Choice Hotels continues upscale push with Nashville Cambria opening

The hotel company has significantly expanded the Cambria brand’s portfolio in recent months as it makes a concerted effort to change the perception around its segmentation.

LivAway Suites development leader talks strategic brand expansion

Paul Duncan, the newly appointed CDO for LivAway developer West77 Partners, talked about the extended stay brand’s plans for rapid portfolio growth and standing out in a crowded field.

Wyndham expands rewards to business program

The extended program is a bid to drive direct bookings to franchisees amid positive growth trends for business travel, the hotel company said.

Dual-branded Marriott hotel underway in North Phoenix

The property will feature an AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin under one roof as developers cater to growing business travel to the area.

Omni Hotels cyberattack may have impacted customer information

Ransomware group Daixin Team claims to have obtained “sensitive” guest data, though Omni says that data doesn’t include personal payment details, financial information or social security numbers.

DiamondRock names Jeffrey Donnelly CEO in C-suite reorg

The company veteran succeeds Mark Brugger, who departs the real estate investment trust after a 20-year tenure, as the company adopts a “simplified” organizational structure.

Illinois Senate approves bill targeting single-use plastic at hotels

Similar legislation requiring hotels to eliminate small plastic toiletry bottles has passed in Washington, California and New York.

What hotel managers can do to fight germs

Smart design choices can keep hotel rooms clean and better cater to health- and wellness-minded guests.

Under Canvas expands to California as glamping market heats up

The upscale outdoor hospitality company will open an 80-acre camp near Yosemite National Park in 2025.

Workers strike at Aimbridge-operated hotels in SoCal

Striking employees claim Aimbridge failed to respond to women’s allegations of sexual harassment.

Updated April 16, 2024

AHLA applauds Senate vote to overturn joint-employer rule

The hotel association — alongside other professional organizations in franchise industries — has consistently railed against the rule, which will now go to Biden’s desk.

Hotel cybersecurity vulnerabilities extend to key cards

Researchers found a way to hack Saflok key cards on up to 3 million hotel rooms. But that's just where the threats to guests begin.

Choice Hotels targets millennial and Gen Z travelers with first TikTok marketing campaign

The campaign, featuring influencer Jimmy Darts, aims to expand brand awareness for Choice’s Comfort and Cambria properties.

Certares acquires Hilton Boston Back Bay hotel for $171M

The global investment firm said the property’s location “within one of the top submarkets in the country” made it an attractive investment.

IHG taps Google Cloud for AI-powered travel planner

The partnership aims to enhance the booking and planning experience, something IHG sees as “critical” to guest loyalty and engagement.

Choice Hotels names Judd Wadholm SVP, general manager of core brands

With the appointment, Choice says it's as “committed as ever” to its lower-tier brands like Comfort and Sleep Inn, despite a recent push in upscale.

Wyndham appoints CIO Scott Strickland as chief commercial officer

Heading a newly created commercial organization, the company veteran will focus on Wyndham’s technology strategy and oversee global sales, revenue generation, marketing and loyalty.

Hilton brings lifestyle, conversion brands to Canada

Hilton’s multi-brand expansion in the country will see the newly launched Spark by Hilton chain go abroad for the first time, as conversions and lifestyle hotels drive the company’s portfolio growth.

St. Louis led US for year-over-year events volume growth in March

The market saw 24.3% growth in events volume last month bolstered by sports and national association happenings, outpacing major cities like Las Vegas and Seattle, according to Knowland.

Loews names Dan Flannery chief operating officer

Before joining the New York-based hotel owner and operator, Flannery launched the luxury lifestyle brand Edition alongside hotelier Ian Schrager.

Travel and tourism to make record global economic contribution in 2024

The sector will contribute $11.1 trillion to the global economy this year, though the U.S. will lag behind other tourism markets, the World Travel & Tourism Council forecasted.

Sen. Bernie Sanders joins hotel workers on picket line

Members of Unite Here Local 11 rallied outside Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, where speakers claimed private equity-owned hotels were to blame for protracted labor disputes.

Marriott Bonvoy tests AI-powered search to personalize travel planning

Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is letting shoppers search its rentals however they like — even without a specific destination in mind.

Omni Hotels & Resorts hit by cyberattack

The hotel chain has been responding to the attack since Friday, March 29, when it shut down some of its systems.

What the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act means for hotels

The legislation pending Senate approval could incentivize investment in hotel renovations and property upgrades, according to a Cornell University study.