LODGING Staff

🏨 Choice Hotels International is expanding into Africa, signing three franchises in Kenya to open by early 2026. One property near Maasai Mara and two in Nairobi. By 2030, they aim to add 15 more across sub-Saharan and southern Africa. The EMEA portfolio now has nearly 64,000 rooms, growing 7% year-over-year. Internationally, they aim to double profitability by 2027, with recent expansions in Australia and Canada, generating approximately $3 billion in gross rooms revenue.

🏨 Hyatt Regency Austin completed a property-wide renovation in November 2025, adding 2 guestrooms, 3 dining concepts, and revamping 448 rooms. The $ renovation began in April 2025 and featured new design elements by Ealain Studios. Dining options include Ripple & Roots, Cypress Grove, and Juniper Breeze Market, with flavors highlighting local traditions. Updated meeting venues offer modern amenities and views of Lady Bird Lake, with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients central to the dining experience.

💰 Hilton will introduce the Diamond Reserve tier in January 2026, offering enhanced benefits like a confirmable upgrade reward and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout. Gold status will require 25 nights (down from 40), while Diamond status needs 50 nights (down from 60). Diamond Reserve necessitates 80 nights and $18,000 annual spend. Members gain premium upgrades at over 1,000 Hilton luxury properties. Hilton also offers no blackout dates and no resort fees on rewards stays.

📍 Crestline Hotels & Resorts will manage Georgetown University's Hoya Hotel in Washington, D.C., reopening in spring 2026 after a major renovation. The five-story, 146-guestroom facility will feature 13,000 square feet for events, an open lobby, and modern amenities. Crestline has managed university hotels for over 20 years, including those at Georgia Tech and Emory. As their fifth university property, the Hoya Hotel aims to integrate hospitality excellence with academic needs.