HOTELSMag.com

1 min

Red Roof names SVP of operations and SVP of commercial strategy

🏠 Red Roof has appointed Tim Lipka as senior VP of operations. Lipka, with over 10 years in brand leadership, was VP at G6 Hospitality and has 25+ years in operations roles. He'll be based in Columbus, Ohio. Shanna Wright, promoted to senior VP of commercial strategy, will lead marketing and distribution. Both appointments highlight Red Roof’s leadership strength, aiming for business growth.

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2 min

Aimbridge adds voco Sandpiperin Port St. Lucie

🏖 Aimbridge Hospitality has added the 335-key voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort by IHG in Port St. Lucie, Florida to its portfolio. The $50 million renovation, starting early 2026, will transform the property with refreshed guest rooms, six dining concepts, and expanded amenities. Owned by Sandpiper Bay Resort Holdings LLC, the resort will feature sports facilities and meeting spaces. Located 45 minutes from Palm Beach, it’s the first U.S. all-inclusive under this brand.

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1 min

Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau appoints new GM

🏝️ Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau has appointed Shyam Lalu as the new general manager. Lalu, with over 15 years of experience, has worked with Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hilton. His previous roles included director of food and beverage at Amara Resort and Spa, and general manager positions in Dallas and Los Angeles. Lalu aims to enhance guest experiences and team development at the Nassau resort.

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2 min

Viceroy Hotels debuts luxury lodges in Africa

🌍 Viceroy Hotels expands into Africa by opening three safari lodges: Thorntree River Lodge and Lolebezi in Zambia, and Atzaró Okavango Camp in Botswana. Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park, with access to Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta, offering wildlife safaris and cultural experiences. Accommodations feature private plunge pools, spas, and yoga decks. Arash Azarbarzin, CEO, highlights this as a milestone in Viceroy’s global growth.

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3 min

How tech-enhanced stargazing is becoming the next premium hotel amenity

🔭 In 2025, 62% of travelers plan stargazing trips, positioning it as a top trend in luxury hospitality. Last year, Chez Bruno in Provence, France, introduced a smart telescope, boosting guest experiences and revenue. Locations from Fiji to Yosemite are adopting this trend, offering unique celestial activities. Hotels use smart telescopes for effortless stargazing, enhancing guest engagement and social media appeal. Astrotourism could soon rival traditional hospitality offerings, offering a new competitive edge in an evolving industry.

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4 min

How the demise of Sonder shared commonality with WeWork

💸 Sonder, with 7,500 furnished units across 37 cities, filed for Chapter 7 on November 14, 2025. After forming an alliance in August 2024, Marriott ended its licensing with Sonder. Similar to WeWork, Sonder’s collapse stemmed from unsustainable fixed-cost lease agreements, raising $839 million in VC funding. Sonder’s strategy relied on rapid revenue growth via leasing, leading to structural unprofitability when economic conditions shifted. Pedan’s Kasa group acquired multiple ex-Sonder properties, including three in Florida, Nashville, and Detroit.

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