6 February 2026 - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

1 min

Trust in Hospitality

🏨 Hosts and hoteliers face challenges aligning growth with community values, causing hesitations. Mismatched information, like Google stating 8 AM and a website stating 9 AM, creates confusion. Kay Walten, with 35 years in hospitality, suggests practical solutions to improve trust, direct bookings, and guest experiences. Emphasis on consistency and early corrections can enhance confidence and community integration, ensuring tourism that lasts while managing limited staff effectively.

7 min

The Trojan Horse in Travel

🛫 Travel industry inertia is fueled by a dependency economy benefiting from status quo. Large incumbents like TMCs and airlines move slowly due to regulatory and operational constraints. The "Legacy Preservation Layer" maintains old structures, prioritizing continuity over innovation. Despite technological feasibility, revolutionary changes remain marginal, as the underlying economic incentives favor preservation. AI is added as an overlay, not a redesign. Transformation requires dismantling these structures, with significant shifts in roles and business models.

1 min

´GDS is dying´… Since 20 years. Hot take: GDS isn’t obsolete — “set-and-forget” GDS is. There’s a lot of noise about hotels moving away from the GDS. But corporate travel doesn’t shop like… | Fritz Müller

🏨 Fritz Müller discusses the evolving landscape of Global Distribution Systems (GDS). He emphasizes that the "connect-and-coast" model is fading, while strategic use of GDS as a sales channel is crucial. Success requires ownership, disciplined RFP/program management, visibility, and data-driven optimization. RateGain, known for its Switch GDS platform, observes these trends. Direct and GDS channels cater to different demand segments. A HEDNA poll on key hotel needs—ownership, insight, or execution—could provide valuable insights.

2 min

Hotels Regain Control with AI-Powered Stay Journeys | Ram Mantravadi posted on the topic | LinkedIn

🛑 Gen Z's travel behavior is reshaping hospitality. Traditional brand loyalty is fading, with a preference for authenticity and experiential stays. Major hotel brands, like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, are partnering with niche brands such as Postcard Cabins and Bunkhouse. Economic challenges make Gen Z price-sensitive, yet they prioritize meaningful travel experiences. Discovery now leans on social media and AI, making digital storytelling crucial. The future favors boutique and community-driven hotels over standardized models.

3 min

Hotel GOP is under pressure. Here’s how owners can push back in 2026.

🏨 By 2025, U.S. hotels transitioned from recovery to margin defense, facing cost growth in labor, insurance, and operations. Margin compression affected full-service and extended stay hotels most. Into 2026, owners emphasize cost control and strategic investment in labor, procurement, and technology. HVS data showed GOP margins fell, especially in unionized hotels. Key strategies are labor efficiency, energy optimization, and tech consolidation. Short-term cost control aligns with long-term competitiveness, preserving guest experience and brand value.

5 min

Hotel Chatbots in 2026: Booking Bots vs. Guest-Facing Agents

🤖 By 2026, hotel chatbots, categorized into AI booking and guest service chatbots, have become essential in the hospitality industry. AI booking chatbots focus on converting interest into bookings by answering queries and recommending upgrades. Guest service chatbots enhance guest experiences by handling requests and providing information throughout their stay. Effective implementation of both chatbots can optimize revenue and service delivery. TrustYou’s AI Agents integrate booking, guest service, and staff support into a unified platform for improved efficiency.

1 min

Element New Orleans Downtown Opens

🏘️ In February 2026, Element New Orleans Downtown, located in the Central Business District, opened as part of the Element by Marriott brand. The hotel features 216 guestrooms with kitchens and workspace areas. Amenities include a 624 sq ft meeting space, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and bicycle rentals. Managed by Bentley Legacy Group, it is near Canal Street, Caesars Superdome, and the French Quarter. This hotel offers eco-conscious design and a wellness-focused experience.

1 min

Marriott veteran Alex Fiz appointed president of Aimbridge’s All-Inclusive and LATAM divisions

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality appoints Alex Fiz as president of its LATAM and All-Inclusive Divisions, effective March 2. Leandro Castillo will retire but will serve in an advisory role. Alex brings 34 years of experience from Marriott International, where he led strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The All-Inclusive Division started in 2025 and focuses on significant growth opportunities in Latin America. Aimbridge Hospitality serves major global brands and independent properties across Mexico and Latin America.

2 min

Kabani Hotel Group Announces Sale Of Delta Hotels by Marriott West Palm Beach

🏨 Kabani Hotel Group sold Delta Hotels by Marriott West Palm Beach, a 199-room property, in Miami, Florida. The transaction was completed off-market by Suraj Dalal and Ahmed Kabani in 2026. The buyer, Palm Holdings, a Canadian group, purchased it all-cash. Initially a Holiday Inn, the hotel was renovated and rebranded to Delta Hotels by Marriott without closing, remaining operational. Florida remains a top U.S. destination, driving international demand for its hotels.

3 min

The Monarch San Antonio Shares Details of Its Culinary Program Ahead of Opening

🍴 March 3, 2026, San Antonio, Texas: The Monarch San Antonio unveils its culinary program led by Executive Chef Jae H. Lee, who boasts over 20 years in top culinary roles. The hotel’s dining venues—Oak & Amber, Aleteo, and The Nectarie Café—emphasize premium ingredients and global techniques. Oak & Amber serves over 300 wine labels, while Aleteo focuses on Yucatán flavors. The Nectarie Café offers breakfast and lunch, including French-influenced dishes and park-friendly take-out options.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.