New Study: LA Hotels Power City’s Economy, As New Council Policies Increase Operational Pressure
AHLA report shows LA hotels generate $12.5B annually but face rising costs and reduced investment, with 88% cutting staff due to city policies.
USA & Canada - Latest
Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach Unveils Multi‑Million‑Dollar Transformation
Courtyard® by Marriott Waikiki Beach announces the debut of its comprehensive, multi‑million‑dollar transformation, unveiling a refreshed experience across its expansive 405‑room property. Every guestroom redesigned to embody a modern yet relaxed island aesthetic, including the complete renovation of its 850-square-foot Penthouse, now reimagined as an elevated residential‑style retreat in the heart of Waikiki. Led by design firm //3877, the property‑wide revitalization introduces guests to a collection of new experiences: an open‑air lobby and lounge overlooking a lush pool oasis; the debut of CRATE, a convenient grab‑and‑go concept; signature dining at Aloha Amigo and Peppermint Café & Pool Bar; and the artisan aromas of Ali'i Coffee Co.
New Study: 2026 World Cup Set to Spark Longer Stays, Higher Spending—If America Gets Ready
Study of 9,500+ respondents shows World Cup visitors will spend $5,000+ per person and stay longer than typical tourists, but safety concerns could limit economic gains.
U.S. hotel results for week ending 4 April
Easter calendar shift caused nationwide RevPAR to drop 5.1%, though Miami and Anaheim posted strong gains while Vegas fell 34.2%.
Gateway Jax Signs Agreement with Marriott International and The Indigo Road Hospitality Group for Hotel Merrydelle –– Downtown Jacksonville’s First Lifestyle Hotel
Gateway Jax, a leading developer in Jacksonville's urban core, today announced a signed agreement with Marriott International and The Indigo Road Hospitality Group to open Hotel Merrydelle, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel. Formerly the Ambassador Hotel, the building is set to undergo a transformative renovation as part of Gateway Jax’s development of Pearl Square. The Tribute Portfolio Hotel brand portfolio represents a collection of independent boutique hotels that showcase unique design, create spaces and experiences that connect guests to the surrounding community, and focus on unmatched, sincere service. Hotel Merrydelle is slated to be Downtown Jacksonville’s first lifestyle hotel.
The MOHI by Appellation Unveils New Name and Culinary Concepts
Appellation, the groundbreaking culinary-first hotel brand by Chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger, joins forces with visionary vintner and developer Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to announce The MOHI by Appellation, formerly known as Hotel MOHI by Appellation. The hotel will debut in 2027 as Morgan Hill’s first full-service luxury boutique hotel, marking the next evolution of Léal’s vision to establish Morgan Hill as a compelling food and wine mecca in Northern California.
Hotel Association of NYC Foundation Bestows Grant to NYC Police Foundation, Bolsters Public Safety Initiatives Within Hospitality Sector
The $15,000 grant funds Crime Stoppers, an anonymous reporting program operating since 1983 that offers cash rewards for safety tips.
The Monarch Hotel to Open in New Orleans as Part of sbe's HQ Hotels & Residences Collection
The Monarch, a 34-key boutique hotel housed in a four-story, mid-19th-century Italianate building on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, is set to open on April 15, 2026. The property is incubated and operated by Sam Nazarian’s sbe Entertainment Group, one of the world’s pioneering icon hospitality groups behind globally recognized brands such as SLS, Mondrian, Katsuya, Hyde, and more, as part of its HQ Hotels & Residences Collection. Slated to open next Wednesday, April 15, The Monarch will blend Art Deco design with contemporary luxury, backed by sbe’s proven record of creating world-class concepts that set new industry standards.
Newport Hospitality Group Teams Earn Top Apple Hospitality REIT Honors Showcasing Culture of Excellence and Impactful Leadership
Newport's Fairfield Inn Charlotte Matthews won Apple Hospitality REIT's Shining Apple Award while team member Tom Johnson earned individual Apple Award recognition.
Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando Opens Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation and Conversion
Performance Hospitality, a Florida-based lifestyle hospitality management company, announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar conversion and rebranding of the Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando to the Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando (5916 Caravan Ct.). Centrally located in Orlando and in close proximity to the Universal Studios theme parks, this exciting brand conversion brings with it a new chapter of elevated hospitality, modern design, and access to Marriott’s globally recognized loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy®. A grand opening celebration is set for April 9, from 5 – 7 p.m.
The Eliza Jane Joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection in Strategic Brand Transition
The Eliza Jane, a luxury lifestyle hotel operated by Makeready in the heart of downtown New Orleans, today announced its affiliation with Marriott International as the newest member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The move marks a new chapter for the property, pairing its storied past and design-forward identity with the global reach of the Autograph Collection’s global portfolio of over 360 distinctive independent hotels, each carefully crafted to leave a lasting imprint through immersive experiences.
Skyline Investments Taps Coury Hospitality to Lead Historic Revival of Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection
Coury Hospitality, an award winning hospitality management company based in Dallas, Texas, announced its appointment by Skyline Investments to manage Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection, the landmark historic hotel in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. This management acquisition marks the thirteenth Autograph Collection property in Coury Hospitality’s portfolio, further strengthening its positioning as the largest and most experienced U.S. operator of Marriott’s premium independent hotel collection.
Six Months, No General Manager: How a Strategic Search Helped a Hotel Finally Land the Right Leader
Case study shows how repositioning a GM role as a transformation opportunity and using targeted outreach instead of job postings led to successful hire within five weeks.
By Alex Gould, Hospitality Leadership Recruitment, Cayuga Hospitality Consultants
DoveHill Acquires the Acclaimed Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection in Washington, Connecticut
DoveHill acquired the 58-acre Connecticut resort featuring Forbes Four-Star Spa and 1 MICHELIN Key designations, with Auberge Collection continuing as manager.
A New Standard of Coastal Luxury: Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast Launches Sunsuites™ Villas
Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, owned by Blackstone Real Estate and managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality, is proud to announce the official launch of Sunsuites™ Villas, a collection of spacious, residential-style accommodations designed for families, group getaways or extended stays. Recognized with the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designation, Sunsuites Villas combines comfort, privacy and bespoke services for a truly elevated resort experience.
Hutton Hotel and Spa Debuts Bold Rebrand and Comprehensive Redesign, Ushering in a New Era for a Nashville Landmark
Hutton Hotel, Nashville’s original and award-winning boutique hotel announces the completion of a $40 million, multi–year renovation program ushering in a bold new era for the city icon. With immersive design, unexpected details, and a soul firmly rooted in Nashville’s creative landscape, the reimagined Hutton pulses with amplified energy, poised to once again become the backstage pass to Music City.
The Third Annual Global Sleep Symposium Returns June 4, 2026
The luxury hotel brand's third annual symposium features Dr. Matthew Walker and expert panels exploring sleep as a performance tool.
Philadelphia Lodging Market: Post-Pandemic, Today, and Beyond
Philadelphia occupancy lags 8% below 2019 levels while facing FIFA World Cup room cancellations, but 2026 events including America's 250th anniversary could drive recovery.
By Jerod Byrd, Senior Vice President, Partner and Director of Operations of the HVS Philadelphia Consulting and Valuation division, HVS
Newport's Hotel Viking Set for May Reopening Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Hotel Viking, one of New England’s most storied hospitality landmarks, is now accepting reservations ahead of its highly anticipated reopening in May 2026. Perched above the city at One Bellevue Avenue, the legendary 1926 property is entering a new era following a comprehensive makeover timed to its centennial year. The refreshed hotel will continue to define itself as Newport’s cultural living room, masterfully weaving timeless elegance with a renewed sense of community connection.
Expert Views (19)
Tomeu Fiol, Vice President of Business Applications, Mindata
OpenAI just admitted what Google already learned with "Book on Google" back in 2022: people use AI to discover, not to buy. I fully agree with Simone the reason is structural, not technical. A hotel booking is not a single transaction.
David Teklit, CEO, Teklogix
Conversational platforms will complete bookings, but not by simplifying hospitality's complexity. They will succeed when they can orchestrate it. Today a single reservation touches PMS, CRS, channel management, payment processing, cancellation logic etc.
Fergus Boyd, Hospitality Consultant, HFTP
I’d agree. A retail transaction, even a high value one, is much simpler than a hotel or flight booking. Shopify is a top retail IBE, but its funnel is much simpler (view products, select product, pick colour, select size SMLXL, add to basket, add an upsell box of chocs, set delivery address, etc), than the well-converting IBEs in hospitality like Journey, Net Affinity, P3, Profit Room, Allora etc.