David Eisen - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 3

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.

2 min

Faena New York Wins Virtuoso's Best New Hotel Award at Las Vegas Global Awards Gala

🏨 Virtuoso named Faena New York as "Best New Hotel" at its gala in Las Vegas. Opened less than a year ago on West 18th Street by the High Line, it beat finalists like Hotel del Coronado and Park Hyatt Tokyo. The award honors hotels opened or renovated in the last 12 months. Faena Group plans expansions in Tulum, São Paulo, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. Faena Miami Beach was lauded as Miami's top luxury hotel by HOTELS Magazine.

8 min

Hotel Franchise Fees Range from 9.6% to 12.9% of Room Revenue, According to 2025 HVS Report

🏨 Hotel franchisees pay around 12% of room revenue to franchisors. HVS reports 2025 franchise costs range from 9.6% for economy brands to 12.9% for high-end brands. Loyalty program costs rise, with Marriott Bonvoy reaching 295 million members by Q2 2026. Hilton's loyalty participation is 67%. Marriott reduced loyalty fees by 5%, while Hilton cut around 30 basis points since January. Franchise agreements are legally complex, typically favor franchisors, and are difficult to exit.

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.

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