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David Eisen

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  • 3 min

Accor to Transform Manhattan's Ink 48 Hotel into MGallery Collection's U.S. Flagship by 2028

📍 Ink 48, a Manhattan hotel, shifts from IHG’s Kimpton to Accor's MGallery, becoming the U.S. flagship by 2028. The hotel, featuring 222 rooms and 17 suites, will undergo renovations by Rebel Hotel Company. Sold in 2019 for $82.7 million, it was acquired in 2024 for $275,000 per key by Leyad and Capstone Equities. The hotel offers Hudson Local restaurant, Hudson VU rooftop bar, and 6,000 sq. ft. event space. MGallery plans nine openings by 2026.
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  • 6 min

Gencom Acquires Three Major New York Hotels, Including Thompson Central Park for $380 Million, in 16 Months

🏠 Karim Alibhai's Gencom, a Miami-based hotel investment firm, acquired three New York hotels within 16 months: the 587-room Thompson Central Park for $380 million in 2024, the 607-room InterContinental New York Times Square in 2025, and the 253-room Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. In 2025, New York saw a 3.2% drop in international visitors to 12.5 million, expected to rebound to 12.9 million in 2026. Gencom also invested in New Orleans, Miami, and internationally.
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  • 2 min

AI Enhances Hotel Operations but Human Interaction Remains Key to Memorable Guest Experiences

🏨 During a Midwest golf trip, a hotel guest was dissatisfied due to nonfunctional air conditioning amidst a heat wave. A young front-desk employee effectively handled the situation with empathy, showcasing the human touch that AI lacks. While AI efficiently manages repetitive tasks, emotional connections remain human strengths. Guests often remember personable staff over technology. The employee’s commendable service was shared with the hotel’s General Manager, highlighting the irreplaceable value of human empathy in hospitality.
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  • 9 min

IDeaS Pioneers Revenue Management Innovations in Hospitality and Beyond, Leveraging AI for Decision Intelligence

🚀 In 1989, Ravi Mehrotra and Sanjay Nagalia founded IDeaS after meeting on a train to the Indian Institute of Technology. IDeaS innovated revenue management, first impacting airlines like Northwest Airlines in the 1990s. Hilton was a major hotel client early on. Acquired by SAS in 2008, IDeaS uses AI for decision intelligence. Its tools extend to industries like cruises and car parks, and it remains a leader in optimizing business decisions through advanced analytics.
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  • 3 min

Mews Valued at $2.5 Billion Following $300 Million Series D Round, Led by CTO Josef Starýchfojtů

👤 Josef Starýchfojtů, chief product and technology officer at Mews, is a Czech innovator recognized by Forbes' “30 under 30”. Starting at age 12, he has a passion for technology and user experience, managing 15,000 customers in 85 countries. Mews, valued at $2.5 billion, recently raised $300 million. Starýchfojtů emphasizes first-hand experience and cautious AI integration, promoting technology that enhances the guest experience rather than replacing it.
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  • 3 min

Madrid Hotel Occupancy and Air Bookings Surge Amid Shakira's Residency and Spanish Grand Prix Events in September

🏁 Madrid, September 2026: The Spanish Grand Prix (Sept 9-13) and Shakira's residency (Sept 18-Oct 11) boost hotel industry. Domestic air bookings rise by 28%, international by 4%. Hotel occupancy peaks at 52% on Sept 13 with ADR at $411. Domestic bookings surge 35%, international 5%. Barcelona sees a 128% increase in bookings to Madrid. Japan leads international arrivals with an 80% increase. Medium-length stays (6-13 nights) dominate, constituting 39% of bookings.
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  • 4 min

Jason Kreul Named COO of Remington Hospitality, Oversees Over 120 Hotels in U.S. and Caribbean

💼 Jason Kreul, COO of Remington Hospitality, ascended from dishwasher to COO, influenced by his father's legacy in hospitality. Remington manages over 120 hotels in the U.S. and four Caribbean and Latin American countries. Kreul's journey includes roles at First Hospitality and Highgate, becoming Marriott’s Global GM of the Year at 33. He emphasizes teamwork, organization, and transparency in leadership development. Kreul encourages aspiring hoteliers to be proactive and engaged for success.
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  • 4 min

David Pepper Celebrates 25 Years at Choice Hotels, Transforming Franchise Development and Building Strong Industry Culture

🏨 David Pepper, a Tufts University graduate, began his career at Holiday Inn in the early 1990s, expanding franchise sales in Latin America during the NAFTA era. By 2002, he joined Choice Hotels International, becoming Chief Development Officer by 2015. Pepper's tenure emphasizes market expansion, brand launches, and strategic acquisitions. As he approaches his 25th year with Choice, he credits a strong culture and franchisee relations for sustained success and remains focused on economic trends and market viability.
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  • 2 min

Kailas Companies Secures $120 Million for New Orleans Office-to-Hotel Conversion Featuring Fairmont and Element Brands

🏗️ Kailas Companies secured a $120 million bridge loan and preferred equity from Access Point Financial and TMGOC Ventures. The funds recapitalize a converted office building in downtown New Orleans into a dual-branded hotel: 250-key Fairmont by Accor and 216-key Element by Westin. The tower, originally built in 1970, was acquired in 2014 and construction started in January 2024. The site includes 150,000 sq. ft. of office space and is centrally located near key New Orleans landmarks.
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