Track Best Western Hotels & Resorts in one feed. This hub aggregates the latest news, brand updates and openings across Best Western’s global membership network, as covered by trusted sources. Follow one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.
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Hanamurasaki Ryokan in Japan Unveils Modern Updates with New ‘Suminobi’ Furniture Collection and Art Installations
21 October 2026🏨 Hanamurasaki, a 125-year-old ryokan in Yamanaka Onsen, Japan, was originally established in 1902. It has been modernized by sixth-generation owner Kohei Yamada and his wife, Manami. The hotel features contemporary interiors and art installations. Yamanaka Onsen is renowned for 1,300 years of hot spring bathing. The ryokan is 20 minutes from Kagaonsen Station and offers a new furniture collection called ‘Suminobi.’ Activities include artist residencies and traditional snowshoe-making.
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Newport Hospitality Group’s “Living Hospitality” Philosophy Exemplified by La’Kesha Holland’s Acts of Kindness in Jacksonville Beach
21 October 2026👮♀️ La’Kesha Holland, a front desk associate at Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, Florida, has exemplified Newport Hospitality Group’s “Living Hospitality” philosophy. She assisted an elderly guest with eye surgery at Mayo Clinic and gifted Jaguars game tickets to help another couple. Her kindness extended to comforting a grieving widow with houseplants. These actions have fostered lasting friendships. Newport Hospitality Group, based in Williamsburg, Virginia, manages various hotel brands across the U.S.
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Independent Research Reveals AI Agents’ Access to Hotel Websites Varies by Day and Agent, No Deliberate Closure Detected
20 October 2026💻 Claude and ChatGPT tested nine hotel groups on October 18-19, 2026, revealing AI access inconsistencies. Groups like Marriott and Accor consistently reached checkout, while changes occurred for Wyndham and Hilton. Hyatt blocked Claude with Kasada’s software, though not ChatGPT. No robots.txt files specifically blocked AI, and control varied by day and agent. A third-party study found only 3.3% of 105,002 hotel sites set AI block rules—indicating broader access inconsistencies.
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Research Reveals AI Agents Can Access Most Major Hotel Websites, But Inconsistencies Remain Across Platforms
19 October 2026🛂 18 October 2026: Two live tests showed AI agents’ access to hotel websites varied. Marriott, IHG, Accor, and Choice allowed agents to reach checkout, while Hilton, Hyatt, and Wyndham had mixed results due to bot challenges. Chinese hotel groups required mobile logins. Bot management settings, not formal policies, primarily affected AI access. Despite Gemini’s claim of blocked reservations, live tests contradicted it, emphasizing the need for hotels to verify AI compatibility on their sites.
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Soundscapes Revive Physical Media with Bespoke Systems and Immersive Audio Experiences in Design and Brand Activations
18 October 2026🎧 Audio culture is evolving with immersive sound installations and events. In 2026, notable projects included Fritz Hansen’s Sound Club at 3 Days of Design, Copenhagen’s Nine Days of Green festival, and Dom Pérignon’s multisensory experiences in New York and LA. Angelo Nitsopoulos highlights sound’s deep engagement potential. Innovative collaborations like Sigur Rós’s deep listening venture in Oxford and Richie Hawtin’s Deeper Focus soundscape showcase audio’s transformative power for both focus enhancement and cultural expression.
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Booking Holdings Invests $100 Million in AI Booking Agent Vayo, Integrating with Expedia and Monitoring Price Drops
17 October 2026🛠️ Booking Holdings invested $100 million in Vayo, an AI booking agent that scans emails for reservations, monitoring trips for price changes. 72% of hotel companies use AI like ChatGPT, while only 33% integrate vendor-provided AI. Expedia Group, holding nearly 80% of U.S. OTA booking value, faces a class-action lawsuit over rate parity. Aimbridge Hospitality’s CEO suggests AI could replace brand reliance in leisure bookings. Key players affected include Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Best Western.
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Bargello Restaurant Wins Second Consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Elevating McKibbon Hospitality’s Asheville Offerings
16 October 2026🍷 Bargello in Asheville, part of McKibbon Hospitality, received its second consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. McKibbon operates nearly 100 hotels and 11 independent food concepts, highlighting the importance of genuine hospitality. Amid changing trends like reduced alcohol consumption, Bargello adapts by expanding low-and-no-alcohol options. Its 1,600-bottle wine cellar reflects a dedication to quality. Awards celebrate McKibbon’s commitment to creating memorable experiences, aligning with local culture while elevating hospitality standards.
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Conversions Drive Hotel Industry Growth as Ground-Up Developments Face Challenges Heading into 2027, Says Lodging Conference
15 October 2026🏨 In Phoenix, at The Lodging Conference 2026, hotel industry optimism is rising toward 2027, focusing on conversions over costly ground-up developments. Conversions, especially soft brands, are seen as growth drivers. AI’s role in hotel selection and booking is expanding, impacting visibility and costs. Third-party management companies are crucial for smaller owners, aiding revenue and cost management. Newport Hospitality Group, a key player, oversees various hotel brands across the U.S., emphasizing asset maximization and technological integration for growth.
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Concord Hospitality Assumes Management of Poteat Hotels’ Seven-Property, 711-Room Portfolio Across North Carolina
14 October 2026🏨 Concord Hospitality took over management of Poteat Hotels’ seven-property portfolio in North Carolina, with 711 rooms across New Bern, Greenville, Wilmington, Boone, and High Point. This includes properties like the 98-room Courtyard New Bern and 115-room Courtyard Greenville. The transition began October 1 with the Best Western Wilmington and continued with other locations through October 12. Concord’s COO, Will Loughran, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with Concord’s values and local expertise.
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Newport Hospitality Group Advocates Maximizing Revenue from Existing Guests and Events, Not Just Room Bookings for Fall 2026
13 October 2026🏨 As we move through the final quarter of 2026, hotel operators should focus on maximizing revenue beyond room occupancy. Analyze existing guest and group opportunities for added value. Consider wedding event add-ons, corporate gatherings, and local community engagements. Initiate early holiday sales in September and October. Collaborate across departments for comprehensive strategies. Evaluate total revenue per occupied room and ancillary sales for 2027 planning. Newport Hospitality Group manages mid-scale and full-service hotels across the U.S. under major brands.
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Concord Hospitality Takes Over Management of Poteat Hotels’ Seven Property Portfolio Totaling 711 Rooms Across North Carolina
13 October 2026🏨 Concord Hospitality has taken over management of Poteat Hotels’ seven-property portfolio in North Carolina during October. The portfolio encompasses 711 rooms across New Bern, Greenville, Wilmington, Boone, and High Point. Key properties include the 98-room Courtyard New Bern and 125-room Aloft Wilmington. The partnership emphasizes shared values in hospitality excellence. Concord’s North Carolina-based operations already manage various hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.
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Concord Hospitality Assumes Management of Poteat Hotels’ Seven-Property Portfolio, Adding 711 Rooms Across North Carolina
13 October 2026📍 Concord Hospitality, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has taken over management of Poteat Hotels’ seven-property portfolio, totaling 711 rooms across New Bern, Greenville, Wilmington, Boone, and High Point. Transition of management occurs in October, with properties like Courtyard New Bern, Courtyard Greenville, and Aloft Wilmington. Concord’s COO, Will Loughran, emphasizes a local, community-focused approach. Poteat Hotels highlights Concord’s alignment with their values of integrity and community.
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Dubai Welcomes 869,000 International Visitors in August 2026, Best Monthly Performance Since February
9 October 2026🌎 Dubai welcomed approximately 869,000 international visitors in August 2026, marking its best month since February. From January to August, visitor numbers totaled 6.97 million, down 44% from 12.54 million in 2025. August’s dip narrowed to 37%, with 1.37 million visitors in August 2025. Hotel occupancy hit 66%, 89% of 2025 levels. Western Europe (20%) led visitor origins, followed by South Asia (17%) and the Gulf countries (16%). Emirates restored 97% of its network, while Air France resumed Dubai flights…
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Hozpitality Group Hosts Women Leadership Forum 2026 in Los Angeles, Gathering Over 70 Industry Leaders
9 October 2026📊 On October 7, Hozpitality Group hosted the Women Leadership Forum 2026 at Cameo Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, uniting 70+ leaders from hospitality and related sectors. Key speakers included Jackie Filla and prominent women from various industries. Discussions focused on women’s roles in leadership, mentorship, and workforce development. Event partners and sponsors included Cameo Beverly Hills, RokketMed, másLabor, and NEFT Vodka. The forum is part of Hozpitality’s expanding U.S. initiatives, including the Best GM Powerlist 2026.
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Frieze Week 2026 in London Showcases Diverse Art Exhibitions, Performances, and Parties Across the City
7 October 2026🎨 **Frieze Week 2026 in London**: From October 14-18, the city hosts vibrant art events, exhibitions, and performances. Highlights include Yuko Mohri’s kinetic installation at Barbican, Rebecca Warren’s first London show in 15 years at Maureen Paley, and Esteban Jefferson’s exhibition at Herald St. Also, the play *The Front* runs on October 16-17 at London Performance Studios. Don’t miss Anal House Meltdown at Bolding Gallery on October 16 and David Crouch Rare Books at Frieze Masters.
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Marriott International’s Future of Food 2027 Report Highlights Rise of Authentic, Local Dining Across Asia Pacific
7 October 2026🍽 Marriott International has released its “Future of Food 2027” report focused on Asia Pacific (excluding China). 95% of surveyed properties highlight local cuisine as the top dining trend. Flexible dining settings are rising, with Vietnam seeing 71% growth in bar/lounge dining. In Thailand, 100% of restaurants use AI in operations. Fine dining experiences are now quicker, with 58% lasting 1.5-2 hours. Wellness dining is notable, with 97% offering health-focused dishes. Non-alcoholic beverage sales are up in 42% of surveyed…
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Aleph Hospitality Assumes Management of Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan, Expanding Dubai Portfolio to Three Properties
7 October 2026📍 Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, took over Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan in Dubai on 1 July 2026. Aleph now manages over 50 hotels with 7,000+ rooms across 23 countries and 39 cities. Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan joins the Marriott Marquis and Hilton in Dubai under Aleph’s management. This expansion aligns with Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and aims for operational efficiency and commercial success for hotel owners.
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Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport Recognized for Exceptional Guest Experience in Hilton Brand Research Study
6 October 2026📈 Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport, under Newport Hospitality Group management, excels in guest satisfaction, surpassing peers in cleanliness (86.8% vs. 85.9%), service quality (87.1% vs. 85.0%), and breakfast (78.8% vs. 76.7%). Its Hilton Honors Appreciation score is 74.8%, 9.4 points above peer average. The Fitness Center achieved 92.3%, notably higher than the 78.5% peer benchmark. This performance has earned it a place in Hilton’s research study, highlighting its exceptional hospitality practices.
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Red Roof Unveils Growth Strategy with Red Roof PLUS+ Enhancements, RediRewards Evolution, and Canadian Expansion Plans
5 October 2026📈 Red Roof’s Brand Conference in Hollywood, Florida, gathered over 1,000 attendees, led by President Zack Gharib. The company is enhancing Red Roof PLUS+® with hot breakfasts and upgraded guest experiences. RediRewards, with 6 million members, is evolving for better guest engagement. Red Roof reports a 44% rise in app-generated revenue and is expanding into Canada with a new location near Vancouver Airport. The focus remains on quality, digital growth, and combating human trafficking.
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Mexican Avocado Production Faces Environmental and Social Challenges Amidst Rising U.S. Demand, Report States
5 October 2026🥑 Mexico, the world’s largest avocado producer, cultivated over 2.5 million tonnes in 2026. Since 2000, US avocado consumption tripled due to extensive marketing. A 2023 Climate Rights International report highlights deforestation in Michoacán and Jalisco, often illegal, causing environmental harm and water scarcity. Avocado farming uses at least 75,000 gallons per acre during dry seasons. Organized crime and labor issues are prevalent, with efforts like Guardián Forestal’s certification program improving sustainability and reducing deforestation.
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Chef David Gingell Highlights Cornwall’s Best Dining Spots, Including Argoe and Flora, in Personal Food Guide
4 October 2026🍴 David Gingell, co-owner of three London restaurants, now resides in Cornwall. He praises restaurants like Argoe in Newlyn for its exquisite fish, and Flora in St Martin. Helston boasts Pica Rico and Cast Café, while Falmouth offers Seaview Inn, Kelp Canteen, and Dark Pony for coffee. St Ives’ St Eia is a winter wine spot. Flushing’s Pavilion and Truro’s Native Grain are top bakeries. Gear Farm near Helston is famed for Cornish pasties.
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AAHOA’s 5th HerOwnership Conference in Nashville Empowers Women Hoteliers with Focus on Ownership and Leadership
2 October 2026📚 September 27–28, Nashville, Tennessee—The fifth annual HerOwnership Conference by AAHOA gathered women hotel owners to focus on ownership operations, technology, and growth. The event featured masterclasses on legal issues and hotel financing, with sessions on AI and portfolio diversification. Keynote by Simi Shah of South Asian Trailblazers highlighted the importance of AAHOA. AAHOA President Laura Lee Blake praised the confidence of women hotel owners. Arti and Purnima Patel emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship.
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AAHOA’s 5th Annual HerOwnership Conference in Nashville Highlights Women Leadership in Hospitality, September 27–28
2 October 2026🎶 September 27–28, Nashville hosted AAHOA’s 5th HerOwnership Conference, uniting women hotel owners. With 20,000 members, AAHOA owns 60% of U.S. hotels, impacting 1.7% of GDP. Key topics included hotel operations, legal issues, and AI technology. Simi Shah, a keynote speaker, praised AAHOA’s role in her career. AAHOA employs over 1 million, generating $51.3 billion annually, supporting 4.2 million jobs. The event emphasized women’s leadership and networking within hospitality.
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Meta’s Muse AI Agent Blocked by Hilton, Redirects Booking Attempt to Expedia in Washington, D.C.
2 October 2026📅 On September 29, 2026, Gaurav Sharma used Meta’s AI, Muse, to book a Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., for under $250, but was blocked by Hilton’s site. In September 2026, over 70% of travelers used AI for research, yet less than 16% booked with AI. Google’s AI Mode began hotel bookings with major partners. AI referrals to hotel sites grew fourfold, though AI bookings remain low. Younger travelers, especially Gen Z, lead AI usage.
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Italy’s Hospitality Sector Achieves 42.8% GOP Margin in 2026, Leading European Markets Amid Increased Tourist Arrivals
1 October 2026🌍 Italy 2026: Tourist arrivals rose 4.43% in H1, with June’s foreign traveler expenditure up 4.8% YoY. Italy leads in European occupancy at 51.2%, surpassing Spain and France. Milan’s luxury hotels saw GOPPAR rise 33% to €400, driven by Fashion Week and Olympic anticipation. Italy’s GOP margin climbed from 41% to 43% with ADR up 8% and occupancy up 1 point. Southern Europe’s GOPPAR grew 8% YTD July 2026, outpacing other regions.
