Colin Tessier - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

3 min

Olympia Hospitality Stresses Flexibility as Key to Success Amid Weather-Related Travel Disruptions This Summer

🌦 The summer travel season is crucial for Olympia Hospitality in New England, with major events like the FIFA World Cup and America250 set to boost travel. However, unpredictable weather can disrupt plans, impacting hotel performance significantly. John Schultzel of Olympia Hospitality stresses the need for adaptable strategies, including flexible marketing and alternative indoor activities like movie nights and indoor pools. In this dynamic environment, success hinges on responsiveness and maintaining a focus on guest experience.

4 min

Hospitality CEOs Discuss AI's Impact on Industry Jobs and Customer Experience at NYU Conference

💻 From May 31 to June 2, 2026, hospitality industry leaders gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis for the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. A key panel featured CEOs from Hilton, Hyatt, Accor, and IHG discussing AI's transformative role. Accor's Bazin estimated AI could replace a third of administrative jobs, while Hilton's Nassetta highlighted AI's potential for customization. Hyatt's Hoplamazian emphasized AI's role in enhancing guest interaction, underscoring the ongoing need for human touch in hospitality.

Red Roof Adds 3,500 Rooms in 2025, Expands into Canada, and Grows Ownership Community by 40 Members

🏨 In 2025, Red Roof added 3,500 rooms and increased hotel executions by 35%. They welcomed 40 new owners through RIDE and SHE, initiatives supporting women and underserved markets. In 2026, they entered Canada by converting a property in Vancouver. Red Roof aims to maintain momentum with a focus on quality and consistency. President Zack Gharib emphasizes genuine relationships and real results as key growth drivers, prioritizing long-term brand integrity over rapid expansion.

2 min

Design Firm //3877 Creates Naisho Room Speakeasy Within Watermark Hotel's Fitness Center in Tysons, Virginia

🏠 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.

4 min

Crescent Hotels & Resorts Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Portfolio Growth to 120 Properties in US and Canada

🏨 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.

Choice Hotels Unveils AI-Powered Solutions at 70th Annual Convention to Boost Revenue and Operational Efficiency

📱 Choice Hotels International launched AI-powered solutions at its 70th Annual Convention, with tools like CHARLIE, AgentCore, AgentForce, and RAISE designed to boost hotel performance. CHARLIE assists staff, while Choice Hotels Business Direct and EasyBid target business and group bookings. Agentic commerce integration is a priority, highlighted by Chief Data Officer Anna Scozzafava. President & CEO Patrick Pacious emphasizes technology's role in revenue growth for franchisees, continuing a decade-long AI journey.

4 min

Choice Hotels International Highlights AI Technology and Growth Strategies at 70th Annual Convention in Las Vegas

🏨 On May 5, 2026, Choice Hotels International began its 70th Annual Convention at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Focused on innovation, CEO Patrick Pacious discussed new initiatives like EasyBid, an AI-powered platform, and the updated Choice Privileges Program. In 2025, the company awarded 247 U.S. franchise agreements, the highest in a decade, with growth expected to continue amid events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Choice emphasizes AI use to enhance revenue and guest experiences.

3 min

The Amenity Collective Highlights Safety and Cost Risks of Poorly Managed Hotel Pools and Fitness Centers

🏋️ The Amenity Collective emphasizes the importance of pools and fitness centers in hotels, highlighting them as potential liabilities without proper oversight. Kevin Mac advises hotel operators to prioritize maintenance and safety, noting that mismanaged amenities can lead to costly repairs, such as $5,000 for a treadmill. By shifting from reactive to proactive maintenance and employing trained staff, hotels can minimize risks and enhance guest experiences.

2 min

Raines Opens 118-Room Courtyard by Marriott in Sugar Mountain, North Carolina, Expanding Southeast Portfolio

🏨 Raines announced the opening of the 118-room Courtyard by Marriott Sugar Mountain Banner Elk in Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. The hotel, owned by Sugar Mountain Hospitality LLC and co-developed by Clarendon Properties and Commercial Realty Advisors, offers a restaurant, meeting space, indoor pool, and fitness center. Located near Grandfather Mountain, it is managed by Raines, which is expanding in the Southeast with properties like DoubleTree Greenville Woodruff and Home2 Suites Charlotte.

4 min

56% of Hotel Guests Will Pay for Premium Coffee, Highlighting Revenue Opportunity for Hoteliers, Says Study

☕ 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.

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