LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 13

2 min

HSMAI Foundation Shares Findings From Report on How Generative AI Is Changing Executive Hiring in Hospitality

💻 MCLEAN, Virginia—The HSMAI Foundation's report, "How Generative AI is Reshaping Executive Hiring in Hospitality," highlights AI's impact on recruitment. SearchWide Global noted a 60-80% reduction in workloads, with AI boosting efficiency and expanding candidate pools. AI tools are used by 44% of organizations, reducing time-to-hire by up to 86%. Leadership roles now require analytics fluency, with 30-40% emphasizing this. AI identifies nontraditional talent, broadening diversity in leadership.

2 min

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, Announces Reopening Following Renovation

📍 The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, reopens December 8, 2025, post $100 million renovation. 🏨 The overhaul includes 421 guestrooms with Atlantic views, revamped lobby, and enhanced leisure amenities. 🏖️ Upgrades feature the new Ritz-Carlton Spa, expanded water sports, and Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center. 🍽️ Culinary experiences boast six dining venues, including Luma and Paralía. 🥗 Wellness offerings align with Tremble fitness. 🌴 This is the first major update in nearly 25 years.

2 min

JLL Announces Sale of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

🏨 PHOENIX, Arizona— Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, a 1,003-room hotel, was sold by JLL's Hotels & Hospitality group in one of Arizona’s largest hotel sales. Built in 2008 and renovated for $45 million in 2020, the 33-story hotel features 112,000 square feet of meeting space. Located near the Phoenix Convention Center, its amenities include a 4,300-square-foot fitness center, three dining venues, and an outdoor pool. The sale highlights Phoenix's dynamic lodging market.

1 min

Peachtree Group Announces Opening of Tru by Hilton Huntsville

🏨 Peachtree Group opened a 98-room Tru by Hilton in Huntsville, Alabama, near Boeing, NASA, and the FBI’s Huntsville campus. This is Peachtree’s sixth hotel opening in 2025. The hotel, located close to key government contractors and Redstone Arsenal, features open social spaces, complimentary breakfast, a 24/7 market, a fitness center, and lounge areas. Peachtree’s hospitality division manages the hotel, emphasizing the area's robust aerospace and defense industries.

2 min

Ledgestone Hospitality Announces Opening of First La Quinta Inn & Suites in Phoenix Area

🏨 Phoenix, Arizona—On November 13th, Ledgestone Hospitality opened the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix West/Glendale/Tolleson, a new 95-room hotel. Owned by Build AZ, led by Dr. Tushar Gohel and Shital Patel, the hotel held a ribbon-cutting with the West Valley Chamber of Commerce. Highlights include free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center. Alise Hannebaum is COO of Build AZ, with Steve Clinkenbeard attending to support the La Quinta Del Sol prototype launch.

2 min

AHLA President and CEO Testifies Before Congress

📈 Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, testified in Washington, D.C., highlighting the economic impact of hotels, which generate nearly $900 billion in GDP and $83 billion in tax revenue annually, supporting 1 in 25 U.S. jobs. She urged legislative action as the U.S. prepares for global events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Maietta presented four policy recommendations, including H-2B visa expansion and restoring Brand USA funding. Rising operating costs challenge the industry post-pandemic.

2 min

AHLA President and CEO Testifies Before Congress

🏨 In Washington, D.C., Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to highlight hotels' economic impact. Travel and tourism generate nearly $900 billion GDP and $83 billion in tax revenue, supporting 1 in 25 American jobs. Post-pandemic recovery remains challenging with rising costs. Maietta advocated for policy changes, including visa reforms, Brand USA funding, preventing a government shutdown, and supporting the American Franchise Act to bolster the industry.

4 min

SiteMinder: U.S. Travelers Turn to Familiar Brands When Researching Hotel Bookings

🛑 U.S. travelers' reliance on familiar hotel brands tripled to 14% in 2026 from 5% last year, per SiteMinder's report. Direct bookings rose to 40%, surpassing the global 28% average. In 2026, 52% plan domestic travel, up from 49%. U.S. named a "dream destination" by 10% globally, topped by Japan at 17%. AI usage in booking rose to 4%, with 71% of U.S. travelers desiring AI features like price alerts. Event-driven travel appeals to 63%, with a focus on quality experiences.

4 min

SiteMinder: U.S. Travelers Turn to Familiar Brands When Researching Hotel Bookings

📍 Fourteen percent of U.S. travelers prioritize familiar hotel brands, tripling last year's 5%. In 2026, 52% plan domestic travel, a slight increase from 49%. Direct bookings rose to 40% from 36%, outpacing the global average of 28%. AI use in trip planning reached 4%, with 7% among U.S. Gen Zs and Millennials. The desire for travel is growing, with 49% globally planning more trips. Quality is key, as 58% prefer premium rooms.

Azul Hospitality Group Announces Debut of EMRE at The Ava Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

🏨 In August 2025, Azul Hospitality Group celebrated the opening of The Ava Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Paso Robles, California. This 151-room hotel now features EMRE, its signature restaurant led by chef Julien Asseo. Located downtown, it's a joint venture with Paso Robles Hotel Partners and Peachtree Group. The hotel includes 6,500 sq. ft. of event space and three dining venues: EMRE, Pine Street Bistro, and Esperanza on The Rooftop.

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