LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 14

2 min

Fray & Merenda Consulting Group Launches University-Backed Executive Training for Hotels and Restaurants in Partnership with St. John’s University

🏠 Fray & Merenda Consulting Group launched in New York, offering executive training for hotels and restaurants. Founded by Dr. Ingrid Fray and Professor April Merenda of St. John’s University, this firm provides university-backed certification through the Tobin Center. Programs focus on guest experience, leadership, and team retention, available on-site, hybrid, or as short-term intensives. They serve nationwide, leveraging over 55 years of combined industry experience.

2 min

Choice Hotels International Promotes Tony Pallas to Chief Technology Officer to Lead Tech and AI Innovations

💻 Tony Pallas promoted to Chief Technology Officer at Choice Hotels International in North Bethesda, Maryland. Reporting to Anna Scozzafava, he will spearhead enterprise technology, engineering, and SkyTouch Technology. With over a decade’s experience, Pallas has modernized platforms and led AI initiatives like CHARLIE. He will drive AI-enabled developments including Choice Hotels Business Direct, EasyBid, and RAISE. His leadership aims to enhance innovation and deliver value to franchisees, customers, and guests.

2 min

Eleven Acquires Stella Networks to Enhance Hotel Network Automation and Compliance Across Hospitality Industry

💻 In October 2025, Eleven, an AHLA member based in Las Vegas, Nevada, acquired Stella Networks from Bright Star Pty Ltd. Stella, a hospitality network orchestration platform, automates network management for hotels and is SOC 2 compliant. This acquisition enhances Eleven’s ability to manage network infrastructures, offering hotel brands streamlined operations and compliance. The financial terms remain undisclosed.

1 min

Sonesta Reopens 131-Room Sonesta Essential Hotel Near Houston Hobby Airport, Marking Third Opening This Year

🏨 Sonesta International Hotels Corporation reopened the Sonesta Essential Houston Hobby Airport in Newton, Massachusetts. This 131-room upper-midscale hotel is near William P. Hobby Airport and seven miles from downtown Houston. This marks Sonesta’s third hotel opening in Greater Houston in 2026. Sonesta Essential features include elevated bedding, high-speed complimentary WiFi, complimentary hot breakfast, all-day coffee, and a fitness center. The brand emphasizes easy new builds and conversions with flexible operational frameworks.

2 min

Hilton to Convert Ocean’s Edge Resort to Hilton Key West Resort & Marina, Opening July 1, 2026

🏖 Hilton will convert Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina into Hilton Key West Resort & Marina on Stock Island, Key West, Florida, with reservations open from July 1, 2026. Owned by Sunstone Hotel Investors, the resort offers 175 guestrooms, including 86 suites, with private balconies. Amenities include dining venues, multiple pools, and recreational activities. A complimentary shuttle connects guests to downtown Key West. The resort features a 570 sq. ft. boardroom and a 1,140 sq. ft. outdoor patio for events.

3 min

Fullstory Survey Reveals 70% of U.S. Travelers Face Frustration from Hidden Fees, Demand Personalization for Savings

🌎 In 2026, Fullstory's survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers reveals 70% traveled recently or plan to this year, despite rising costs. Hidden fees frustrate 61%, while 33% cut budgets. Alternate travel options appeal to 20%. Traditional planning tools dominate with 53% using search engines. Key booking factors are price (77%), service (51%), and convenience (48%). Personalization should offer savings, with 55% favoring discounts. 70% might switch brands after poor experiences, highlighting the need for seamless service.

1 min

Anchor Construction Begins $19M AC Hotel by Marriott CityCentre Project in West Houston, Completion Expected 2027

🏨 Anchor Construction broke ground on the AC Hotel by Marriott CityCentre Houston, a six-story, 153-room hotel in West Houston, Texas, on a project valued at $19 million. The development, led by PA Hospitality and designed by DLR Group, spans 85,810 square feet, including a pool, bar, fitness center, and meeting space. Completion is anticipated in late 2027, with Anchor Construction overseeing the transition from planning to construction.

1 min

Milliken & Company and Venus Group Launch Milliken Passport, Durable U.S.-Finished Linen for Industrial Laundries

📦 Milliken & Company and Venus Group launched Milliken Passport, a U.S.-finished table linen fabric, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Designed for high-turn hospitality, it offers improved durability, stain release, and appearance retention. Available in napkins and four tablecloth sizes, it remains economical. David Hassen emphasized the fabric's consistency and lifespan. Raj Patel highlighted the blend of Milliken's quality with Venus' manufacturing advantages, making it affordable and accessible for industrial laundries.

2 min

Engine Launches Omni, Integrating Hotel Booking Into Trimble's Fleet Solutions for Over 6 Million Locations

🏨 In June 2026, Denver-based Engine launched "Omni Powered by Engine," integrating hotel booking into websites and apps. Trimble is partnering to incorporate Omni within its global commercial vehicle database, Trimble Places. Omni offers access to over 1 million properties with sub-second search, real-time rates, and 24/7 support. Over 1 million travelers and 30,000 businesses trust Engine. The collaboration aims to simplify hotel bookings for truck drivers, enhancing their experience with Trimble's tools.

2 min

Henderson Park Acquires Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico; Pyramid Global Hospitality to Operate Resort

🏝️ Henderson Park completed the acquisition of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico in Río Grande, marking the company’s first investment in Puerto Rico. Managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality, the beachfront resort features 579 guestrooms, 37,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and 14 dining venues. CEO Nick Weber highlighted Puerto Rico's strong demand and favorable tax incentives. Warren Fields noted the resort's significance as Pyramid's first property in the region and its focus on guest experience and performance.

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