel and restaurant on December 1st in Estes Park, Colorado with plans to open additional properties in the Grand Canyon; Highlands, North Carolina; Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and Mendocino, California.

Ascend Hotel Collection Opens NYC Hotel

Choice's Ascend Hotel Collection has just opened a new hotel In New York City - the Mayfair Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. The seven-story, 77-room property is situated in the heart of New York City's Theatre District. Located adjacent to Broadway's renowned Eugene O'Neill, Ambassador, Gershwin and Barrymore theaters, guests will be a short walk from Times Square, Hell's Kitchen, and other popular NYC attractions. The property was recently renovated, but maintains the historic hotel's stunning original style.

Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park’s First Hotel, Inn at Bellefield, Opening January 2024

Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park, a $1 billion, world-class hospitality, agritourism and residential destination located directly across from the Culinary Institute of America, will soon conclude construction of its first structure, the Inn at Bellefield Residence Inn by Marriott International, a 137-room all-suite hotel with sophisticated amenities that will provide an elite lodging experience. The Inn at Bellefield is now accepting reservations starting January 14, 2024 and expects to welcome its first guests shortly thereafter. The Inn at Bellefield is a $55 million project developed by T-Rex Capital Group, LLC, in partnership with Shaner Hotel Group, LP, an award-winning international hotel owner and operator. It is the first of two hotels the completed development will offer.

Chicago Sees the Highest Group Volume in November, Knowland Reports

Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, reports Chicago experienced the highest volume for meetings and events, together with 8.6 year-over-year percent growth. Washington, D.C., and Phoenix were also top performers, with double-digit growth at 13.5 and 10.7 percent, respectively. Overall, the volume of U.S. meetings and events increased by a modest 5.6 percent, as expected, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform and designed to help hoteliers protect their revenue base.

Texas Western Hospitality Opens a Home2 Suites by Hilton in Abilene, Texas

Texas Western Hospitality of Addison, Texas today announced the opening of their newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton in Abilene, Texas. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 128 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. General Manager Amos Davis leads the management team at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Abilene Southwest for Texas Western Hospitality.

citizenM Miami South Beach is set to open summer 2024

citizenM's third Miami hotel is set to open in summer 2024, in the heart of Miami's lively South Beach and just steps from the buzzing retail and restaurants of Lincoln Road. A unique blend of modern design and local flavour, citizenM Miami South Beach will serve as a welcoming retreat for travellers, boasting a rooftop infinity pool and hidden bar surrounded by lush greenery, a cosy outdoor terrace and captivating art on display throughout the hotel. The 168-key hotel captures the essence of Miami's energy and artistry, with a bold design and prime location surrounded by fine-dining restaurants, colourful cocktail bars and the best waves around.

citizenM Boston Back Bay is set to open summer 2024

In the heart of the Back Bay neighbourhood, citizenM's second Boston hotel, and the largest in the portfolio, is set to open at the end of Q2 2024. It will anchor the northern side of the Parcel 12 mixed-use development, a gateway to the city and connector to Boston's historic Newbury Street. The hotel will be Boston's first all-electric hotel, joining 1001 Boylston Street, a Class A life science and office building and a unique retail-lined, two-tiered public plaza at the development, welcoming guests as an inspiring place to sleep, work, meet, and relax. Embracing local influence, citizenM Boston Back Bay's interiors will draw inspiration from the surrounding city, showcasing an array of contemporary artwork inside and out, photography and found objects by Boston-based artists. The hotel will feature 399 guestrooms plus a spacious living room, societyM meeting rooms and 24/7 canteenM. Guests can also enjoy a well-equipped gym with panoramic views of Newbury Street, and an expansive rooftop bar and terrace with breathtaking views of the Boston skyline.

citizenM Austin Downtown is set to open early 2024

Anticipated to open in early 2024, citizenM will add to its growing US portfolio with the opening of the brand's very first hotel in Austin. Developed in partnership with Turnbridge Equities, the 17-story tower will house a 344-room hotel featuring citizenM's signature interior design by Amsterdam-based concrete, longtime design partner of the brand. The hotel interiors will draw inspiration from the local community, filled with an eclectic mix of contemporary art and objects by local artists. citizenM Austin Downtown will also feature a rooftop pool and bar area, with design by commissioned artist PONI (Hilda Palafox), plus an exterior art piece by Calhan Hale, designed to encapsulate the ever-present existence of city and nature in the area. Austin has been on citizenM's radar for years as an exciting cultural centre and influential tech and business hub, and marks the brand's commitment to be present in markets where its customers are.

Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting (LARC)’s 4Q-2023 Hotel Industry Outlook and Market Intelligence Reports

As economists continue to move toward the view that a near-term recession has been averted (less than half of those surveyed in October by the Wall Street Journal expect a recession within twelve months, the lowest level since June 2022), they continue to grapple with conflicting data points. As is the case in any soft landing, positive macro-economic data points like 3Q-2023 GDP growth of 5.2% and positive October inflation data are often counter-balanced by negative economic data points like the ISM index remaining below 50 and October payrolls surprising to the downside.