Government shutdown caused $6.1B loss in travel, related sectors

The U.S. saw an average of about 88,000 fewer trips per day and direct trip-related losses of $2.7 billion, according to research from U.S. Travel and Tourism Economics.

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 9, 2026

US lodging industry to see slow, stable growth in 2026: report

Supply is projected to outpace demand, while a slight recovery in RevPAR points to a steadier path ahead, according to a PwC forecast.

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 9, 2026

Soho House go-private deal in jeopardy after MCR funding failure

The parties are pursuing other funding paths after MCR said it would not be able to meet its previously agreed upon closing commitment, per an SEC filing.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 8, 2026

Loews Hotels appoints chief commercial officer

Kristie Goshow will lead Loews’ commercial strategy after most recently holding the same title at Peregrine Hospitality.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 7, 2026

Hilton cuts ties with a Minnesota Hampton Inn after DHS debacle

The independently owned franchise hotel in Lakeville allegedly refused to accommodate ICE officers, leading DHS to accuse Hilton of a “coordinated campaign” against the agency.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 7, 2026

Gencom reacquires majority stake in Miami’s Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

The deal aligns with the investment firm’s strategy to purchase “high-quality assets in markets with strong fundamentals,” per Founder Karim Alibhai.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 6, 2026

How humanoid, AI-powered agents are reshaping hotel operations

The technology can be a strategic way for hoteliers to enhance guest satisfaction and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, writes the founder of a robotics company. 

By Filip Linek • Jan. 6, 2026

Hyatt completes $2B sale of Playa Hotels & Resorts real estate

After acquiring the all-inclusive portfolio last year, Hyatt has offloaded the properties to Tortuga Resorts and an unnamed third-party buyer as it furthers its asset-light strategy.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 5, 2026

Top hospitality industry executive appointments of Q4 2025

Hyatt, Sonesta and others named new C-suite leaders in the last months of the year to drive operational changes, portfolio growth and brand strategy.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 5, 2026

Apple Hospitality buys Nashville Motto by Hilton for $98M

The 260-key Motto by Hilton Nashville Downtown is within walking distance of multiple popular attractions in the area.

By Lara Ewen • Dec. 23, 2025

Marriott Vacations companies settle EEOC claim they revoked employee’s Sabbath accommodation

The former worker, a Seventh-Day Adventist, had received Saturdays off until a change in management ended the religious accommodation, according to the agency.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 19, 2025

Hyatt names Jason Ballard global brand leader for Essentials portfolio

The company veteran is tasked with overseeing strategy, performance and brand evolution for the division as it enters its next phase of growth.

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 17, 2025

Lotte buys land under New York Palace hotel for $490M

The company bought the premises in an all-cash sale from the Archdiocese of New York after a previous extension of its long-term ground lease.

By Lara Ewen • Dec. 16, 2025

Investor trio acquires InterContinental New York Times Square hotel

Gencom, Argent Ventures and Highgate purchased the luxury property from Tishman and MetLife for a reported $230 million, as the market maintains “long-term strength and global appeal.”

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 12, 2025

Mandarin Oriental shareholders approve go-private offer

Jardine Matheson’s bid to acquire the remaining shares of the luxury hotel company, valued at $4.2 billion, moved closer to completion following a majority vote.

By Lara Ewen • Dec. 12, 2025

With Fed rate cut, hospitality execs forecast 2026 hotel investment trends

The latest reduction could boost U.S. investment activity next year, with luxury hotels and urban markets poised for strong growth, per leaders from JLL, AHLA and others.

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 11, 2025

Park Hotels & Resorts to sell 5 non-core hotels

The company anticipates gross proceeds of $198 million from closed and expected transactions as it reshapes its portfolio.

By Lara Ewen • Dec. 11, 2025

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts taps Highgate CEO Arash Azarbarzin for top role

The luxury hospitality brand also named a new chief commercial officer, as well as several other executives, to “guide its next phase of growth.”

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 10, 2025

Hilton sets sail on loyalty growth with Explora Journeys partnership

The tie-up is part of the new Hilton Honors Adventures immersive loyalty program extension and will allow members to earn and redeem points on luxury ocean travel.

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 9, 2025

The top hospitality industry CEO moves of 2025

Yotel, Vail Resorts and Remington all named new chief executives during the year, while the heads of Virgin Hotels Collection and Six Senses bade farewell.

By Jenna Graber • Updated Dec. 16, 2025

Bunkhouse Hotels opens another boutique property in Houston

Hotel Daphne comes after Hotel Saint Augustine debuted in the Texas city earlier this year, following Hyatt’s 2024 purchase of the brand’s parent company, Standard International.

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 8, 2025

Hyatt taps Tamara Lohan as luxury brand leader

The Mr & Mrs Smith co-founder will guide Hyatt’s global luxury strategy on an interim basis as the company announces multiple high-end property openings in the coming year.

By Lara Ewen • Dec. 4, 2025

Blackstone buys San Francisco Four Seasons amid market’s ‘AI revolution’

The deal, reportedly priced near $130 million, comes as the city’s beleaguered hospitality market makes a comeback thanks to its growing AI sector, per Blackstone COO Jon Gray.

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 4, 2025

Expedia names its first chief AI, data officer

Xavier Amatriain, a former Google executive, will don dual hats for the travel company. The move is a nod to data quality's criticality for IT initiatives.

By Nicole Laskowski • Dec. 3, 2025

Tortuga Resorts names CEO to usher in next phase of growth

Leo Schlesinger's appointment comes after the company acquired the Playa Hotels & Resorts real estate portfolio from Hyatt for $2 billion.

By Jenna Graber • Dec. 3, 2025