HOTELSMag.com - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 17

6 min

Alix Boulnois drives the commercial, digital and technology segments for Accor. It’s a massive job. Here’s where her focus lies.

🏨 Alix Boulnois, Chief Commercial, Digital, and Tech Officer at Accor, oversees a robust digital strategy for 45+ brands. Since joining in 2020, Boulnois emphasizes personalization, with the ALL Accor loyalty program exceeding 100 million members. Accor leverages AI to enhance guest and employee experiences and plans major tech developments, including API platforms. As traditional search declines by 25% by 2026, Accor focuses on AI-driven booking experiences, balancing partnerships with OTAs to boost direct bookings.

2 min

Drury Plaza Hotel Tampa Brandon to open in 2026

🏨 Drury Hotels will open its newest property, the Drury Plaza Hotel Tampa Brandon, in Brandon, Florida, accepting reservations from September 2026 onward. This will be their sixth hotel in Florida and third in four years. The hotel features 210 rooms, 2,500 sq ft of meeting space, and amenities like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool. Part of Drury’s expansion in Florida, it will employ 65 staff. The Meetings with More program caters up to 300 attendees.

3 min

IHG adds Germany’s Hotel Schloss Reinhartshausen to Vignette Collection

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts signed Hotel Schloss Reinhartshausen, Vignette Collection in Germany, its third in the country after Bristol Berlin and Alte Post. Located in Eltville-Erbach, 35km from Frankfurt Airport, it offers 53 rooms, nine meeting rooms totaling 380sqm, and wellness facilities. Since its 2021 launch, Vignette Collection aims for 100 hotels by 2030. Germany hosts 171 IHG hotels with 65 more in development.

2 min

Marriott makes AC Hotels Mongolia bound

🏨 Marriott International partners with HTL Gateway LLC to open AC Hotels by Marriott Ulaanbaatar, marking its Mongolia debut. The hotel, located in the Khan Uul District, opens in 2027. Features include 190 rooms, dining options, a pool, fitness center, and event spaces. Ulaanbaatar saw 800,000 international visitors in 2024. The project supports Mongolia's tourism growth and highlights its business and leisure appeal.

2 min

Construction begins on new tower at Novotel Geelong in Australia

🏗 Construction has begun on a new 11-story hotel tower at Novotel Geelong, Australia. By 2027, the $75-million project by ERDI Group will add 134 rooms, totaling 243, making it Geelong's largest hotel. The development includes a wellness center, a 125-seat restaurant, and 1,200 square meters of event space. Regional awards highlight Novotel's prominence since its 2001 opening. Partners, including Ireland Brown Constructions, emphasize the project's role in bolstering Geelong's tourism and economy.

1 min

KSL Acquires Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa

🏝️ KSL Capital Partners has acquired The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Located in South Carolina, the resort boasts 420 guestrooms, direct beach access, three outdoor pools, and a renowned spa. Since 2012, $47 million has been invested in enhancements. The property includes 40,000 sq ft of event space, accommodating up to 1,000 guests. KSL aims to elevate this prime leisure destination, known for its wellness offerings and beach-inspired décor.

3 min

Beyond the spa: Embedding wellness as hospitality’s strategic core

🏨 In 2024, hotels with integrated wellness saw 20-35% higher average daily rates than traditional models, with increased occupancy and stay lengths (2025 RLA Global Wellness Real Estate Report). The wellness real estate sector rose to $548 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029 (Global Wellness Institute). Hotels are advised to integrate wellness into their core identity to capture growth, with leaders encouraged to measure ADR, occupancy, dwell time, and sleep satisfaction.

1 min

The St. Regis Atlanta appoints new GM

🏨 Jeremy Kinker appointed general manager at The St. Regis Atlanta, bringing 20+ years of luxury hospitality experience. Previously held leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton and The Tampa EDITION. Key achievements include hotel openings at The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach, Mexico City, and The Times Square and Madrid EDITIONs. Member of Forbes Travel Guide Standards Advisory Committee. Kinker aims to enhance bespoke experiences and service in Atlanta's cultural and social hub.

2 min

Marriott International readies debut of new collection brand, Series by Marriott, in U.S.

🏨 Marriott International and Hawkins Way Capital are converting five U.S. properties, located in Miami, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Chicago, and San Diego, to the Series by Marriott brand. This move marks the brand's U.S. debut. The properties, originally under FOUND Hotels, will transition within a year. Series by Marriott, launched in May, allows independent hotels to join Marriott’s network while retaining brand identity. Marriott Bonvoy boasts over 230 million members globally.

3 min

IHG makes “urban-micro” brand Ruby available for U.S. development

📍 Ruby Hotels, founded in 2013 in Germany by Michael Struck, sold to IHG for over $300 million. Now IHG’s 20th brand, Ruby is set to franchise in the U.S. by late 2023, focusing on major urban markets and planning 10 new properties by 2027. Ruby currently operates 20 hotels across Europe, with a presence in cities like Cologne, London, and Vienna. IHG aims for global expansion, targeting over 120 hotels in the next decade and more than 250 in 20 years.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.