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
At These Hotels, Turndown Service Is an Opportunity for Storytelling
Hotels are reinventing the traditional turndown ritual by adding hyper‑local storytelling and handcrafted gifts, from cowboy poems at Wyoming’s Rusty Parrot Lodge to Murano glass pieces in Venice. The trend, which gained momentum after the pandemic, sees properties partnering with regional artists, makers, and cultural institutions to create memorable, place‑driven experiences. Examples span North America, Europe, and Latin America, featuring items such as woven Ojo de Dios, wooden guayacán carvings, and hand‑knit Chilote wool slippers. These curated keepsakes aim to deepen guest connection to the destination while supporting local economies.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 284: Air Canada Crash Latest, United Airlines Introduces Couches In Economy Class
The Simple Flying Podcast’s 284th episode reviews the latest Air Canada crash investigation, United Airlines’ bold move to add couches in economy and invest in three new aircraft types, easyJet’s launch of a Newcastle base with fresh seating, Delta’s continued...
Bridge and Kalibri Enter Strategic Partnership
Bridge Marketplace and Kalibri have formed a strategic partnership to embed Kalibri’s AI‑powered hotel market data into Bridge’s investment platform. The collaboration gives hotel owners, lenders, and brands direct access to real‑time performance metrics, RevPAR composition, and demand segmentation within...
MIA Unveils Concourse D Plans
Miami International Airport announced a $1 billion expansion of Concourse D60, adding 17 new gates, upgraded passenger amenities, and a modernized baggage system. The project is part of the broader $9 billion M.I.A. Plan and is slated to break ground in 2027...
YouGov Poll Shows Travel Reluctance Amid Disruptions
A YouGov poll reveals that only 40% of American travelers would keep a scheduled flight, while 34% plan to cancel or reschedule trips amid rising airfare and frequent airport disruptions. Stress levels are high, with 63% citing disruptions as a...
Breathless Cancun Soul Adds Incentive for Midweek Gatherings
Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa has launched an Advisor Preferred Midweek Program, offering a higher 12% commission on group bookings of ten or more rooms for stays of at least two nights between Sunday and Thursday from May through...
At Non-TSA Airports, Wait Times Are Minutes, Not Hours
During the ongoing TSA federal shutdown, a handful of U.S. airports that rely on private security contractors—namely San Francisco International, Kansas City International, and Sarasota International—have kept average security wait times under ten minutes, with SFO even dipping below one minute...
Earn Free Rental Days: ONE TWO FREE Promotion Returns From National Car Rental
National Car Rental’s Emerald Club is re‑launching its ONE TWO FREE promotion from April 6 to June 7 2026, letting members earn a free rental day for every two qualifying rentals of two to seven consecutive days. The program scales, granting additional free...
From Guests to Members: Hotels Test a New Hospitality Model
Hotel operators are piloting membership programs that grant ongoing access to lounges, coworking spaces, wellness facilities and curated social areas, shifting focus from nightly stays to continuous engagement. The model introduces recurring revenue streams and positions hotels as community hubs...
Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association Debuts In Rebranding to Unite State’s $21B Hospitality Industry
The Connecticut Restaurant Association rebranded as the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, merging restaurants, bars, caterers, hotels and lodging operators under one umbrella. The new entity now represents roughly 10,000 businesses, about 170,000 employees and generates nearly $21 billion in economic...
Hoxton Hotel Still Wants Injunction Against Neighbouring Nightclub Yamamori Izakaya
The Hoxton Hotel in Dublin’s city centre is pursuing a court injunction against its neighbour, Yamamori Izakaya nightclub, alleging late‑night music disrupts guests. The hotel says the noise forced it to close 31 of its 129 rooms, costing roughly €300,000...
Precise Resort Tenerife Opens in Puerto De La Cruz After Two-Year Refurbishment
Precise Resort Tenerife reopened in Puerto de la Cruz after a two‑year, €10 million (about $11 million) refurbishment, transforming the 1970s Maritim Hotel into a modern 4‑star destination. The 153‑room property now offers sea‑view balconies, family suites, and a range of new...
Why Best-of-Breed Beats All-in-One for Revenue Managers
Hotel IQ and RateGain have announced a strategic partnership that merges Hotel IQ’s internal business intelligence with RateGain’s competitive rate intelligence. The integration delivers a single‑sign‑on, real‑time view of pacing data and competitor pricing, powered by an AI engine that...
Avianca to Operate More than 8,300 Flights During Holy Week Travel Season
Avianca will operate more than 8,300 flights and provide over 1.4 million seats between March 27 and April 6, covering a network of 150+ routes to 80+ destinations in 27 countries across the Americas and Europe. The schedule targets the Holy Week travel...
New Vice President of Culinary to Champion Culinary Experiences for SSP America
SSP America announced Brian Kumrow as its new Vice President of Culinary, tasked with shaping the company’s food strategy across a growing network of airport restaurants. Kumrow brings more than 15 years of multi‑unit culinary leadership, most recently overseeing 220...
AYARA Platform to Develop 50 Business Hotels Across Saudi Arabia by 2029
AYARA Platform, backed by a $1 billion partnership between Patel Family Office and Abdel Hadi A. Al‑Qahtani & Sons, will develop 50 branded business hotels across Saudi Arabia by 2029. The vertically integrated model will deliver 5,000‑7,000 rooms using modular construction and in‑house furnishings. Projects target...
HVS Insights: Navigating Uncertainty - The Middle East Crisis and Its Effect on India’s Hospitality Industry - By Mandeep S...
The escalation of the Middle East crisis in February 2026 has led to more than 40,000 flight cancellations or reroutes, forcing airlines onto longer, fuel‑intensive paths. Brent crude has surged past $100 per barrel, pushing fuel costs to 30‑40% of...
Quail Digital and Audivi Join Forces to Bring Cost-Free Voice AI to Drive-Thru Restaurant Ordering
Quail Digital and Audivi have announced a global partnership delivering a free Voice AI hardware box for quick‑service restaurants. The solution merges Quail’s high‑clarity audio equipment with Audivi’s real‑time AI ordering software, aiming to cut drive‑thru errors and speed service....
Jacada Chooses First Project to Benefit From New Impact Fund
Jacada Travel has launched an Impact Fund that adds a $20 surcharge per guest, directing the money to high‑impact community projects. The first initiative, Female Guides of the Future, funds professional training for four female safari guides in Zimbabwe’s Hwange...
Boutique Hotel to Revive London Grade II* Listed Building
A Grade II* listed former office at 27‑28 Throgmorton Street will be transformed into a 30‑room boutique extended‑stay hotel. The adaptive‑reuse plan, led by architecture firm Purcell, retains historic interiors while adding flexible commercial spaces on lower floors. Fabric repairs,...
Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat Launches Eco‑Tourism Hub in Assam
Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat opened on March 26, 2026 in Assam, offering a combined wildlife safari, Brahmaputra river cruise and locally sourced hospitality. The launch adds a high‑profile eco‑tourism option for adventure‑focused travelers seeking low‑impact experiences.
Revitalizing a Legacy Brand
In a MasterMind Minutes interview, Taco John’s chief operating officer Jackie Secor outlined the challenges of modernizing a legacy fast‑food brand. She emphasized the need to balance strict operational standardization with the autonomy of individual franchisees. Secor also highlighted how...
Western Addition Restaurant Group to Open Its First Venue Outside of Texas
Dallas‑based Western Addition Restaurant Group is launching its first restaurant outside Texas with il Bracco in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 30. The 5,000‑square‑foot, ground‑up build sits on a 1.6‑acre corner site and seats 165 guests, including a patio. The concept blends Italian...
Virgin Voyages Reveals Red Hot Sailing Club Voyages for 2027
Virgin Voyages announced two exclusive Red Hot Sailing Club voyages for 2027, now open for booking. The July itinerary sails from Athens to Santorini, Crete, Kusadasi, and an overnight stay in Mykonos, while the November sailing departs Miami for Costa...
Huge United Business Card 100K Bonus Miles Limited Time Welcome Offer
United’s co‑branded United℠ Business Card has launched a limited‑time welcome offer of 100,000 MileagePlus bonus miles and 2,000 Premier Qualifying Points after $5,000 spend within three months. The card carries a $150 annual fee but provides a $125 United travel...
Cathay Pacific Is Devaluing Some Business and Premium Economy Awards in May 2026
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles will adjust its award chart on May 1 2026, devaluing business‑class awards from U.S. gateways by roughly 3.4‑3.5% and reducing premium‑economy mileage by 10% for short‑haul trips (751‑2,750 mi). The change follows an April 2025 devaluation and a 20% downgrade in...
American Airlines Is Serving $1 Shelf-Stable Pasta In First Class — While Selling A Premium Comeback
American Airlines is serving a $1 shelf‑stable three‑cheese pasta on its Salt Lake City‑Philadelphia First‑Class route, a meal that must be pre‑loaded due to the airline’s lack of local catering contracts. The pasta, originally priced at 99 rupees (about US$1.05), is...
The Best of Chile
Sunny Land Tours is offering a $980 per‑person familiarization (FAM) trip to Chile that covers Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar, including airport transfers, three nights’ accommodation, guided tours and four meals. The core itinerary showcases the capital’s historic sites...
Next-Generation Passport Verification Platform Launches Globally
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has launched a next‑generation Public Key Directory (PKD) that enables real‑time authentication of electronic passports and other digital travel credentials. The upgraded platform, now used by 107 of ICAO’s 193 member states, promises faster,...
Rooftop Sagrada Família Views at El Palace Barcelona
NEW on LUXE TIFFANY: Discover El Palace Barcelona, a luxury hotel with rooftop views of the Sagrada Família, hosting exclusive experiences for the Gaudí centennial. https://t.co/Q5bwrpn72i
United Opens TSA Checkpoint for Premier 1K®, Polaris®, and Global Services in Houston
United Airlines has reopened a TSA checkpoint in Terminal C at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport for its Premier 1K, Global Services and Polaris travelers. The lane, previously reserved for families and passengers with disabilities, was repurposed amid severe staffing...
Dreamscape Hospitality Adds Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront
Dreamscape Hospitality announced it will manage the Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront, a 153‑room waterfront hotel in downtown Bradenton. The property offers river views, an outdoor pool, fitness center, The Bistro, and flexible meeting space, and is located near the...
Busy Easter Ahead for London Stansted Airport
London Stansted expects around 1.5 million passengers between March 28 and April 12, with roughly 760,000 departures and 740,000 arrivals. Over the Easter weekend alone, traffic should top 400,000, making Good Friday the busiest departure day. The airport’s newly enlarged security hall is...
Mainsail Lodging & Development Chosen to Manage 86 Zero Energy Homes
Mainsail Lodging & Development has been chosen to manage 86 net‑zero energy homes at Hunters Point Resort & Marina on Anna Maria Island. The Tampa‑based operator will oversee reservations, guest services, housekeeping and maintenance through its vacation‑rental platform, giving homeowners...
Stonebridge Names Skip Adams VP, F&B
Stonebridge Hotels has appointed Skip Adams as Vice President of Food & Beverage, tasking him with steering the strategic direction and operational performance of F&B programs across its portfolio. Adams brings nearly three decades of leadership in luxury resorts, full‑service...
Kolter Hospitality Unveils Fort Lauderdale Hyatt Place Renovation
Kolter Hospitality has completed a multimillion‑dollar renovation of the Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port and Convention Center. All 126 guest rooms were refreshed with new carpet, paint, furnishings and fully renovated bathrooms. Public areas—including the lobby, pool deck and...
Points Path Has Been Integrated Into Bilt Travel Search Results; See Cash & Award Pricing, but only for Bilt Partners
Bilt Rewards has replaced its partnership with Point.me by integrating Points Path into its travel portal, allowing members to view both cash fares and award pricing. Users must click the “Award availability” button to reveal a column with award costs,...
What’s Next in Destination Weddings
Marriott is redefining luxury destination weddings by integrating cultural authenticity, wellness experiences, and flexible event spaces across its global portfolio. The Westin Santa Fe in Mexico City now features three kosher kitchens and a 750‑guest ballroom, while JW Marriott Cancun offers...
Noodles & Company Considers Ramen Menu
Noodles & Company posted a 6.6% same‑store sales increase in Q4 2025, driven by a popular Chili Garlic Ramen limited‑time offer and a 1.4% rise in traffic. The chain closed 33 underperforming locations, boosting restaurant‑level margins to 14.1% from 11.2% a...
Culinary Tourism Soars as Luxury Travelers Spend $1,000+ on Meals
Luxury travel operators report a near‑30% jump in culinary‑focused bookings, while high‑net‑worth guests are willing to spend $1,000 or more on single‑day dining experiences. The trend is reshaping itineraries, putting food at the center of travel planning.
DoubleTree Plymouth Meeting Begins Full Asset Liquidation After Closure
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia West in Plymouth Meeting has opened a public liquidation of every item from its 250 rooms, lobby and banquet facilities. The sale, which began Thursday at 640 Fountain Road, underscores the hotel's poor...
The London Outpost of Affordable Boutique Hotel Chain Mama Shelter Has Shut
Mama Shelter’s Shoreditch hotel, the brand’s first UK location, closed on February 1, 2026 after six years of operation. The 194‑room property, which featured karaoke rooms, a 100‑seat restaurant and a retractable‑roof courtyard, is being converted into a co‑living space...
Hand Picked Hotels Appoints Two New GMs
Hand Picked Hotels announced the appointment of two seasoned general managers: Carl Lynch at Rhinefield House Hotel in the New Forest and Daniel Courtney at Buxted Park Hotel in East Sussex. Both bring over a decade of senior hospitality experience,...
From Pride to Silence: Is Florida Turning Its Back on LGBTQ+ Tourism?
Florida’s House has passed an anti‑DEI bill that could bar cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale from promoting LGBTQ travel, pending the governor’s signature. The legislation threatens funding for institutions such as the Stonewall National Museum, which relies on DEI‑linked...
Hard Rock Hotel Malta Now Accepting Bookings for Summer 2026 Debut
Hard Rock International has opened reservations for its new Hard Rock Hotel Malta, slated to open in July 2026. The 397‑room property in St. George’s Bay will feature 25 suites with private heated pools, two executive club floors and a 466 sqm...
Luxury Hospitality Brand Beckons Launches
Beckons, a new experiential luxury hospitality brand, has launched with nine lodges across Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Canada, merging the Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels portfolios. The brand is led by CEO Michael Crawford, whose background includes Four Seasons and...
ORHMA Hosts Safety & Crime Prevention Symposium
The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association partnered with Peel Regional Police to host a Safety & Crime Prevention Symposium for hospitality operators in Mississauga. Speakers addressed emerging threats, including human‑trafficking indicators, a surge in organized auto‑theft, and practical crime‑prevention...
Mercury Holidays Introduces Tour-Only Pricing and Booking Options
Mercury Holidays has launched a tour‑only pricing model that lets travelers book its Escorted Private Tours while arranging their own flights, including the use of airline reward points. The new option is now live across its entire private‑tour catalogue, featuring...
Exodus Adventure Travels Extends Madagascar Tour Programme
Exodus Adventure Travels is expanding its Madagascar offerings with two new itineraries that showcase the island’s lesser‑visited north and east regions. Bookings have surged 60% year‑over‑year, reflecting strong traveler appetite for off‑the‑beaten‑path wildlife experiences. The 14‑day Wild Madagascar tour starts...
International Airport Summit Partners with World-Renowned Innovators Aeroporti Di Roma for November Conference
International Airport Summit has teamed up with Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) to host an invitation‑only Day 0 event on 10 November at ADR’s Innovation Hub in Rome. Senior leaders, including VP Transformation & Technology Emanuele Calà and CEO Marco Troncone, will showcase...