Opinion Articles

Man-Made Lagoons Gain Popularity

Man-made swimming lagoons, not to be confused with pools or waterparks, have emerged as a new and innovative way to enjoy recreational water activities. These large (over one acre of water surface) and uniquely designed aquatic venues present new opportunities within the residential, resort, and attractions industries. Over the past several years, H&LA has seen the emergence of swimming lagoons in many facets of leisure development from large-scale resort settings to residential developments.

Creating the Entertainment Capital within the Entertainment Capital of the World

Las Vegas is a city that lives on reinvention to keep drawing ever-larger crowds to this oasis in the desert that, for full transparency, wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for the entertainment industry. While the world’s entertainment capital started out with gaming, shows and conventions, in recent decades it has also become a culinary mecca and now a world-class sports destination.

Resurgence and Strength: Demand and Supply Growth in Wichita

Given its location and position as the state’s largest city, Wichita serves as the primary economic hub for central Kansas. Wichita, known as the “Air Capital of the World,” is home to several major aircraft-manufacturing facilities and McConnell Air Force Base. The local economy is further supported by major employers in the manufacturing industry and healthcare and education sectors including Koch Industries, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, and Wichita State University (WSU). This strong and diverse economy supported stability in the local hotel market’s occupancy and ADR through 2019.

Seattle Hotel Market: A Shining Beacon of the Pacific Northwest

A key driver of Seattle’s leisure demand is its cruise industry. In 2023, the number of Alaska cruises reached 291, a record number compared to 213 in 2019. The Port of Seattle estimates the annual impact of a cruise season on the region at $900 million. This demand particularly benefits local hotels, as passengers typically stay overnight in Seattle before and/or after their trip.

Post-Pandemic Momentum in Manhattan

The Manhattan market was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but has been experiencing a rebound, primarily driven by strong gains in average rate over the last three years. Legislative and supply changes are expected to positively affect hotel market trends going forward, and our demand forecast shows a rebound beyond 2019 levels by 2025.

ADA Defense Lawyer: Has Your Business Been Sued by Pacific Trial Attorneys or These Plaintiffs? How to Defend These Unruh Civil Rights Act Lawsuits

A recent spate of lawsuits from plaintiffs represented by Pacific Trial Attorneys has highlighted the need for businesses to ensure ADA compliance. In the below article, JMBM partner Stuart Tubis discusses the importance of website compliance, and how best to defend your business if there is liability.

The 2024 Group Business Forecast: Trends to Help Hotels Capitalize on the Back-to-In-Person Boom

Group business is back in a big way. In-person events are returning to their pre-COVID normal pace. In 2024, 81 percent of meetings will have an in-person component in them. A recent study by Deloitte anticipates that by 2024, business travel spending will return to its level before the pandemic. This view is echoed in Accor's data, which shows in their latest survey regarding client business travel that 57 percent of those surveyed anticipate a budget increase for travel in 2024 compared to 2023.

Boston/Cambridge Lodging Market – 2023 Year End Review

The Boston/Cambridge lodging market ended 2023 at 76.4% occupancy, a 6.8% variance over 2022’s 69.6%. This 6-point increase in occupancy is a result of the market accommodating 8.6% more rooms in 2023 compared to the prior year; 0.6% more rooms occupied as compared to 2019. Seasonality appears to be in sync with what we typically expect for the Boston market. Peak season, May through October, monthly occupancies ranged between 84% and 89%, averaging 86%.

Brooklyn Continues to Blossom in the Post-Pandemic Period

The Brooklyn hotel industry has been experiencing post-pandemic recovery due in part to strong leisure demand, an increase in meeting and group business, and the gradual return of commercial demand. Additionally, the New York City Department of Homeless Services and related entities have been utilizing many hotels as temporary shelters for homeless residents and migrants/asylum seekers.