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Automatic

2141 posts
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  • 5 min

Beyond Berlin and Munich: The Fontenay’s Thies Sponholz on Hamburg’s Luxury Moment

🏨 Thies Sponholz, General Manager of The Fontenay in Hamburg, won the Hotelier of the Year 2026 award from ahgz. Since 2018, The Fontenay has received two Michelin stars for its restaurant Lakeside and opened Osteria due in 2025. The hotel boasts three Michelin Keys, one of only six in Germany. Sponholz prioritizes trust, freedom, and continuous training. The Fontenay is known for its innovative, ecologically conscious design and emphasis on guest value. Hamburg offers cultural and architectural appeal, celebrating the Elbphilharmonie's 10th anniversary.
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  • 2 min

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Announces $50 Million in Capital Investments & Reaffirms Commitment to Atlantic City

🎸 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has launched a $50 million capital improvement plan for 2026, renovating 700+ rooms and eight penthouses. By 2026, the resort will introduce Sitar, an East-Indian restaurant, and Federal Donuts and Chicken. Enhancements include 16 EV chargers and new carpets. Since 2018, nearly $700 million has been invested. Upcoming 2026 performances feature Rod Stewart and more. The resort won its third USA Today Top Workplaces Award in 2026, supporting 500+ local organizations.
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  • 7 min

Give the Right To Be Right: Free Will, Algorithms, and How Hotels Can Design Real Choice

📈 Travelers' choices are influenced by algorithms, with Tripadvisor's 2024 data showing over 31 million new reviews and 2.7 million fraudulent ones removed. Sponsored placements affect visibility. Influencers impact luxury markets, while AI answer engines become key to discovery. Booking Holdings reports AI enhancing conversions and reducing support needs. Psychological theories like the IKEA effect and self-determination highlight the value of perceived choice and co-creation, increasing guest satisfaction and reducing cancellations. Transparency in advertising is crucial.
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  • 4 min

HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin – Week Ending 06 February 2026

🏠 Deka Immobilien acquired the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Austria, for €92 million, with 303 rooms. From April 2026, it rebrands to Hyatt Regency Vienna. Set Hotels purchased the 374-room Occidental Menorca, Spain, rebranding as Seth Punta Prima. Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and Beyond Places bought RockyPop Chamonix, France, with 148 rooms. Kingstone Real Estate took over Premier Inn Rosenheim, Germany, 145 rooms. BlackRock acquired Hotel Excelsior, Munich, Germany, 114 rooms. KKR, Baupost sold Delta Hotels Birmingham, UK, 106 rooms. RoundShield acquired Corinthia Lake Como, Italy, 58 rooms, opening in 2028.
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  • 4 min

Beyond Simplicity: Rethinking PMS Usability for Modern Hotels

🏨 In Markham, Ontario, Maestro PMS addresses hotel operational needs with intuitive, robust property management systems (PMS). While streamlined designs aid smaller hotels, larger properties require both simplicity and complex functionality. Maestro's PMS integrates operations like front desk, housekeeping, and sales for a seamless guest journey. Established over 45 years, Maestro offers 20+ modules, enhancing hospitality efficiency. The system supports independent hotels, luxury resorts, and multi-property groups, emphasizing usability without sacrificing operational depth.
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  • 2 min

A Conversation with the President of Hilton, Chris Silcock

🏨 Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, discusses Hilton’s data-driven revenue management evolution and commercial strategy. Key takeaways: 1) Data must align with hotel objectives for organizational trust. 2) Hilton’s brand growth strategy involves owner-led demand and brand architecture. 3) AI enhances operations, guest experiences, and distribution. Hilton aims to use AI for personalized guest experiences and inspire travelers, leveraging their superior data and loyalty context over intermediaries.
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  • 3 min

Frontline Hospitality Hiring in Asia is No Longer Fit for Purpose – What Must Change

📈 Asia Pacific and the Middle East, 2026: The hospitality industry faces a 48% annual frontline attrition rate due to challenging work conditions and low pay. With 340 million frontline workers, hiring processes lack clarity and transparency. Employers are urged to adopt AI-driven, skills-based hiring methods to improve candidate experiences and retention. This approach aligns hiring, training, and performance, enabling better service delivery and career progression, ultimately leading to stable, motivated teams.
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