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LODGING Staff

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Dreamscape Hospitality Assumes Management of Two Marriott Hotels in Louisiana and Arkansas, Expanding Portfolio

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality has taken over management of two Marriott hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Houma in Houma, Louisiana, and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Springdale in Springdale, Arkansas. Both are owned by Verge Hospitality Management LLC. The Courtyard serves southern Louisiana's business and leisure sectors, while the Fairfield caters to Northwest Arkansas's expanding region. Adam Patenaude of Dreamscape and Malik Kheraj of Verge emphasize operational excellence and guest experience to ensure long-term property success.
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Red Roof Partners with Milestone Inc. for AI-Driven Digital Transformation, Rollout Begins Late 2026

📱 Red Roof partners with Milestone Inc. for an AI-driven digital transformation, starting late 2026. The initiative aims to modernize Red Roof’s digital ecosystem, enhancing discoverability on AI platforms, personalizing guest journeys, and optimizing direct distribution to boost franchise revenue. The new platform will improve visibility, engagement, and conversion through intelligent technologies. CEO Anil Aggarwal highlights the goal to build an AI-native foundation for real-time personalized experiences, maximizing direct revenue.
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