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Colin Tessier

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  • 4 min

Hyatt Hotels Reports Record Pipeline of 148,000 Rooms and Highest U.S. Signings in Five Years for 2025

🏨 In 2025, Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported a record pipeline of approximately 148,000 rooms, achieving its highest U.S. signings in five years. Over 65% of new deals came from brands like Hyatt Select and Unscripted by Hyatt. Jason Ballard, with nearly 20 years at Hyatt, will lead the Essentials portfolio's growth, focusing on international expansion and maintaining brand consistency. In 2025, 50% of new U.S. deals for this portfolio marked Hyatt's entry into new markets.
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  • 2 min

Peachtree Group Secures $18 Million Financing for Byways Hotel Portfolio Renovation in Texas Using USDA and C-PACE Programs

💸 In Atlanta, Georgia, Peachtree Group announced $12 million bridge financing and $6 million C-PACE financing for the 78-key Byways Hotel Portfolio in Alpine and Fort Davis, Texas. The portfolio includes Holland Hotel (27 keys, expanding to 28), Hotel Limpia (30 keys), and Maverick Inn (21 keys). USDA lending allows up to 80% loan-to-value with 30-year terms. The renovations aim to preserve 30 jobs and create 25 more, enhancing the local tax base.
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  • 4 min

The Spa at The Hotel Hershey Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Design Update by Earl Swensson Associates

🍫 The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, also known as The Chocolate Spa, marked its 25th anniversary with a renovation by Earl Swensson Associates. Initially a 17,000-square-foot facility, it expanded to 40,000 square feet in 2004. Key updates include neutral tones, quartz surfaces, and LED lighting, maintaining a chocolate-inspired design. ESa has collaborated with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company for over 30 years, emphasizing the spa's historic character influenced by Milton Hershey and High Point Mansion.
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  • 3 min

Hotel Equities Expands into Canada, Managing Moxy and Element Vancouver Hotels, Aiming for Intentional Growth.

🏨 Hotel Equities, following the retirement of founder Fred Cerrone in November, expanded into Canada with management of Moxy Vancouver Downtown and Element Vancouver Downtown, opening in 2028. After merging with Springboard Hospitality in May, CEO Ben Rafter and co-chairman Brad Rahinsky are steering the company, emphasizing intentional growth and specialized management across its three divisions. The company seeks growth with capital partners for turnaround opportunities and aims to pair sellers with visionary buyers.
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  • 3 min

Extended Stay America's Premier Suites Marks Fifth Anniversary with Nearly 60 Hotels, Fastest Growth in Midscale Segment

🏨 In 2025, Extended Stay America celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Premier Suites brand, which launched in 2021. The brand opened nearly 60 new hotels, expanding in Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, and Texas. Despite facing high construction costs, the company achieved growth as the leading midscale extended-stay brand. With 70% of hotels owned and operated by the company, Extended Stay America plans to continue expanding, opening 10-12 Premier Suites annually, and addressing unmet demand in the U.S. extended-stay market.
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37th Annual Hunter Conference Begins in Atlanta, Offering Expanded Networking and Educational Opportunities for 2,300 Attendees

📅 March 16-18, 2026, Atlanta: The 37th annual Hunter Conference takes place at Signia by Hilton Atlanta, attracting over 2,300 hospitality professionals. Founded by Bob Hunter in partnership with Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School, the conference promotes networking and education, featuring 12 Focus Sessions, special guests like Tony Ressler, and an award for Glade Knight. New features include The Hub and late-night events. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta and AHLA President Rosanna Maietta are among the speakers.
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Ambiente Trade Show Spurs Global Growth for Companies Like THE CUSTOM CHEF and Kitchen Concepts Unlimited

📅 Since its 1990 debut, Ambiente in Frankfurt has become a key international trade show for consumer goods, featuring Dining, Living, and Giving sectors. In 2026, industry giants like Marriott and Caddie Hotel attended, alongside Lodge Manufacturing, exhibiting for over 30 years. Shane Miller from THE CUSTOM CHEF highlighted its role in international growth, sparking partnerships with IMERCO and Macy’s. Joelle Mertzel's Kitchen Concepts debuted internationally, securing orders across Europe and interest from Japan, Australia, and more.
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