Colin Tessier

🏠 Twenty-five stories high at the Watermark Hotel in Tysons, Virginia, the Naisho Room is a hidden speakeasy within the hotel's fitness center. Designed by //3877, it offers Japanese spirits and small bites under Executive Sushi Chef Hobin Kim. Inspired by Tokyo's vibrant izakayas, the design features a sauna entrance and neon-lit bar. The project posed challenges, such as maintaining the fitness center's function, while capturing Tokyo's lively atmosphere through dark tones and metal accents.

🏨 Crescent Hotels & Resorts, founded by Michael Thomas George in 2001, survived the 2008 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic without laying off corporate staff, demonstrating durability. As of 2026, Crescent manages 120 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, pursuing quality over quantity. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, its emphasis is on ownership alignment, sustaining long-term staff, and maintaining deep owner relationships. Crescent's strategy has been approved by major luxury brands, including Marriott and Hilton.

☕ According to the Costa Coffee Suzy Speaks Hospitality National Study, 56% of hotel guests pay for premium coffee even when free options exist, and nearly half have left hotels for better coffee elsewhere. This signals a shift in guest expectations, highlighting a revenue opportunity for hotels. Improving in-house coffee offerings can reduce loss from "walkout revenue." Premium coffee is defined by quality, consistency, customization, and convenience. Hotels across segments can gain by treating coffee as an all-day program.

🏨 AAHOACON26, held on April 9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, focused on hotel industry dynamics. Teague Hunter and Hunter Advisors panelists highlighted market optimism, citing low interest rates and capital availability. They noted institutional clients' increased activity, with more accepted offers and deals. Perry emphasized operators' local market advantage, while Amin observed improved bank responsiveness. Experts advised sticking to known markets and trusting in hospitality for investment opportunities, despite recent industry challenges.