Posts by author

LODGING Staff

598 posts
View Post
  • 2 min

Ivy Hospitality Completes Renovations at Two Marriott Properties Near Indianapolis Airport, Introducing Latest Designs

🏨 Indianapolis, Indiana—In April 2026, Ivy Hospitality completed renovations at two Marriott properties near Indianapolis International Airport: the 96-suite Residence Inn and 86-room Fairfield Inn & Suites. Managed by Ivy Hospitality, both hotels feature new prototype designs. The Residence Inn offers 479 sq ft of meeting space, while the Fairfield Inn features a communal farmhouse theme. Both provide access to key local attractions and business corridors. Renovations were completed by Northco Construction Management.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 2 min

Choice Hotels Integrates AI Across Enterprise with AWS to Enhance Guest Experience and Franchisee Operations

💻 Choice Hotels International, headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to integrate AI throughout its operations. This AI transformation enhances guest interactions and optimizes franchisee management and distribution channels. AgentCore, powered by AWS, facilitates automation and workflow optimization. Brian Kirkland, CIO, emphasized the strategic advantage gained from this endeavor, which benefits thousands of franchise properties by improving revenue management and guest experiences. AWS VP Rich Geraffo highlighted the scale of AI commitment.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 1 min

AvantStay Expands Portfolio with Opening of 66-Room Boutique Hotel, The Mara Laguna Beach, in California

🏖 In April 2026, AvantStay expanded its portfolio by opening The Mara Laguna Beach, a 66-room boutique hotel in Laguna Beach, California. Situated in the Pearl District, just one block from the beach, the hotel features a rooftop terrace, pool, hot tub, and concierge services. It's AvantStay's ninth acquisition of a former Sonder property and offers convenient access to local attractions such as Woods Cove and Crescent Bay.
View Post
Share

AHLA Foundation's FORWARD/26 Event in Atlanta Focuses on Advancing Women in Hospitality Leadership Roles

📈 Over April 26-27, 2026, Atlanta hosted the AHLA Foundation's FORWARD/26 event at Signia by Hilton. Over 1,000 professionals attended, focusing on leadership and influence in hospitality, particularly for women. The event featured 50+ speakers, including Bobbi Brown and Tiera Kennedy, and 20 breakout sessions such as "Empower Hour" and "Women Leaders on Hotel Ownership." The initiative aims to advance women in the industry through mentorship and community building.
View Post
Share

G6 Hospitality Opens Over 35 New Studio 6 Locations in Diverse U.S. Markets in Q1 2026

🏠 In 2026, G6 Hospitality, owner of Motel 6 and Studio 6, opened over 35 new Studio 6 locations in cities like Birmingham, Sacramento, and Chicago. These new sites, a mix of conversions and new builds, meet strong business travel and long-term guest demand. CEO Sonal Sinha and VP Anuj Ladha highlight the focus on franchise partnerships to maintain quality and value, emphasizing the need for extended-stay accommodations driven by workforce mobility and long-term travel.
View Post
Share

Sojern Reports Double-Digit Growth in Flight Bookings for 2026 FIFA World Cup Across U.S., Mexico, and Canada

🏆 Sojern released an analysis of travel demand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showing flight bookings increased compared to last year. Key growth figures include Dallas (42%), Houston (38%), and Monterrey (67%). The tournament runs from June 9 to July 18 across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The UK leads international bookings at 19.5%, followed by Canada at 18.4%. European and APAC demand also rose. 65% of travelers plan 6 to 12+ day trips.
View Post
Share

U.S. Hotel Industry Sees Mixed Performance with ADR Up 1.5% and RevPAR Up 0.4% Through April 11, 2026

📊 April 5-11, 2026, Arlington, Virginia: The U.S. hotel industry showed mixed results. Occupancy was 64.9% (down 1.1% from 2025) while ADR rose to $165.23 (up 1.5%) and RevPAR increased to $107.16 (up 0.4%). Orlando led with a 7.5% occupancy rise. Miami's ADR jumped 14.3% to $290.58, and Anaheim's RevPAR climbed 12.4% to $170.05. However, Las Vegas and Atlanta faced significant RevPAR declines of 26.4% and 21.3%, respectively.
View Post
Share

Sheraton San Diego Resort Completes $123 Million Renovation, Unveils 3,600 Sq. Ft. Garden Terrace for Events

🏖 In November 2024, the Sheraton San Diego Resort completed a $123 million renovation, unveiling the waterfront Garden Terrace on Harbor Island. With 3,600 square feet, it hosts up to 300 wedding guests and 250 event attendees. The resort offers 132,367 square feet of meeting space. Renovations included 717 guestrooms in the Marina Tower, featuring modern decor and the Sheraton Sleep Experience. Sean Clancy, VP and GM, highlighted the resort's transformation, embodying San Diego's best.
View Post
Share

Stonebridge to Manage New 216-Room Kimpton Hotel in Downtown Salt Lake City, Opening in Early 2028

🏢 Stonebridge will manage a 216-room Kimpton hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, developed by The Domain Companies. Expected to open in early 2028, the 10-story hotel will feature a fitness center, 7,000 square feet of meeting space, two dining options, and a rooftop bar. Located near key city landmarks, the hotel aims to enhance Salt Lake City's hospitality scene. Stonebridge plans to implement a strategy focused on maximizing rates and premium demand.
View Post
Share

Maribeth Bisienere Retires After Over 30 Years of Leadership at The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney World Resort

📅 Maribeth Bisienere retired in 2025 after over 30 years with The Walt Disney Company. She held senior roles in resorts, transportation, and food & beverage. Starting in 1995 as GM at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, she later managed Disney Institute and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Bisienere served on the Central Florida Hotel Association and Johnson & Wales University boards and joined the AHLA Board post-COVID-19.
View Post
Share