The Lodging Lowdown is a series from Hotel Dive highlighting major headlines that hospitality professionals may have missed from the week.

This week in hotel news Marriott completed its deal to add Italian luxury wellness brand Lefay through a joint venture with the brand’s founders; CitizenM expanded its presence in Washington, D.C.; and Hotel Dive sat down with Hapi CEO Jeff Bzdawka to see where he thinks hotels should focus before implementing artificial intelligence.  

Additionally, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off this week in Mexico City, with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 for the first official victory of the tournament. Now, hotels across the U.S., especially those in the host cities, will finally start to see if the event will bring anticipated gains.

Here’s some other headlines from the past week hoteliers should know about: 

Delano Miami Beach reopens after 6 years of renovations

One of Hotel Dive’s top U.S. hotel openings to watch in 2026, Delano Miami Beach began welcoming guests this week after undergoing renovation work, according to a Tuesday news release. The iconic 171-key hotel, which had been closed since March 2020, is situated in the heart of South Beach. 

The reimagined hotel features two new restaurants, Gigi Rigolatto and Mimi Kakushi, as well as a new holistic social spa experience, per the release. Delano Miami Beach is also debuting its Delano Members Club, a community of “globally minded, culturally engaged members from Miami and beyond.” 

Historic hotel in Austin, Texas, unveils comprehensive renovations

The iconic Driskill Hotel, located in Austin, Texas, has completed a propertywide, multiphase renovation, according to a Tuesday news release. The nearly 140-year-old luxury property, which is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, features 189 reimagined guest rooms and suites; a new 2,800-square-foot ballroom; an upgraded lobby and common areas; and a revised food and beverage program, including the redesigned Driskill Grill and Bar. 

Dallas-based Swoon, the Studio, led the interior design of guest rooms, while Austin-based Lambert McGuire Design oversaw the redesign of the lobby and restaurant spaces, per the release. 

Under Canvas opens first location in New Hampshire  

Under Canvas, the outdoors-focused hospitality provider, has opened Under Canvas White Mountains, its first location in New Hampshire and 17th in the U.S., according to a news release. 

The 86-acre camp features 45 safari-inspired tents with private decks, ensuite bathrooms and wood-burning stoves. The camp, which offers views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, “captures the spirit of adventure that makes the White Mountains so special,” Under Canvas CEO Noah Brodsky said in a statement. Brodsky added that Under Canvas plans to further expand across the Northeast. 

AI Hospitality Alliance announces advisory board

The newly formed AI Hospitality Alliance announced a 22-member advisory board to help “guide responsible AI adoption and standards” across the hotel industry, according to a news release. Board members include leaders from hotel brands, technology companies and other hospitality organizations, including Richard Valtr, founder of Mews; Brian Kirkland, CIO at Choice Hotels International; Michael Mahar, senior vice president and head of commercial, technology, loyalty and digital at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Keryn McNamara, CIO at Aimbridge Hospitality. 

Hospitality technology expert Ira Vouk recently told Hotel Dive she formed the organization to bring hotel leaders together and unite the industry’s efforts around AI. 

Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton now accepting bookings

Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton is now accepting reservations for stays starting Oct. 1, Hilton announced Tuesday. The 210-room resort is Curio Collection’s first in Hawaii and aims to “offer a distinctive, locally inspired experience rooted in thoughtful design and Hawaiian hospitality,” said Jon Itoga, the hotel’s general manager, in a statement. 

Brooke Thomas, brand leader of Curio Collection by Hilton, previously said in a statement that the property is “a testament to the brand’s continued growth into the world’s most sought-after destinations.”