Today's Hotels Pulse
FAA says Spirit’s LaGuardia slots belong with another low‑cost carrier
The FAA Administrator argues that the coveted take‑off slots Spirit Airlines holds at New York’s LaGuardia should be reallocated to a different low‑cost carrier. Meanwhile, Spirit is preparing to auction off those slots to the highest bidder.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Airbnb leads $58M Series C in WeRoad
Noble 33 to Open Dual Japanese Restaurants at Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills
Noble 33, the Los Angeles‑based restaurant group behind Casa Madera and Sparrow Italia, will launch two Japanese‑focused eateries—a steakhouse and an izakaya—on the ground floor of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills. The 12,000‑square‑foot project, slated for 2027, marks the group’s first foray into the Beverly Hills market and expands the luxury‑residence’s food‑and‑beverage offering.
Appeals Court Revives Three Atlanta Hotel Sex‑Trafficking Cases
A Georgia appellate panel has revived three criminal cases alleging sex‑trafficking activity at metro Atlanta hotels. The decision overturns earlier dismissals and puts hotel operators back in the crosshairs of federal prosecutors, highlighting growing legal exposure for the hospitality sector.
Viasat Positions IFC as Strategic Platform for Brand Loyalty
Viasat is positioning inflight connectivity (IFC) as a strategic brand‑building platform for airlines, citing its 2024 Passenger Experience Survey where 75% of travelers say quality Wi‑Fi makes them more likely to rebook. The company’s Amara solution delivers a scalable, multi‑orbit...
World Atlas Names Sedona Arizona Top Getaway for Nature Lovers
World Atlas highlighted Sedona, Arizona, as the top getaway for nature lovers, noting that the town of fewer than 10,000 residents welcomes millions of outdoor enthusiasts each year. The ranking underscores Sedona’s blend of red‑rock scenery, diverse trails and wildlife‑focused...
F/LIST Shines a Light on Integrated Lighting Technology for the Cabin
F/LIST unveiled its Lightshifter concept at AIX 2026, embedding LED lighting directly into wood‑veneer surfaces for cabin interiors. The system transforms static panels into programmable, softly illuminated touchpoints that can change color, intensity, and pattern on demand. Lightshifter supports full customization...
Book NASCAR VIP Experiences for Two, Starting at 40,000 Choice Privileges Points
Choice Privileges is auctioning NASCAR Cup VIP experiences, with bids starting at 40,000 points. Fans can earn or transfer points from Citi and Wells Fargo at a 1:2 conversion rate, effectively turning credit‑card spend into race‑day access. Each package grants...
Muirhead Brings Circularity In-House
Muirhead announced the launch of an in‑house BioPRO foam production facility within the Scottish Leather Group, moving full‑scale manufacturing of its circular foam under one roof. The patented foam incorporates 20% reclaimed protein from Muirhead’s own processes, reducing reliance on...
FlightPath3D Reframes the Role of the Inflight Map
FlightPath3D has upgraded its AI‑driven inflight platform, Luci, with Luci Live, enabling passengers to ask natural‑language questions and receive actionable answers. The system operates both offline, using real‑time flight data, and online via Starlink‑based Cloud Map, which now powers more than...
RAVE Aerospace Builds on Seatback Success
RAVE Aerospace, renamed from Safran Passenger Innovations after Kingswood’s acquisition, is pivoting to seat‑back inflight entertainment (IFE) as the data‑driven hub of the connected cabin. Its new RAVE Ultra OS platform adopts an open‑platform, modular design that lets airlines preserve brand...
Credit Card Collectibles | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep352 | 4-3-26
The latest Frequent Miler episode highlights United’s refreshed credit‑card program, which now offers 10%‑15% discounts on paid and award flights and better mileage earnings. Southwest cardholder discount codes are also examined, showing how they can stretch points for everyday travelers....
Geven Reinforces Position in European Market Ahead of AIX 2026
Geven is leveraging its modular Elemento and Comoda seat platforms to deepen its foothold in Europe ahead of AIX 2026. The Elemento entered Edelweiss’s A350 economy cabin while the Comoda launched on Eurowings, showcasing flexible, lightweight designs with integrated digital...
Marriott Switching to Coke From Pepsi After 35 Years
Marriott International announced it will replace Pepsi with Coca‑Cola as its in‑house soft‑drink provider after a 35‑year partnership with PepsiCo. The transition is slated to begin this summer across the chain’s U.S. properties. Marriott cited strategic alignment and cost efficiencies...
Toys On The Floor, Shoes Off, Blankets Everywhere — Delta Sky Clubs Are Not Playrooms
A family in Delta’s Seattle Sky Club turned a four‑seat area into a makeshift play zone, removing shoes, spreading toys and blankets across the carpet. While Delta’s house rules require attire and behavior that maintain a dignified atmosphere, the incident...
Swan Hellenic Rolls Out 67 Antarctic Cruises for 2026‑2028, Targeting 11,200 Guests
Swan Hellenic announced a multi‑year Antarctic cruise program featuring 67 departures and an anticipated 11,200 guests across 2026‑2028. The schedule, already 65% sold for 2026‑27, underscores rapid growth in high‑latitude expedition tourism.
Hotel Monroe Becomes First U.S. Hotel Certified 100% Gluten‑Free
The Hotel Monroe in Monroe, Louisiana has been certified by the Gluten‑Free Food Program as the United States' first fully gluten‑free, full‑service hotel. The certification, backed by the National Celiac Association, covers every dining venue and guest room, marking a...
New Economy Prime Service Set for TAP Long-Haul Flights
TAP Air Portugal will roll out Economy Prime, a new premium‑economy cabin for long‑haul flights, starting June 1, 2026. The product sits between standard Economy and Business Class on the airline’s A330 and A321LR aircraft, featuring 12 seats in a...
Delta Accused Of Kicking Muslim Family Off Flight — International Treaty Means They Never Get Their Day In Court
A Maryland appeals court ruled that the 1999 Montreal Convention, which governs international airline liability, bars damages for wrongful deplaning when no physical injury or death occurs. Delta argued the Rome‑Atlanta‑Baltimore itinerary fell under the treaty, and the court agreed,...
175-Hotel Insolvency Case in Germany Highlights Growing Pressure on European Operators
German insolvency courts have opened proceedings for a portfolio of 175 hotels linked to Revo, marking one of the largest recent hotel bankruptcies in Europe. While occupancy and room rates remain relatively stable, operators face surging labor, energy, and maintenance...
Earn up to 110k Miles and Bonus PQP With Elevated United MileagePlus Card Offers
United’s MileagePlus credit‑card suite is rolling out hefty welcome offers, with premium cards delivering up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier Qualifying Points after meeting spending thresholds. Annual fees range from $0 for the basic Explorer and Gateway cards...
ASTA Leads Industry Effort Amid DHS Shutdown
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a dedicated resource hub to guide travel professionals through the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. ASTA is coordinating with the U.S. Travel Association and other partners to pressure Congress for...
Downtown Seattle’s Hotel Seattle Listed for Sale with Redevelopment Flexibility
The historic Hotel Seattle at 315 Seneca Street has been placed on the market by CBRE Hotels as a fee‑simple interest, free of brand or management ties. Recent upgrades—including a new roof, façade work, elevator, and modernized electrical and plumbing—eliminate many...
Cunard Expands Entertainment on 2026 Transatlantic Crossings
Cunard announced an expanded entertainment slate for its 2026 transatlantic voyages on Queen Mary 2, highlighted by a partnership with the Olivier Awards. The schedule features a "London Theatre at Sea" event starting May 22, a Royal Shakespeare Company production...
Prime Investment Properties Lists the Basalt Mountain Inn for Sale - A Premier Roaring Fork Valley Hospitality Opportunity
Prime Investment Properties has listed the Basalt Mountain Inn, a 25‑room boutique hotel in downtown Baslet, Colorado, for sale. The property is offered at $6.25 million and features 10,738 sq ft of renovated space, positioned less than 20 minutes from Aspen and Snowmass ski...
How Adding Fried Foods Can Help Pizza Shops Build a Stronger Menu, and a More Profitable Business
Pizza operators are turning to fried side items such as mozzarella sticks, wings, and fries to boost revenue and diversify menus. Frozen, portion‑controlled products deliver higher margins and lower waste, while ventless fryers simplify kitchen upgrades. Add‑on items raise average...
Accor and Risma Announce New Projects and Training Academy in Morocco
Accor and Moroccan developer Risma announced a multi‑project partnership in Morocco, highlighted by the upcoming Sofitel Tangier luxury hotel on the city’s corniche. The collaboration also includes a comprehensive renovation program to modernize existing Accor properties and improve market segmentation....
HVS Southern Europe Expands Team with New Leadership in Asset Management and F&B
Hospitality consulting firm HVS Southern Europe announced two senior appointments on April 3, 2026. Rúben Paula was named Head of Asset Management and Investment, bringing more than 25 years of hotel operations and turnaround experience across Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. Giovanni Fiorin joined as...
Why Events Like Harry Styles' Tour Demand a Smarter Direct Channel Strategy for Your Hotel - By Paige Lopez
Hotels can tap into “live tourism” by targeting event‑driven travelers, such as those attending Harry Styles’ 2026 Together Together Tour. Lighthouse data shows a 67% year‑over‑year spike in forward demand in Amsterdam and a 700% surge in bookings after the...
Eclipse Tourism Booms as Travelers Book 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Vacations
Travelers are building entire trips around the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse, driving up bookings for flights, hotels and specialty tours in Iceland, Greenland and Spain. The surge reflects a growing niche market that blends astronomy, adventure and community...
Southwest Passenger Says Airline Canceled Her Ticket After Agent Said She Was Too Big For One Seat, Demanded $450
Southwest Airlines canceled a Nashville passenger's ticket after a gate agent demanded she purchase a second seat under the carrier’s new "customer of size" policy, which costs roughly $450. The policy, effective Jan. 27, 2026, requires passengers who cannot fit...
Stop Studying for the Test: Why Restaurants Must Make Food Safety a Daily Routine
A former NYC health inspector reveals that most restaurants treat food safety as a reactive, exam‑style task, fixing issues only when inspectors arrive. He argues that the real obstacle is limited managerial bandwidth, not lack of knowledge. Static checklists fail...
Quick Hits: This Week’s Travel Headlines
Travel industry headlines this week highlighted a potential rebound in Asia‑Pacific tourism to pre‑pandemic levels by 2028, contingent on easing geopolitical and economic pressures. Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the christening of its new ship, Norwegian Luna, in Miami, while Royal Caribbean...
TMGOC Ventures Breaks Ground on First Ritz-Carlton in Savannah
TMGOC Ventures broke ground on Savannah’s first Ritz‑Carlton, a 168‑room luxury hotel occupying the historic “Savannah Skyscraper.” The property will feature a signature restaurant, rooftop bar and pool, a 5,000‑sq‑ft spa, and over 5,000 sq ft of meeting space. Approved by the...
Proper Hospitality, Realberry Close $298M Financing for Cal Neva Redevelopment
Proper Hospitality and Realberry have secured a $298 million financing package to redevelop the historic Cal Neva Hotel into the Lake Tahoe Proper Resort and Casino, slated to open in 2027. The capital stack includes a $223 million C‑PACE loan from Nuveen...
Aloft Hotel Las Colinas Changes Hands
Hunter Advisors has brokered the sale of the 136‑room Aloft Hotel Las Colinas in Texas. Built in 2008, the property was part of a four‑hotel Aloft portfolio but was sold separately because its strong in‑place cash flow appealed to yield‑focused...
Caesars Entertainment Launches All-Inclusive Summer Hotel Package
Caesars Entertainment unveiled an Inclusive Summer Package for stays from April through August 2026 at Harrah’s, The LINQ and Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip. The offering starts at $200 per night, taxes and resort fees included, with additional guests...
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark Reopens After $0 Renovation with New Luxury Concept
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong will reopen on June 1, 2026 after a comprehensive refurbishment that refreshes all 109 rooms and adds new dining venues, a champagne bar and an artisan coffee hub. Designed by interior architect Joyce Wang,...
G6 Hospitality Introduces Bookable Early Check-In
G6 Hospitality, the parent of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has added a bookable early check‑in option that lets guests guarantee a room as early as 11 a.m. or the property’s standard check‑out time for a fee starting at $15. The service is...
Marriott Teams with Lefay to Launch First Luxury Wellness Brand
Marriott International has entered a joint venture with Italian resort brand Lefay to create its inaugural luxury wellness brand. The partnership, announced today, adds two existing Lefay resorts and three under‑development properties to Marriott’s portfolio, marking the chain’s biggest push...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending March 28
U.S. hotel performance for the week of March 22‑28 showed solid year‑over‑year gains, with occupancy climbing to 66.8%, average daily rate (ADR) rising to $170.30, and RevPAR increasing 8.3% to $113.81. San Francisco led the top‑25 markets, posting a 26.5‑point occupancy...
Dubai Rolls Out $272 Million Stimulus to Bolster Companies and Jobs
Dubai's ruler Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a Dh1 billion ($272 million) stimulus that postpones government fees and tourism charges, targeting hospitality, tourism and other private‑sector firms. The move is designed to preserve growth momentum and protect jobs...
Why Margaritaville at Sea Is Resonating with Laid-Back Travelers
Margaritaville at Sea, launched in 2022, has grown from a single‑ship operation to a three‑ship fleet serving the Caribbean and Bahamas. The line added the Islander in summer 2024 and plans to debut the Beachcomber in Miami by early 2027,...
B&B Hotels Scales Its European Operations, Fast. The U.S. Is Another Story
B&B Hotels has cemented its position as Europe’s largest budget hotel operator, now running 900 properties in 19 countries. The chain plans 57 new openings in 2025, concentrating growth in France, Germany, Italy and Spain while testing markets in the...
The Year of Redefining Indian Food in America
Mom‑and‑pop curry houses are giving way to a new generation of Indian restaurants that blend regional flavors with contemporary concepts. 2026 is poised to become a breakout year as upscale, tech‑savvy South Asian brands attract affluent diners. Investors are...
Multi-Brand Thompson Restaurants to Add Franchising to the Mix
Thompson Restaurants, a 33‑year‑old family‑owned operator with nearly 70 locations across 15 brands, announced it will begin franchising its value‑positioned Wiseguy Pizza concept. The eight‑unit chain generates $1,300‑$1,400 revenue per square foot and a flagship D.C. store pulls $4.5 million in...
The Big Problem with Red Lobster
The latest episode of Restaurant Business’s "The Week in Restaurants" podcast spotlights Red Lobster’s lingering struggles despite emerging from bankruptcy. Hosts discuss weak brand perception, an outdated menu, and cost pressures that continue to hamper growth. The conversation also touches...
Why Sysco Could Ultimately Regret the Restaurant Depot Deal
Sysco announced the purchase of Restaurant Depot, a cash‑and‑carry wholesaler, aiming to broaden its service model beyond traditional food‑service distribution. The deal mirrors US Foods' 2020 foray into cash‑and‑carry, which it now plans to sell after four years. Analysts warn...
California City Presses Pause on Food Delivery Robots
Glendale, California city council approved a 3-2 vote to impose a moratorium on food‑delivery robots, halting operations for companies like Serve Robotics. The pause aims to give officials time to develop a regulatory framework, as the city currently lacks ordinances...
How One Restaurant Tackles the Pay Gap Between Front- and Back-of-House Workers
Lita, a 70‑seat Spanish‑Portuguese restaurant in New Jersey, has built a chef‑only staff model that rotates employees between kitchen and front‑of‑house duties. Workers earn a $17 hourly base wage during back‑of‑house weeks and the tipped minimum plus pooled tips during...
A Broader Horizon: Haitang Bay in China Ready to Welcome Tourists From Beyond Russia
Haitang Bay in Sanya is expanding beyond its Russian visitor base by leveraging Hainan’s visa‑free policy, new air routes and cruise links, and a growing wellness‑tourism ecosystem. The district is integrating medical facilities such as CSPC Medical Park with luxury...
The New Global Road Trip: How Motorhome Travel Is Redefining Tourism From America to Australia
Motorhome tourism, once synonymous with the United States, is becoming a truly global phenomenon. While the U.S. still boasts iconic routes like Yellowstone and the Pacific Coast Highway, stricter visa policies and shifting perceptions are dampening foreign RV arrivals. Australia,...