On July 1, 2024, California’s new Junk Fee Law took effect. It could have worldwide impact if prices for goods or services are publicly advertised and reach California residents. How can you avoid that with online ads and other public broadcasts over commercial media?
In the morning hours of June 25, 2024, the California Assembly unanimously approved Senate Bill 1534, an emergency response to the special interests of restaurants and labor (the California Restaurant Association and UNITE HERE), exempting any “restaurant, bar, food concession, grocery store or grocery delivery service” from application of the SB 478’s Honest Pricing Law that was passed in last year to become effective on July 1, 2024.
On June 27, 2024, the California Senate unanimously approved SB 1524’s so-called “restaurant exception” from SB 478’s Honest Pricing Law. See, Junk Fee Law: Exception for California restaurants moves forward.
PM Hotel Group, an industry leader in hospitality management, today announces it has assumed management of the Holiday Inn Wilsonville, situated in the Portland Metro Area. The Holiday Inn Wilsonville joins other PM Hotel Group properties in the region, including Canopy by Portland, Sheraton Portland Airport, Hampton Inn Portland and Aloft Portland Airport. This new partnership underscores PM Hotel Group's proficiency in driving revenue, optimizing operational efficiencies, and maximizing asset value for its properties.
Assembly Bill 537 (AB 537) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 13, 2023. It becomes effective on July 1, 2024, and adds a new Section 17568.6 to the California Business and Professions Code applicable to all advertising for short-term lodging.
Members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) converged last week in Washington D.C. for the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2024 where over 100 participants met one-on-one with U.S. Senators, Representatives and their staff to share data-informed insights and advocate for policies that support a sustainable future for business travel.
On June 11, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed HR 6543, the so-called “No Hidden FEES Act of 2023” which introduces federal regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the advertising of hotel room and short-term lodging prices. A critical component of this Act is its preemption clause, found in Section 4(a), which establishes a national standard prohibiting states from enforcing any laws that conflict with the federal mandate. This provision has significant implications for state regulations, such as California’s SB 478, which also aims to protect consumers from hidden fees in various transactions. The scope and application of this preemption clause are essential for assessing how state laws will be affected and ensuring compliance with the new federal standards.
Mark S. Adams is the go-to senior lawyer in JMBM’s hospitality litigation team for assessing legal exposure, pursuing legitimate claims, and defending a client’s rights involving hospitality matters.
Officials of Island Hospitality Management, the premier third-party management company for select-service and upscale, extended-stay hotels, announced that the company has commenced operations of the 120-room Residence Inn Boca Raton.
UJA Federation, the world’s largest local philanthropy, which funds hundreds of nonprofits and seed grassroots organizations working individually and together responding to ongoing challenges and emerging issues around the world, held its annual Hospitality Division reception on June 4th at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The reception honored Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, in recognition of his professional and philanthropic achievements. The event raised $600,000 to support UJA-Federation of New York’s efforts to help those in crisis throughout the world.
For more than 20 years consumers have complained about hidden mandatory fees, junk fees, resort fees, destination fees, service fees, administration fees, health fees, surcharges, connection fees, and similar charges, whatever they are called.
Pyramid Global Hospitality, the powerhouse hospitality company behind inspired collections like Benchmark Pyramid Luxury & Lifestyle and Hamilton Pyramid Europe – is pleased to announce the bicoastal expansion of its U.S. portfolio with the addition of four esteemed resorts spanning from the vibrant deserts of Arizona to the sunny shores of Florida.
HSMAI staff recently had the opportunity to interview Greg Duff, Principal at Foster Garvey PC, HSMAI Global Distribution Advisory Board Member, and a speaker at the Commercial Strategy Conference, June 24-27 in Charlotte. Duff has a nearly 30 year career working exclusively in the hospitality industry. He has dedicated himself to helping clients solve a wide range of “back of house” legal issues associated with operating a modern hospitality operation – from advising on the myriad of issues associated with distribution and online travel to navigating the complex relationships among owners, operators, regulators, and vendors/suppliers.
TPG Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's premier hospitality management firms, announced today it has been selected to manage two upscale independent properties in Washington DC. The Glover Park Hotel and The Graham Hotel, both located in the Georgetown neighborhood, will be managed within the INTERA Collection by TPG Hotel and Resorts.
Newport Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality company, announces the promotion of two exceptional leaders, Brendan McCoy and Whitney Altizer, to key roles within the organization. Brendan McCoy has been appointed as Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, while Whitney Altizer assumes the role of Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.
Stonebridge Companies, LLC (“Stonebridge”), a Denver-based innovative, privately-owned hotel management company boasting a diverse range of full-service, select-service, and extended-stay properties, announced today it has acquired Real Hospitality Group, LLC (“RHG),” a leading hotel management company based in Ocean City, Maryland.
Marriott International is proud to celebrate the winners of the 2024 J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence at the company’s annual ceremony, which brought together associates from around the world. Established in 1987 and named after Marriott’s founder, the J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence honors the company’s finest associates who are recognized for their achievements, service mindset, and commitment to excellence.
Newly retired hospitality icon Eric Danziger, who may be best remembered as the only CEO of Trump Hotels who wasn’t a Trump family member, recently spoke with LODGING about his career climb from Fairmont San Francisco bellman to CEO of Starwood Hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group, and, of course, Trump Hotels. However, as he mentioned while sharing his “success story,” it was his fortunate track record of growing companies that prompted the Trumps, among others, to tap him to undertake many of the challenges he described.
California businesses brace for Senate Bill 478‘s impact. SB 478 was signed by Governor Newsom in October 2023 and became effective July 1, 2024. It cracks down on hidden fees, often referred to as “junk fees” and “drip pricing” (because the full cost is only disclosed drip by drip). It will likely change how businesses approach pricing strategies. Many say it is part of a nationwide response to President Joe Biden’s call to eliminate Junk Fees.
Newport Hospitality Group (NHG) proudly announces the promotion of three exceptional individuals to the role of Vice President, as unveiled during the company's recent Leadership Conference, "Together We Thrive,” held in Richmond, Virginia. These appointments reflect Newport's commitment to nurturing talent from within and fostering a culture of growth and development.