US hotel transaction volume hit $5.6B in Q1 2026 (+14.4% YoY), AI is moving from pilots to operational infrastructure, and branded residences are now a core development financing tool.
Field & Stream Lodge Co., backed by Starwood Capital Group and AJ Capital Partners, will convert former Shilo Inn and Holiday Inn Resort properties in Bend and Big Bear into adventure-focused lodges opening in 2028.
Landingplace Hotels launched Borderless Hotel Alliance, a platform giving independent hotels access to tech, distribution, and loyalty resources without requiring a brand change, signing a Virginia Beach property as its first member.
My Place Hotels relaunched Trend by My Place at its 2026 Miami convention as a three-tier franchise platform targeting independent owners and conversion candidates seeking national distribution without heavy capital requirements.
Stonebridge takes over management of the 282-room Courtyard and Element by Marriott Atlanta Midtown, with plans to grow F&B revenue and leverage 11,000 sq ft of event space.
Extended Stay America's annual Dallas conference highlighted franchise growth since 2018, doubling its franchised hotel count, and recognized top-performing owners across operations, guest experience, and development.
Remington Hospitality adds the 358-room Hyatt Regency Long Island to its third-party managed portfolio, citing the property's demand drivers and opportunities to improve operational and commercial performance.
Driftwood Capital names David Resnick and David Steiner as co-CIOs to unify equity and credit under one team, targeting larger luxury, mixed-use, and ground-up hospitality deals.
I see AI as a tool, not a strategy in itself. Today, its greatest value for us is business intelligence: helping our teams analyze information faster, identify patterns, challenge assumptions and give owners better insight into performance.
Chris Nassetta was right to call this AI’s “early days.” However, we are seeing consistent evidence that shows great promise for owners and operators.First, AI improves data consolidation and presentation. For decades, we have been trying to organize and bring data into clear, actionable reports.
With LA28 approaching, hotel owners face tightening timelines for renovation projects as labor, procurement, and permitting pressures intensify ahead of the 2028 deadline.
UrVenue moves its HQ to the Las Vegas Strip and adds four hires across client success, business development, and marketing as it expands into hotels and resorts.
Valor Hospitality takes over management of The Monsaraz in Point Loma, San Diego, its first West Coast property, as part of broader U.S. expansion targeting California and other Western states.
Raines brings its portfolio to 50 properties and 5,393 keys with the addition of the Marriott-branded AC Hotel in downtown Little Rock, with F&B programming at the AC Lounge central to its management strategy.
Highline Hospitality Partners acquires its 20th and 21st hotels, bringing its portfolio to 21 properties, over 5,500 rooms, and ~$1.7B in assets under management.
Meyer Jabara Hotels will manage the 36-room Reitz Union Hotel at the University of Florida, its first university property, with plans for expanded sales, marketing, and potential renovation within two years.
Kennedy Lewis Investment Management and the Justice Family Group completed a joint venture for The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, with Lloyd Nathan appointed as board chairman to oversee long-term capital investment.
HHM Hotels absorbs Wurzak Hotel Group's managed portfolio, adding premium and lifestyle properties in Philadelphia and South Florida including The Dalmar and Moxy St. Petersburg.
Williams, who helped grow ESA's franchise portfolio to nearly 200 hotels, will retire at end of 2026; the company is actively recruiting his successor.
Valor Hospitality takes on management of The Monsaraz in Point Loma, its first West Coast property, with plans to expand further into California and other Western states.
Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital received approval for Esencia, a $2B+ master-planned resort on Puerto Rico's southwest coast featuring Mandarin Oriental and Rosewood hotels, 1,200 residences, and a first opening targeted for late 2029.