The Lodging Lowdown is a series from Hotel Dive highlighting major headlines that hospitality professionals may have missed from the week.
Second-quarter earnings season is now in full swing.
This week saw Hilton post RevPAR gains in Q2, while Caesars Entertainment saw net revenues decline year over year in Las Vegas during the quarter. Solid group business bolstered MGM Resorts International’s Q2 results, and luxury travel demand fueled Hyatt’s RevPAR growth in the quarter.
Additionally, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the beta launch of a new artificial intelligence-powered conversational search tool, and Marriott International added the Reset Hotel near Joshua Tree National Park in California to its nature-focused Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy.
Here are some other headlines from the week that hoteliers should know about:
Viceroy Hotels & Residences returns to NYC with luxury property
Viceroy Hotels & Residences is set to open Viceroy Park Avenue this December, marking the brand’s return to New York City, according to a Tuesday news release. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, the 252-key flagship hotel will feature a rooftop pool and lounge; more than 15,000 square feet of meetings and events space; a dedicated spa and wellness center; and four presidential suites, per the release.
The project is a joint real estate venture with BGO, Highgate and Tao Group Hospitality, which is overseeing the hotel’s food and beverage program. The hotel’s dining scene will be a focal point of the guest experience with a signature restaurant and cafe on the ground floor.
The hotel “marks a strategic milestone for Viceroy” as the brand expands its presence across luxury markets, while “advancing a more experience-driven approach to hospitality,” per the company.
Radisson Hotel Group, Accenture launch AI-powered app on ChatGPT
Radisson Hotel Group announced Tuesday it has partnered with Accenture to launch an AI-powered hotel discovery app on ChatGPT.
The new RadissonHotels app allows users to search for more than 1,000 Radisson properties through natural conversation, while also providing live rates and direct booking paths, per a news release.
The app’s launch also advances Radisson’s agentic commerce strategy and comes at a time when travelers are increasingly turning to AI for trip planning.
“AI is radically transforming how people search for and book hotel stays, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this shift,” Gianni Di Fede, chief commercial officer of Radisson Hotel Group, said in a statement.
Remington Hospitality adds Sheraton Mission Valley to portfolio
Remington Hospitality has added the 260-room Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel in California to its third-party management portfolio, according to a Thursday news release. The property is expected to undergo renovations and convert into the Hyatt Regency brand later this year.
“The soon to be Hyatt Regency Mission Valley benefits from a highly accessible location, a diverse mix of demand generators, and a clear vision for the asset’s future,” Ben Perelmuter, CEO of Remington, said in a statement. “With its strong meeting space and upcoming renovation, the hotel is well-positioned for long-term success.”
Located near the San Diego International Airport and several tourist attractions, the 14-story property features business and fitness centers, an outdoor pool, a club lounge, an on-site restaurant and more than 10,000 square feet in meeting space, per the release. The portfolio addition reflects Remington’s focus on “partnering with owners undertaking strategic repositioning and value-enhancement initiatives.”
Langham Hospitality Group appoints chief operating officer
Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Nils-Arne Schroeder as the company's new chief operating officer, effective as of last month, according to a news release. He is tasked with leading operations for LHG’s global portfolio of more than 30 properties and supporting the openings of more than 20 properties under development.
Schroeder brings more than 30 years of hospitality leadership experience to the position, previously serving as senior vice president of operations of Europe and Africa for Accor’s Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brands, per the release.
The appointment comes as Hong Kong-based LHG has plans to expand its pipeline of hotels “to a wider range of destinations."
