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HOTELSMag.com

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  • 2 min

Briefs: Hilton’s La Jolla Torrey Pines resort changes hands; YOTELPAD arrives in Europe

🏠 JRK Property Holdings acquired the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Calif. from Braemar Hotels & Resorts for $165 million. The 294-room resort, on an 11.4-acre site near Torrey Pines Golf Course, boasts ocean views, three dining venues, an outdoor pool, and 65,200 sq ft of meeting space. Eastdil Secured, which marketed the property, noted the hotel's superior occupancy and revenue performance since 2016. Capital investment is planned for refurbishment. 📍 YOTELPAD launches in Europe with YOTELPAD London Stratford, featuring 62 rooms with facilities for short to extended stays. Recognized with an Excellent BREEAM rating, it expands YOTEL's portfolio to 22 global properties. 🏗 Drift Hotels joined Design Hotels, enhancing its international exposure. Drift Hotels, established by TMC Hospitality in 2021, is known for minimalist Baja-inspired design. 🌅 Tapestry Collection by Hilton opened Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro, marking its debut in Rio and Hilton's 20th property in Brazil. The 135-room hotel offers scenic views and amenities like a rooftop pool and bar. Hilton plans to expand with over 10 hotels in Brazil, including two brand debuts.
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  • 2 min

Shinola to open new hotel in downtown Indianapolis

🏡 Shinola to open its second hotel in a new $300 million multi-use development in downtown Indianapolis, featuring a 4,000-capacity music venue by Live Nation, retail space, and a skybridge. The 226,000 square foot, 13-story hotel will offer 170 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, terraces, event spaces, and a fitness center. Demolition starts Q4, completion expected in 2027. Public hearing on the proposal in August.
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  • 3 min

Briefs: The Publisher joins Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio; Raines expands management portfolio

📱 The Publisher, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opened in Fredericksburg, Va., joining Marriott Bonvoy. Owned by Vakos Companies, the hotel features 98 rooms, a bar, restaurant, and 2,000 sq ft of event space. Raines added Sea Palms Resort to its portfolio; the 121-room resort in St. Simons Island, Ga. includes an 18-hole golf course and various amenities, with Raines expanding by around 20 properties in six months. U.S. hotel industry saw declines: occupancy at 69.2% (-3.7%), ADR $158.21 (-1.5%), RevPAR $109.51 (-5.2%). RIU opened Riu Plaza Chicago with 390 rooms, planning a rooftop bar and further expansion in Toronto and New York. Marriott introduced Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, Calif., offering 376 rooms and 21,000 sq ft of meeting space.
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  • 2 min

GHA reports strong Q2 performance, loyalty program enrolment hits new record

🏨 Global Hotel Alliance reported strong Q2 growth: 19.5% increase in GHA Discovery enrolments, total 27 million members, and 85% spike in Discovery Dollars redemption. Room nights climbed 13.4%, with room revenue up 10%. First half-year room revenues reached $1.3 billion, a rise from $1.1 billion in H1 2023. International stays constituted 67% of Q2 room revenue, led by the Maldives, Thailand, and Portugal. U.S. members generated the most room revenue at $110 million, with the U.K. following at $60 million. Bookings via GHA’s direct channels jumped 40%, averaging 57% higher spend per member than third-party channels.
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  • 3 min

Briefs: Rosewood branded residences in Mexico; IHG launches low carbon hotel community

🏠 Rosewood Residences Old Lighthouse, a luxury 144-home community spanning 550 acres in Los Cabos, Mexico, announced by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in partnership with the Coppel family. Homes range from 4,000 to over 10,000 square feet, featuring amenities like a beach club, spa, and Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Sales start later this year, adding to Rosewood's 11 existing residences and 22 in development over seven years. IHG's Low Carbon Pioneers program includes the Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport and Kimpton BEM Budapest, focusing on sustainability and renewable energy. Sonesta opens a dual-branded hotel in Atlantic City, N.J. Walker & Dunlop arranges a $148M refinance for Harlem's 30-story The Victoria with a Renaissance Hotel and 191 residences. Dalata Hotel Group launches its first Liverpool location, the Maldron Hotel, as part of its expansion in the U.K. and Europe.
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  • 6 min

8 takeaways from CBRE’s AI study and what they really mean for the hotel industry

🏨 Hoteliers are adopting AI for increased profits and a better guest experience, as reported by CBRE. AI is expected to streamline operations, enhance leisure time, and necessitate growth in leisure hotels. Industry consolidation may accelerate due to AI, with large data access enabling personalized pricing. Online search engines might directly sell lodging, challenging OTAs. Higher franchise fees, OTA commissions, and third-party management costs are anticipated. Amenities may become more polarized, and investment in AI could be deferred to the next upcycle. AI may replace service labor with technical labor, affecting operating costs and depreciation expenses.
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  • 3 min

Bob W, OCIM launch £120M fund to convert old offices into serviced apartments

🏨 Finnish company Bob W partners with OCIM to launch a £120 million equity raise aiming to repurpose hotel and office buildings into 1,500-2,000 serviced apartments across key European markets, including Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Poland, and the U.K. The joint venture targets a gross development value of over £400 million for its initial pipeline, with the first apartments opening in 18 months. Bob W, a climate-neutral hospitality provider, operates in 20 European cities and has pledged to sustainability, with initiatives like sourcing second-hand furniture and using 100% renewable energy. The serviced apartment sector, worth £1.7 billion to the U.K. economy, is expanding due to trends like remote work and the resurgence of business travel.
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  • 7 min

People on the Move: JLL, First Hospitality, PM Hotel Group, Hilton, McNeil Hotel Company, The St. Regis Chicago, Remington Hospitality

💸 Anny Zhang appointed CEO of JLL China, effective September, based in Shanghai. Joined JLL in 2007, promoted to managing director for East China in 2021 and China Leasing business head in 2023. Roger Baker transitions from CFO to Chief Investment Officer and Advisor at First Hospitality after 40 years in real estate, 16 with the company. Matt Schuster new CFO, previously with Club Quarters Hotels for over 5 years. Paul Sacco joins PM Hotel Group as Chief Growth and Development Officer, bringing 30+ years of hospitality experience; previously with Mint House and Driftwood Capital. Phil Cordell of Hilton to retire as Global Category Head of Lifestyle and New Brands after 40 years, transitioning to advisor role in July; Kevin Osterhaus to succeed him. Marci Jacobs becomes VP of Sales and Revenue Generation at McNeil Hotel Company, with 25+ years in the industry. Stacy Royalty promoted to Regional VP of Operations at McKibbon Hospitality. Walter Peseski named Senior VP, Asset Management at Garfield Public/Private LLC. The St. Regis Chicago hires Erik Grazetti as Director of Sales and Marketing. Hotel Equities promotes Jack Meakin to VP of Business Development, Alexis Stevens to Director of Talent Development, and Brody Aarhaus to Regional Director of Business Development. Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. appoints Tiffany Rioux as Director of Sales and Marketing, Nisha Patel
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