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Automatic

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  • 4 min

A case for windowless rooms: mastering the art of the basics

🛌 Zedwell Hotels, led by Halima Aziz at Criterion Hospitality, redefines city stays in London using adaptive reuse of underutilized spaces like former arcades. Their windowless, compact “cocoon” rooms offer rest-focused, clutter-free environments with soundproof doors. Capsule rooms start at £30, targeting budget-conscious travelers. Check-ins are kiosk-based, and communication is via WhatsApp, enhancing guest convenience. Overall, Zedwell innovates through subtraction, providing a cost-effective hotel experience.
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  • 3 min

GBTA Calls for Balanced Approach to New ESTA Requirements, Citing Risks to Global Business Travel, U.S. Competitiveness, and International Data Privacy Compliance

🛬 February 2026, Alexandria, VA: GBTA, representing the $1.57 trillion global business travel industry, urges U.S. Customs and Border Protection to reconsider proposed ESTA changes. Concerns include increased administrative burdens, potential conflicts with EU data laws, and travel barriers. 78% of travel professionals express concern; 67% of Europeans prefer avoiding U.S. trips if excessive personal data is required. The proposed changes risk shifting travel patterns, potentially reducing U.S. business travel by up to 29% short-term.
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  • 2 min

Anthropic is going deeper into financial services: Claude Opus 4.6 just dropped, and it’s basically an AI model that can now do junior analyst work end-to-end 😳 Opus 4.6 is a workflow automation… | Linas Beliūnas | 112 comments

💸 Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 revolutionizes financial services with AI-powered junior analyst capabilities. It surpasses OpenAI's GPT-5.2 by ~144 Elo on GDPval, a benchmark for finance/legal knowledge work. The model can handle entire filings and produce spreadsheets and presentations. This shift impacts data incumbents like FactSet and S&P Global. AI transitions from "assistant" to "operator," emphasizing AI-native workflows that lower entry-level work barriers and elevate judgment standards in finance.
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  • 4 min

A New Era Begins as the Sirēya Desaru Coast Becomes Mandarin Oriental

🏨 Mandarin Oriental took over The Sirēya Desaru Coast, rebranding it as Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, on January 30, 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 5, 2026, marked the new chapter. Located in Johor, Malaysia, this 128-acre resort features 44 suites and a Four Bedroom Pool Villa, all with private plunge pools. Highlighted wellness rituals include Ocean Homecoming and Jungle Wild Surge. Future enhancements will include luxury branded residences, alongside culinary offerings led by Executive Chef Ahmad Fazli Abdulrahman.
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  • 2 min

Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Makes Its Debut in Greater China with the Opening of Artik Suzhou

🏠 Artik Suzhou, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, debuts in Greater China in Suzhou, the "Venice of the East". Situated in China Central Place, Suzhou, it features 75 to 115 sqm one- and two-bedroom suites. Nearby are attractions like the Humble Administrator's Garden, with Shilu Metro Station in walking distance and Suzhou Railway Station 4.5 km away. A 30-minute high-speed train connects to Shanghai. Amenities include a fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and a Digital Property Guide for a personalized stay.
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  • 3 min

The Grand Hotel Leicester to Reopen after Transformation

🏨 The Grand Hotel Leicester is reopening in January 2026 after a major reimagining as part of The Unlimited Collection. Managed by The Ascott Limited, it's strategically placed on Granby Street near Leicester Railway Station. With 104 rooms, including two grand and 19 premier, the hotel features The Kings Hall for events up to 300 guests. The new restaurant, O.W at The Grand, offers British dishes with local influences. This reopening bolsters Leicester's city center regeneration and creates job opportunities.
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  • 2 min

International Luxury Hotel Association Reaches 1 Million Members Worldwide

🏨 ILHA has reached over 1 million members globally, marking a significant milestone. The association experienced a 45% increase in LinkedIn community and has an email network of 182,000 professionals. INSPIRE Prague had 405 attendees, while INSPIRE Las Vegas had 872. They hosted over 6,300 webinar attendees and saw a 50% increase in website traffic. ILHA provides resources and connections for luxury hospitality professionals across 90+ countries, impacting over 500,000 hotel professionals.
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