David Eisen - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

Evening view of a campus entrance with brick buildings on both sides and a sign reading Lantern at the gate.

4 min

Raines Opens The Lantern Columbia, a 59-Room Boutique Hotel with Inclusive Hiring, at Historic Fire Station in S.C.

🏨 In January 2026, Raines opened The Lantern Columbia, a 59-room boutique hotel in Columbia, S.C., repurposed from the historic Columbia Central Fire Station. This project, part of Raines' Woven division, emphasizes "intentional hospitality" by employing over 30% of staff with intellectual disabilities. Designed by Garvin Design Group, the hotel includes Ladder 13, a signature restaurant in the former engine bay, led by chef Kevin Johnson. The initiative also partners with the University of South Carolina for community engagement.

A large brick house with a warmly lit front entrance, surrounded by evergreen shrubs at dusk.

7 min

Kohler Co. Expands Beyond Plumbing with $7 Billion Revenue, Emphasizing Hospitality and Luxury Experiences

🚰 John Michael Kohler emigrated from Austria to the U.S. Midwest in the mid-19th century, settling in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He transformed a water trough into a bathtub in 1883, shifting his company towards plumbing products. Kohler Co. later expanded under Herb Kohler (CEO in 1972) into a $7 billion diversified brand with hotels and golf courses, including Whistling Straits, host of the 2021 Ryder Cup. The Carriage House reopened in 2026 after a renovation.

3 min

Choice Hotels Reports 2.6% Global Net Rooms Growth but 21% Decline in Net Income for Q2 2026

💸 Global net rooms for Choice Hotels grew 2.6% in Q2 2026, driven by a 3.6% rise in extended stay, midscale, and upscale brands. U.S. room openings increased 27%, adding 6,400 rooms. RevPAR growth hit 1.3% in the U.S., 2.1% internationally. The U.S. conversion rooms pipeline expanded 24% to 24,100 rooms. Net income fell by 21% to $64 million, with total revenue rising 3.5% to $441 million. Franchise fees grew 6% to $188 million.

Busy city square in front of tall glass skyscrapers with large digital billboards and pink lighting at dusk.

2 min

Marriott International Raises Full-Year RevPAR Growth Outlook to 3-3.5%, Adds 17,900 Net Rooms in Q2 2026

📈 Marriott International raised its full-year RevPAR growth expectation to 3%-3.5% after Q2's performance. The company reported $7.07 billion in revenue and $766 million in net income. Global RevPAR rose 3.4%, with a 5% increase in the U.S. and Canada but a 43% decline in the Middle East. Marriott added 17,900 net rooms, reaching over 10,000 properties. It returned $2.6 billion to shareholders by July 29, aiming to exceed $4.5 billion for the year.

Modern glass skyscrapers in a downtown business district, seen from an elevated street-level view.

3 min

Hilton Reports $482 Million Q2 Net Income; Approves 42,900 New Rooms for Development, a 6% Growth

🏨 Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta reported a positive Q2 2026, with net income at $482 million. The company saw a 3.9% increase in RevPAR and approved 42,900 new rooms, growing its pipeline to 541,300. Room openings rose 50% from Q1 2026, with notable debuts in Greece and India. Hilton's initiatives include reduced loyalty fees and the Hilton Rise program, aiming to increase owner profitability amid persistent inflation. The Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach was a significant Q2 signing.

Blackjack table with players’ cards dealt, hands resting near the felt and a rack of colored poker chips on the right.

2 min

IHG CEO Highlights Franchise Imbalance, Prompting Hotel Owners to Rethink and Exit Agreements for Independence

🏨 In 2023, hotel owners feel strained by franchise agreements, as highlighted by the IHG Hotels & Resorts CEO. While lodging company stock prices surge, REITs stagnate, prompting questions about franchise fairness. Younger owners frequently scrutinize agreements, opting for independence due to accessible technology and high fees. The debate mirrors America's 250-year history of freedom, as owners ponder if independence equates to leaving a blackjack table or if sticking with brands is worth the trust and loyalty points.

2 min

Wyndham Hotels Reports 2% U.S. RevPAR Growth in Q2; Global RevPAR Outlook Adjusted to Flat to 1% Increase

📈 RevPAR at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ U.S. hotels rose 2% in Q2, while global RevPAR is projected to be flat to up 1% for 2026. Net income increased 17% to $102 million. The insolvency of Revo Hospitality led to a $160 million charge, impacting room growth metrics. Excluding Revo, system-wide rooms and development pipeline grew 4%. U.S. RevPAR saw gains in Texas, Florida, and California, while Latin America, EMEA, and China faced declines due to various regional challenges.

4 min

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Grows to Over 650 Independent Hotels Under Lindsey Ueberroth's Leadership as CEO

📰 Preferred Hotels & Resorts, led by CEO Lindsey Ueberroth since 2018, has expanded to over 650 independent hotels globally. At the 2026 Global Conference in Charleston, S.C., discussions focused on helping these hotels stand out amid rising costs and evolving traveler expectations. 20 new member properties joined in Q1 2026. Preferred emphasizes personalized, authentic travel experiences over uniformity, facilitated through global sales, marketing, and loyalty programs.

4 min

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Expands to Over 650 Hotels Globally, Adding 20 New Member Properties in Q1 2026

📈 Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has expanded the company to over 650 global independent hotels since 2018. During the 2026 Global Conference in Charleston, S.C., discussions highlighted the need for independent hotels to offer personal, authentic experiences. In Q1, 20 new hotels joined their network. Ueberroth emphasizes intentional growth and the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program to foster guest loyalty and profitability. By 2030, the focus remains on supporting luxury independent hospitality.

Smiling woman with short curly hair wearing a striped blazer and black lace top in an office setting with glass walls behind her.

5 min

Rob Smith Leads Stonebridge Companies as CEO, Focuses on Growth Through Management of Underperforming Hotel Assets

📈 In 2024, Rob Smith became CEO & president of Stonebridge Companies, which manages over 160 hotels. Smith emphasizes profitability through guest service, talent retention, and optimal segmentation, rather than cutting costs. Despite muted transaction activity, growth has been achieved by improving underperforming assets. The focus remains on luxury and lifestyle segments, where experience and consistency are key. Paul Eckert was hired as COO to enhance organizational success, and the next year is expected to see more management changes to boost profitability.

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