LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 31

3 min

Dury Kim Highlights Career Path in Hospitality and Importance of Female Leadership Representation for 2026 and Beyond

📈 Dury Kim was inspired to enter hospitality in middle school after watching a Korean documentary about Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. By 10th grade, she sought internships in local hotels, working part-time for two years. Her mentors include Calvin Tilokee and Roy Madhok, who helped shape her career. Kim has volunteered with the HSMAI College Relations Committee for three years. In 2025, the lodging industry saw strong female representation in commercial leadership roles but seeks broader diversity.

2 min

Valor Hospitality Partners Promotes Paul Nisbett to Global CFO to Drive Expansion in America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa

📈 Paul Nisbett has been promoted to global CFO of Valor Hospitality Partners. Since joining in September 2015, he managed finance across EMEA. Valor plans global expansion in America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Euan McGlashan, Valor's CEO, emphasized Nisbett’s leadership and 30+ years of hospitality finance experience. Nisbett is committed to Valor’s growth, leveraging the "Whole World of Local" philosophy to empower teams and align with owners for strong performance.

1 min

Newbond Holdings and HEI Hotels Complete $5 Million Renovation of Aloft Tampa Downtown Hotel

🏨 Newbond Holdings and HEI Hotels & Resorts completed a $5 million renovation of Aloft Tampa Downtown in Tampa, Florida. Led by Studio 11 Design, the project refreshed guestrooms, public spaces, and social areas. The hotel now features updated furnishings, enhanced technology, and an improved Re:Fuel café. The WXYZ Bar offers cocktails and local entertainment, with weekly music and art events. The renovation aims to enhance guest experience and support Tampa's growth.

Sage Hospitality Group Takes Over Management of The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club in Aurora, Colorado

🏨 In 2023, Sage Hospitality Group took over management of the 106-room Benson Hotel & Faculty Club on the CU Anschutz medical campus in Aurora, Colorado. Developed by AIMCO, the hotel features four design themes inspired by Colorado's landscapes and includes The Faculty Club for academic leaders. The Benson serves as a gathering spot and offers amenities like The Common Good restaurant, a fitness center, and meeting spaces. The University of Colorado recently acquired the hotel to support campus activities.

Otelier Appoints Ani Gujrathi as Chief Technology and Product Officer to Lead Platform Modernization Efforts

💻 Ani Gujrathi joins Otelier as chief technology and product officer in Bethesda, Maryland. With over 20 years of experience, he previously held leadership roles at Conexiom, Zenoss, Kibo Commerce, Volusion, and Dell. Gujrathi will oversee engineering, product management, data, UX, and cloud operations at Otelier. The company focuses on modernizing platforms and integrating automation and AI for hoteliers. Rob Lawrence, CEO, highlights Gujrathi’s role in enhancing technical vision and operational discipline.

Hilton Launches Beta Test of AI-Powered Digital Concierge to Enhance Hotel Booking Experience on Hilton.com

💻 Hilton has launched its AI-powered digital concierge, Hilton AI Planner, available in beta on hilton.com. This tool aids travelers in planning their stays by offering real-time responses and recommendations. Initially, it targets a small user group, with plans to expand. Michael Leidinger highlights Hilton's history of innovation, noting the AI Planner as part of their strategy to enhance the travel experience. Hilton aims to improve the tool based on user feedback and needs.

4 min

Charlestowne Hotels Announces Eight New Development Projects Across US, Including Milwaukee and Santa Fe Properties

🏨 Charlestowne Hotels is expanding with new projects in the Midwest, Southeast, and Mountain West regions. In 2026, Hotel Flora in Santa Fe, NM will open, transforming a magazine HQ into a 27-room boutique hotel. Hotel Laureum (35 keys) in Milwaukee, WI will debut in June 2027. By 2028, a 140-key development called Jubilee will launch in Johns Island, SC. Other projects include Hotel Madelon (122 keys) and The Rumor Hotel (92 keys) opening in 2027.

2 min

Kathleen Hollis Promoted to Chief Growth Officer at First Hospitality After Growing Evolution Hospitality Portfolio from 27 to 90 Hotels

📈 Kathleen Hollis started at Wells Fargo in Hospitality Finance before joining Evolution Hospitality in 2014, where she helped expand its managed hotels from 27 to 90. She advanced to senior VP by age 30 and became the chief growth officer at First Hospitality last year. Evolution Hospitality’s portfolio grew significantly under her leadership. In 2025, the lodging industry improved in getting women into leadership roles, aided by programs like AHLA FORWARD.

1 min

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Completes Renovation of All 297 Guestrooms, Emphasizing Hawaiian Cultural Design

🌴 Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Hawaii completed a full renovation of its 297 guestrooms in December 2025. The design, inspired by Hawaii Island’s natural beauty, features coastal hues, organic textures, and island-inspired artistry, including custom-crafted shoji screens and floral patterns. The resort, located near Kings’ Shops and Anaehoʻomalu Bay, aims to offer a guest experience that blends Hawaii's cultural heritage with contemporary design, enhancing its identity as a vibrant destination.

1 min

West Anderson Partners Acquires Graduate by Hilton Storrs, Expanding Presence in University-Oriented Hospitality Market

🏨 West Anderson Partners acquired the Graduate by Hilton Storrs in Storrs, Connecticut, located on the University of Connecticut campus. The hotel serves university visitors and hosts community events. Dylan West, co-founder, cited strong market fundamentals and brand affiliation as reasons for the acquisition. The firm plans to invest in property enhancements. This acquisition expands West Anderson Partners' portfolio in the Northeast, emphasizing university-oriented hospitality assets.

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