4 key takeaways from 2026’s Lodging Conference

At the event, hotel executives discussed the state of the industry, how AI is changing distribution, and opportunities in the outdoors and luxury segments.

By Noor Adatia • Oct. 19, 2026

Hotel asset managers anticipate RevPAR growth for full-year 2026: survey

Despite concerns about demand and wages, asset managers are optimistic about the RevPAR landscape, per new findings from the Hospitality Asset Managers Association.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 19, 2026

Lodging Lowdown: Hotel Equities, Indigo Road Hospitality make leadership appointments

Plus, PM Hotel Group expands its portfolio near Portland, Oregon, with three additional hotels.

By Noor Adatia • Oct. 15, 2026

Dreamscape names Adam Patenaude president and CEO

Having served as president of the hotel management company for the past two years, Patenaude adds chief executive to his title.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 14, 2026

What hotel owners should consider when converting to a soft brand

Hoteliers should assess the unique opportunities and challenges of soft brands, while striving to maintain their individuality, experts shared at this year’s Lodging Conference.

By Noor Adatia • Oct. 13, 2026

Braemar advances Ashford spinout with $372M Four Seasons sale

With the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale under contract and a settlement agreement reached in its dispute with shareholder Al Shams, Braemar is on track to transition to self-management.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 9, 2026

Lodging Lowdown: IHG names global sales leader, Series by Marriott expands

Plus, Duetto acquired FLYR Hospitality to accelerate its artificial intelligence capabilities, and Concord Hospitality added multiple hotels to its management portfolio.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 9, 2026

IHG Americas development chief talks deal market and the conversion ‘phenomenon’

At the Lodging Conference, Hotel Dive sat down with Mark Sergot to discuss the potential for IHG’s Indigo, Garner and Ruby brands and where he sees white space in the market.

By Noor Adatia • Updated Oct. 12, 2026

Top hospitality executive moves of Q3 2026

Choice Hotels named a new CEO, Hilton’s CMO stepped down and other leaders across hotel technology, finance and management were appointed during the quarter.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 8, 2026

Hilton taps former Uber exec as CTO

Jeff Moore brings 20 years of experience in software engineering and operations to the role as Hilton looks to advance its AI goals.

By Makenzie Holland • Oct. 6, 2026

The top hospitality conferences in 2027

Industry professionals will have many opportunities to connect, discuss and learn at events focused on hotel technology, development, investment and more.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 6, 2026

Accor taps former Hilton exec to lead luxury development in North America

As chief development officer for luxury brands in North America, Kara Randall will help accelerate the growth of Raffles, Fairmont and other flags across the region.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 6, 2026

Choice Hotels Chief Human Resources Officer to retire

After 25 years at the company, Patrick Cimerola will depart his role at year-end, transitioning to a special advisor position while Choice searches for his successor.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 2, 2026

Hyatt taps Amar Lalvani as chief creative officer

In the newly created role, the company’s Lifestyle Group leader is now tasked with making each brand across Hyatt’s global portfolio more distinct.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 1, 2026

Choice Hotels to acquire Harvest Hosts

In a deal valued at approximately $130 million, Choice will acquire 100% of the RV membership company as it pursues growth in the rapidly expanding outdoor hospitality space.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 30, 2026

Expedia Group to lay off 58 corporate employees

The permanent reductions at the travel technology company’s Seattle headquarters are expected to take effect later this year, per a WARN notice.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 29, 2026

People Inc. drops bid to acquire MGM Resorts

MGM Resorts will remain a standalone company after negotiations between the pair didn’t play out “the way we had hoped,” per People Inc. owner Barry Diller.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 24, 2026

Caesars shareholders approve acquisition by Fertitta Entertainment

The approval advances Fertitta’s plan to combine the companies’ resort, gaming, entertainment and restaurant portfolios. However, multiple hurdles remain before the deal can close. 

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 24, 2026

My Place Hotels relaunches conversion-friendly Trend brand

The extended stay company has debuted Trend by My Place as a three-tiered platform, giving independent owners across segments a less-intensive path to join a national franchise system.

By Noor Adatia • Sept. 24, 2026

7,000 union hotel workers in Chicago authorize strike

With 85% of workers voting in favor, a call for a strike could come at any time, marking what would be the largest hotel strike in the city’s history, per Unite Here Local 1.

By Noor Adatia • Sept. 23, 2026

Execs at new AI Hospitality Group give inside look at ‘first AI-native operating company’

The CEO, COO and CTO behind the new venture share why its artificial intelligence-enabled model is the future of hotel operations.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 22, 2026

Why hotel recovery isn’t waiting on rate cuts

Demand, rather than monetary policy, is driving hotel performance, and hotel cap rates reflect this reality, writes a real estate investment firm co-founder.

By Russ Flicker • Sept. 22, 2026

Marriott appoints loyalty SVP

Chris Buckner joins the company as it looks to enhance the “meaningful experiences” it offers to Marriott Bonvoy members, per Chief Customer Officer Peggy Roe.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 18, 2026

Marriott undergoes ‘organizational changes’ to Customer Engagement Centers

The company confirmed a strategic review of its Customer Engagement Centers, with changes being made to “better reflect how our guests interact with us across channels,” per a Marriott spokesperson. 

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 17, 2026

Braemar shareholder Al Shams nominates 5 directors to trust’s board

The candidates, with expertise across real estate, finance, investing, law, accounting and corporate governance, will stand for election at Braemar’s annual shareholder meeting.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 15, 2026