Hotel Truths: From AI Concierges to Five-Star Myths
Hospitality leaders Youri Sawerschel and Christian Walter examined how AI concierges are reshaping service delivery, while questioning the relevance of traditional star ratings in today’s market. They highlighted common development missteps, the growing importance of sustainable, guest‑centric design, and the tension between soft‑brand flexibility and legacy brand consistency. The conversation also underscored the pivotal role of operators and the need for owners to stay actively involved in executing hotel concepts. Ultimately, they painted a picture of a luxury definition that is increasingly experience‑driven rather than star‑driven.
Kew Green CEO Outlines Strategy to Lead Sector
David Taylor, newly appointed CEO of Kew Green Hotels, unveiled a five‑year growth strategy centered on team alignment and a performance‑based framework. He highlighted recent cost‑saving measures, including long‑term energy contracts locked in through 2027, and pledged to visit every hotel...
Hotel Front Desk Software: Key Features, Benefits, and 12 Systems to Consider
Hotel front‑desk software is shifting from manual, siloed tools to cloud‑based platforms that integrate reservations, payments, housekeeping, and guest messaging through open APIs. The article outlines the core functions of a modern property management system, highlights seven tangible benefits such...
SCP Hotels Expands Epic Experiences with Personalized, Nature-Led Journeys
SCP Hotels has expanded its “Epic Experiences” program to four properties, offering nature‑first adventures that mirror each locale’s unique landscape. Guests can sunrise paddleboard at Oregon’s Salishan Coastal Lodge, harvest rooftop herbs and create hyper‑local dishes in Redmond, explore active...
Reserv by Tambourine Unveils Reserv Encore Multi-Property to Revolutionize Hotel Portfolio Bookings
Tambourine launched Reserv Encore Multi-Property, a new booking engine that lets guests compare and reserve rooms across multiple hotels on a single page. The tool targets hotel clusters, mega‑resorts and collections, offering a unified link, advanced filters and conversion‑focused messaging....
Thynk and ShowCycle Partner to Unify Venue Hosting and Trade Show Management on a Single Salesforce-Powered Platform
Thynk and ShowCycle have announced an integrated Exhibition Center Solution that merges venue sales, operations, and exhibition management on a single Salesforce‑native platform. The partnership delivers real‑time data integrity, live floor‑plan synchronization, and a unified “golden record” for large‑scale convention...
TrustYou and HSMAI Europe Celebrate Strategic Partnership at Berlin Industry Gathering
TrustYou presented its data‑driven Excellence Award to Hotel Maistra 160, which earned a 98.75 guest‑satisfaction score, at an HSMAI Europe and HFTP networking evening in Berlin on March 4, 2026. The ceremony highlighted the two‑year strategic partnership between TrustYou and HSMAI Europe, aimed...
Impact of Self-Service Technologies in Retail
Self‑service technologies (SSTs) are reshaping Swiss grocery retail, with 73% of shoppers demanding faster payments and 59% open to using self‑checkout solutions. A study of 75 shoppers revealed that while SSTs boost efficiency and data collection, they also turn customers...
From AI Agents to Front Desk: How to Personalize the Guest Experience with Both
The Hotel Moment podcast with Revinate CMO Karen Stephens and Twilio CMO Chris Koehler highlights that the real hurdle to hospitality personalization is data acquisition, not merely data collection. They argue that clean, connected guest profiles are essential for turning raw...
IHG Accelerates Growth in Mexico, Reinforcing Long Term Commitment to Key Americas Market
IHG Hotels & Resorts announced plans to nearly double its growth pace in Mexico, adding 62 new hotels with 8,600 rooms to its existing portfolio of 187 properties and 30,000 rooms. The country is IHG’s fifth‑largest market worldwide, and the...
White Lodging, JW Marriott Indianapolis Announce Retirement of General Manager Phil Ray
Longtime General Manager Phil Ray will retire on May 31, 2026, ending a 40‑year hospitality career that included a decade at JW Marriott Indianapolis. Ray has overseen the 1,013‑room property, its extensive meeting space and recent brand enhancements such as Dean’s Steak &...
HotelTechReport Releases the 2026 HotelTechIndex™ Market Leaders Report, the Industry's Most Comprehensive Technology Ranking
HotelTechReport unveiled its 2026 HotelTechIndex Market Leaders Report, the most comprehensive hospitality‑technology ranking built on 80,921 verified reviews from hoteliers in 152 countries. The study introduces the inaugural Shift Index™ that isolates ten macro trends reshaping hotel‑tech adoption, alongside the...
Hyatt Unlocks Growth in the Southeast United States with Expanding Essentials Portfolio
Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced a Southeast expansion of its Essentials portfolio, adding more than 30 new select‑service properties—including Hyatt Studios, Select, Place, and House—representing roughly 4,000 rooms. The pipeline targets fast‑growing secondary markets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina...
Five London Hotels Capture 57% of AI Recommendations, Revenue Intelligence Embeds in PMS
Recent research shows five London luxury hotels captured 57% of AI-driven travel recommendations, highlighting a winner‑take‑all distribution model. Google’s AI Mode appears to prioritize OTA partners, limiting direct‑booking visibility for many properties. Meanwhile, RoomPriceGenie’s revenue‑intelligence now embeds directly into 15...
Trademark Collection by Wyndham Marks Milestone, Surpasses 100 U.S. Hotels
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced its Trademark Collection soft‑brand has surpassed 100 operating hotels in the United States. The portfolio has doubled in size over the past five years, bringing the global total to nearly 350 properties with another 100...
Five London Hotels Capture 57% of AI Recommendations: What a New Study Reveals About AI Travel Distribution
A LuxDirect CS7 study of 2,700 AI queries across 25 London luxury hotels found five properties captured 57% of AI recommendations. The concentration appears faster than early SEO trends and is independent of hotel size or brand, with a 26‑room...
The Modern CIO Is No Longer a Technologist - They’re an Architect of Enterprise Decisions
The chief information officer’s mandate has moved beyond managing servers and applications to shaping the decision frameworks that drive enterprise transformation. Modern CIOs now design governance, trade‑off mechanisms, and operating models that align strategy with execution. Boards are looking for...
Hospitality Does Not Have a Labour Shortage — It Has a Visibility Problem: A Conversation with Paathz at ITB Berlin
At ITB Berlin, Paathz CEO Ayush Soota argued that hospitality’s perceived labour shortage is actually a visibility problem caused by fragmented recruitment systems. He explained that talent exists but is scattered across platforms, many frontline workers lack LinkedIn profiles, and...
Balancing Fatherhood and a Career in Hospitality: Lessons and Insights
Hospitality executives operate in a 24‑hour environment where guest expectations never pause, creating relentless pressure for leaders. The author, a general manager and father, describes the guilt of missing personal milestones like his son’s Christmas show due to non‑negotiable work...
ITB 2026 Recap: Bet on Nature: How Airbnb’s Innovation Is Shaping the Next Era of Travel
At ITB 2026, Airbnb co‑founder Nathan Blecharczyk highlighted the surge in nature‑based stays and their role in revitalising rural economies. He explained how Airbnb’s AI‑driven platform enhances travel discovery, personalization, and host safety while expanding accommodation options beyond urban centers. The...
Selina Hotels: When the Digital Nomad Dream Met Financial Reality
Selina Hotels rode a wave of digital‑nomad hype, launching via a $1.2 billion SPAC merger in 2022 and expanding to 163 destinations. The rapid rollout delivered only a 47% occupancy rate, while an asset‑light, lease‑heavy model inflated operating costs and debt....
Hilton Enters Mongolia with the Signing of Conrad Ulaanbaatar, Marking a New Chapter for Luxury Hospitality in the Capital
Hilton announced the signing of Conrad Ulaanbaatar, its first property in Mongolia, a 227‑room luxury hotel within the mixed‑use Eco Tower in the capital’s central business district. The hotel is slated to open in 2028 and will feature four dining venues,...
ITB Berlin Insights: The Rise of AI Agents in Hospitality Operations
At ITB Berlin, Sirma showcased Vela, an AI agent that lets guests interact via voice or chat while silently linking to the hotel PMS. The event highlighted a broader industry shift from guest‑facing AI tools to operational agents that monitor...
ALH Grows to 3,000 Rooms with Major Central Texas Expansion
American Liberty Hospitality (ALH) announced the addition of 1,000 rooms across Central and South Texas, pushing its managed inventory past the 3,000‑room mark in Texas and Louisiana. The expansion includes a mix of full‑service and select‑service properties under Marriott, Hilton,...
Welcoming Every Guest, Including the Ones with Paws: GCSTIMES Pet-Themed Wooden Key Cards and Paper Card Holders for Hotels &...
GCSTIMES introduced wooden key cards with detachable pet tags for hotels and resorts. The eco‑friendly cards replace plastic and include a pop‑out tag that guests can attach to their pets’ collars. Each card comes with a coordinated paper holder that...
Canary Technologies Introduces F&B Mobile Ordering to Boost Hotel Revenue
Canary Technologies launched F&B Mobile Ordering, a mobile‑first platform that lets hotel guests place food and beverage orders from their own devices. The solution integrates with major property management and point‑of‑sale systems, updating menus and availability in real time. Hotels...
How Modern Hotel Technology Solutions Create a Connected Booking Journey
Hotels are grappling with fragmented digital booking journeys as legacy systems fail to communicate, leading to brand inconsistency and lost conversions. A recent report shows 48% of hoteliers view tech integration as essential to solve these friction points. Integrating property...
Marketbeat UK - H2 2025
UK hotel investment contracted 23% in 2025, falling to £4.9bn from £6.3bn the prior year. Single‑asset transactions surged 37% YoY, now representing 76% (£3.7bn) of total deal volume, while portfolio activity dropped to £1.2bn amid private‑equity fundraising constraints. RevPAR jumped...
The Ever-Growing Importance of Certifications in Hospitality
Sustainability certifications such as Green Key, LEED, and GSTC are becoming essential credibility tools for hotels, with 83% of travelers indicating that sustainable travel matters and 45% saying certifications make properties more appealing. Research by EHL Hospitality Business School found...
Be Brave: A Conversation with Infor at ITB Berlin
At ITB Berlin, Infor innovation strategist David Poprawka warned that hospitality must first rebuild its fragmented data foundation before AI can deliver value. He argued that the industry’s AI disappointments stem from legacy systems, not the technology itself. Infor showcased...
35 Years Strong: A Journey of Growth, Gratitude, and Future Ambitions
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) marks its CEO's 35‑year tenure, highlighting a transformation from a modest office to a global association. The organization now operates across Europe, Asia, and North America, with new chapters in London, conferences in Tokyo...
Expedia Group Research Reveals the Future of Business Travel: TMC Optimism High, but Confidence Lags in Meeting Traveler Expectations
Expedia Group’s new research of 214 travel‑management company (TMC) leaders across ten countries shows 95 % optimism for business‑travel growth over the next three years, yet only 30‑40 % feel confident they can meet heightened traveler expectations. Travelers now demand blended trip...
Top 5 Travel Destinations in the USA with the Strongest Hotel Pricing Growth in 2026
Lighthouse’s H1 2026 report shows U.S. hotel pricing overall falling 6.6% YoY, yet five cities posted double‑digit gains. Park City, Utah led with a 19.9% increase, followed by San Jose, Tallahassee, Oakland and Lakewood. The growth stems from strong seasonal tourism, tech‑sector...
Report: Montréal Seasonal Short-Term Rental Ban Risks Millions in Tourism Revenue
An independent analysis by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton estimates Montreal’s seasonal short‑term‑rental ban will leave a deficit of more than 26,000 accommodation nights during the 2026 Formula 1 Grand Prix and UCI World Cycling Championships. The shortfall translates into over $19 million in lost visitor...
7 Proven Ways Digital Guest Directories Can Transform the Way Guests Interact with Hotel Amenities and Services
Digital guest directories are evolving from static print guides into interactive platforms that shape the modern hotel guest journey. By delivering real‑time content, integrated booking links, and QR‑code access, they enable instant upselling of rooms, amenities, and local experiences. The...
HOSPA Honours Industry Excellence at the 2026 Professional Development Learner Awards
HOSPA hosted its 2026 Professional Development Learner Awards at London’s Savoy Hotel, celebrating top performers from the 2024/2025 training cohort. Leonardo Hotels captured the Employer of the Year honour for its sustained investment in staff education. Five individuals were named...
Only 10% of Hotels Use AI Structurally, Risk Becoming 'Sleeping Utilities'
Research by Hotelschool The Hague reveals that only 10 % of Dutch hotels use AI in a structural way, warning the sector could become a "sleeping utility" for tech giants that control guest interactions. The study frames the AI gap as...
Why Hotels Are Rethinking Traditional Cable TV
Hotel operators are reevaluating traditional coaxial cable TV as guest expectations shift toward streaming and seamless in‑room technology. Research shows Wi‑Fi remains a priority, but access to personal streaming apps now outranks linear television. Aging cable infrastructure incurs rising maintenance...
Rosewood Hotel Group Introduces Global Gender-Neutral Parental Leave Standard of 16 Weeks Fully Paid Leave for Associates Worldwide
Rosewood Hotel Group announced a new Global Parental Leave Policy that will provide all eligible associates with 16 weeks of fully paid leave, effective January 1 2026. The gender‑neutral standard supersedes local statutory entitlements when they fall short, ensuring 100 % base pay...
Roommaster to Exhibit at the 2026 Ocean City Spring Trade Expo
roommaster will exhibit its Property Management System at the 2026 Ocean City Spring Trade Expo, held March 8‑9 in Maryland. The company will occupy Booths 501 and 502, targeting independent hotel owners and regional property groups preparing for the summer season. The Expo...
From Culture to Contactless: How Alliants Is Transforming Hospitality
Alliants CEO Tristan Gadsby and VP Gareth Fraser discussed how the company’s people‑first culture fuels its hospitality technology strategy. The firm emphasizes automating routine tasks with AI while empowering staff to deliver exceptional, contactless guest experiences, exemplified at Resorts World...
Reclaiming the Senses: The Role of Sustainable Key Cards in Digital Detox Hospitality
Hospitales are launching digital‑detox programs that deliberately limit screen interactions, replacing in‑room tablets and app‑based directories with tactile, low‑tech touchpoints. Sustainable key cards made from wood, PLA and plant‑based leather become the first physical interaction, reinforcing a sensory‑rich experience. These...
Not Done Weekly - Vibe Coding 101 for Hotels
Choice Hotels CEO Pat Pacious outlined a multi‑pronged growth plan, highlighting a rebound in the economy‑to‑midscale segment, rapid expansion of extended‑stay rooms, and a shift toward “suits and boots” travelers who need on‑the‑road lodging. He described AI as an equalizer,...
The End of Booking Engine Fees: Tambourine Redefines Hotel Profitability
Tambourine launched Tambourine One, a hotel booking platform that eliminates transaction fees and consolidates multiple vendor services into a single solution. The offering provides zero‑fee room bookings, built‑in website personalization, travel insurance, accessibility protection, unlimited site updates, and an AI‑enabled...
Venza Enters a New Chapter in Hospitality Cybersecurity
Venza unveiled the Venza System™ platform, a fully automated cybersecurity management solution tailored for the hospitality sector, alongside a refreshed brand identity and tagline, “Know your risks. Defend your data.” The new platform centralizes risk visibility, streamlines compliance reporting, and...
Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport Strengthens F&B Revenue and Reduces Operational Strain with IRIS Mobile Dining
Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport deployed IRIS Mobile Dining to replace phone‑based ordering and compete with third‑party delivery apps. The solution integrates with the hotel’s Micros POS and Stripe, letting guests browse, customize, pay, and schedule pick‑up from Good Eats...
Mews Raises the Bar at ITB Berlin with High-Performance Hospitality and Agentic AI Innovation
Mews, the cloud‑native operating system for hospitality, announced a $300 million funding round and the integration of Flexkeeping, its recently acquired housekeeping platform, ahead of ITB Berlin 2026. At the trade show the company debuted a beta of AI‑powered rooming lists,...
OneJourney Launches SwiftPay in Spain, Turning Hotel Supplier Payments Into a New Income Stream
OneJourney has launched its SwiftPay platform in Spain, marking the first European deployment of its Hospitality Payment Card (HPC) infrastructure. The digital‑wallet solution lets hotels and restaurants route supplier payments through SwiftPay, generating incremental net income without altering banking relationships...
Agentic Hotel Bookings: Three Models, Not One
The hospitality sector is grappling with three distinct "agentic" booking models—AI‑assisted, AI‑mediated, and AI‑executed—each demanding its own technology stack, payment rails, and data architecture. Meanwhile, hotels continue to lose 10‑25% of potential revenue when phone inquiries are not converted into...
Agentic Hotel Bookings: What Are We Actually Talking About Here?
Agentic hotel booking is a buzzword covering three separate models: AI‑assisted booking via consumer AI platforms, AI‑mediated booking within a hotel’s own digital environment, and AI‑executed agent‑to‑agent booking where autonomous agents complete transactions. Each model demands different technical stacks, payment...
