Announcements

Gunter Hotel Officially Joins Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio

The historic Gunter Hotel announces its official transition to Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, joining Marriott Bonvoy's global collection of independent hotels celebrated for their distinctive character, captivating design, and deep connection to local culture. To commemorate the milestone, the hotel has also launched a special limited-time room package.

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Begins Phase Two of $60 Million Renovation

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, a landmark 21-acre coastal resort with a 90-year legacy, has begun the second phase of its $60 million resort-wide renovation with the redesign of 90 guest rooms. Steps from the sand on one of Southern California’s most celebrated private beaches, the project is slated for completion by Memorial Day 2027. 

One Washington Circle Hotel Is Now Part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton

One of Washington’s most quietly iconic hospitality destinations is entering a new era. Formerly known as AKA Washington Circle, the luxury all-suite property will officially transition to One Washington Circle DC, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, introducing a refreshed identity alongside thoughtful design enhancements that honor the hotel’s longstanding reputation for understated sophistication and residential-style comfort.

Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas Paradise Valley to Complete $70 Million Transformation in Early 2027

Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas Paradise Valley today announced the final phase of its $70 million transformation. The property’s first phase brought 260 reimagined guestrooms, plus new meeting spaces and amenities to the Scottsdale-area resort. Now, set to start its unveiling in Q4 2026, Phase Two establishes Miralina as a fully realized 40-acre desert destination, with the addition of 134 newly renovated Valley Villas, The Enclave, an exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel experience, Arizona’s first Katsuya, the globally recognized modern Japanese restaurant concept from lifestyle hospitality group sbe, and more than 50,000 square-feet of refreshed meeting space. When the project is complete in Q1 2027, the property will encompass 404 renovated keys, six reimagined pools, 22 distinct indoor and outdoor event venues, two restaurants from award-winning talents, and a host of on-property experiences that encourage guests to connect with the Sonoran Desert in unique ways. 

SCP Hotels Debuts First WildFree Property in Colorado Springs

Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, the Holistic Hospitality™ company founded on the values of wellness, kindness, and sustainability, today announced the official debut of SCP WildFree Colorado Springs Hotel, the first property to open under the company's SCP WildFree brand expression. Located in Colorado Springs, the hotel marks a new chapter in SCP's evolution and signals the brand's growing commitment to bringing a purpose-driven approach to the classic American motel experience.

The Standard Residences Debuts in Midtown Miami as Brand’s First Ever Standalone Residential Project Worldwide

The Standard Residences, Midtown Miami, the first-ever exclusively residential project from the iconic global brand, today announced its completion, marking the opening of the first new residential building in Midtown in nearly a decade.  Developed by Rosso Development, in partnership with Hyatt, and Midtown Development, the 12-story pied-à-terre-style building arrives as a milestone in the continued evolution of one of Miami’s most walkable and vibrant destinations.

R.D. Olson and AO Open Element Mission Valley

AO, a leading full-service architecture and landscape design firm, has completed Element Mission Valley, a 150-key hotel developed for Driftwood Capital. The project marks the first Element by Westin Marriott property in San Diego County, introducing a brand centered on wellness and comfort. It also builds on AO’s extensive hospitality experience across California, with portfolios spanning leading brands such as Marriott and Hilton.     “The central design challenge at Element Mission Valley was defining a unique identity and arrival experience for the new hotel while ensuring it felt connected to the existing property. Through close collaboration with our partners, we created a design that not only integrates effortlessly, but also reflects the authentic character of San Diego and aligns with a global brand,” said Bruce Greenfield, partner at AO. “We’re excited to see that vision come to life in a way that enhances both the guest experience and the overall destination.”    The seven-story, 98,000-square-foot hotel is located minutes from Downtown San Diego and Mission Bay, with convenient access to Interstate 8. AO’s design is anchored by a  choreographed arrival sequence, including a palm-lined drive, a dedicated drop-off zone, and a welcoming lobby plaza. The firm also incorporated expansive glazing, layered landscaping, and a raised exterior patio serving the lobby bar create a social environment. A six-story sculptural wood gateway frames the entry façade as well to establish a strong sense of place.    A palette of neutral tones and wood textures draw from the surrounding coastal landscape, fostering a calm, residential atmosphere for guests. The project’s wood framing and use of natural materials helped it comply with California’s Title 24 energy standards.    Element Mission Valley is designed to offer a residential-style experience, allowing guests to feel at home while traveling. The property features a range of accommodations—including guest rooms, studios, one-bedroom suites, and conference suites—suited for both short- and extended-stay visitors.    Amenity spaces are thoughtfully designed to support wellness and flexibility. Its fitness center incorporates industrial tones, promoting focus and energy, while a 5,300-square-foot conference and ballroom space supports workforce development and special events. Strategically positioned near the arrival zone, the ballroom opens directly to a shared outdoor breakout area.    This plaza connects to the existing Marriott Mission Valley ballroom, creating a flexible communal patio that extends event space while buffering the two properties. The development also provides a seamless pedestrian connection between the hotels, allowing guests to access shared amenities, including the pool deck and on-site dining.    Partners on the project include general contractor, R.D. Olson Construction; structural engineer, Ficcadenti Waggoner and Castle; civil engineer, Kimley-Horn; MEP Engineer, RTM Engineering; and interior design by Linda Snyder Associates.    Other notable hospitality projects within AO’s portfolio include The Inn at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Le Meridien Pasadena, and DSRT Surf in Palm Desert. R.D. Olson Construction also recently completed several projects across California including Appellation Healdsburg and AC Hotel Pasadena.  The hotel is located at 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, California 

UMusic Hotel and Private Residences to Debut in Austin Setting a New Global Standard for Hospitality

UMusic Hotel & Private Residences Austin was introduced today, setting a new standard for culturally immersive hospitality and modern residential living. The five-star destination will feature 150 guest rooms and 600 private residences, combining innovative design, aesthetically beautiful architecture, environmental sensitivity and the performing arts in Austin.

W San Francisco Announces Major Living Room Transformation and Summer Music Lineup

W San Francisco, an electric urban oasis located in the heart of San Francisco’s cultural Yerba Buena District, today announced the forthcoming transformation of its iconic Living Room, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel’s signature social and cultural gathering space. Designed by HBA Architects, the renovation, which will take place throughout summer 2026 and debut this fall, arrives alongside an energetic lineup of seasonal programming designed to celebrate music, nightlife, creativity and community in Downtown San Francisco.

Rimrock Banff to Open Summer 2026 with Reimagined Meeting and Event Spaces

 Rimrock Banff will open in summer 2026 following a $115M property-wide transformation that introduces more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space, across 10 distinctive venues. In fall 2026, the resort will join Emblems Collection, Accor’s new ultra-luxury brand, as the first Emblems Collection resort in North America. Overseen by newly appointed Director of Sales & Marketing David Marques, whose career in international luxury hospitality includes extensive experience leading group and event initiatives, the resort introduces a fresh interpretation of mountain luxury in one of Canada’s most sought-after locations for leisure groups, business meetings, incentive trips and social gatherings.

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel Completes $60+ Million Transformation

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant academic district, today announces the completion of its $60+ million renovation, unveiling a fully refreshed guest experience that positions the hotel as a dynamic gathering place for the University City community and visitors to Philadelphia alike. The comprehensive transformation introduces revitalized guest rooms, modernized communal spaces, and elevated dining offerings, including the debut of the brand’s signature &More Café.