LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 17

3 min

Lark Hospitality Announces Upcoming Reopening of The Faust Hotel

🏨 Lark Hospitality, alongside the Duettra family, will relaunch The Faust Hotel in New Braunfels, Texas, in spring 2026 after renovations. Originally opened in 1929, it will feature 45 rooms, including 6 corner suites and 9 junior suites. The hotel will include the restaurant Wilhelm & Werner, the Prince Solms Lobby Bar, and a speakeasy named Walter’s. The property retains its historic Spanish Colonial Revival style and includes a 2,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom.

1 min

AAHOA Issues Statement on One-Year Delay of Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinetry

💸 President Trump delayed 2026 tariff hikes on furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities until January 1, 2027. The existing 25% tariff stays. AAHOA supports the pause, as these items are 15-20% of hotel renovation costs. Chairman Kamalesh Patel and CEO Laura Lee Blake commend Trump for aiding small businesses reinvesting in properties and supporting local economies. The decision allows time for planning amid ongoing trade negotiations.

2 min

Hyatt Completes Sale of Playa’s Owned Real Estate Portfolio to Tortuga

💰 Hyatt Hotels Corporation sold its real estate portfolio acquired from Playa Hotels & Resorts to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. The sale, completed in November 2025, involves 14 all-inclusive properties across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Hyatt retains $200 million in preferred equity and can earn an additional $143 million. Management agreements for 13 properties span 50 years. Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 caused closures in Jamaica, with properties reopening by late 2026. Financial aid was provided to affected colleagues.

1 min

Marcus & Millichap Brokers Sale of Comfort Inn New Orleans Airport South

📍 Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale of the 68-room Comfort Inn New Orleans Airport South in Saint Rose, Louisiana. Built in 2010, the three-story hotel, located five miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, was purchased by NOLA Airport Hospitality LLC, an Indiana-based investor group. The sale attracted six competitive offers. The hotel offers amenities like an airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, and fitness center, and plans for renovation and management changes promise added value.

3 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📈 Jim Plohg was appointed as executive vice president at Ashford Inc. and Braemar Hotels, effective immediately. Amy Epperson was promoted to EVP of Human Resources at Remington Hospitality. Claudia Martinez became senior catering sales manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. By January 1, 2026, Deidre Schwartz will serve as international president of NEWH, Inc. Dillon Weaver and Gustavo Machado were promoted to operations managers at Sprague Pest Solutions. Randy Rockbrand now manages Rio Perdido.

2 min

AC Hotels by Marriott Debuts in the Philippines With New Opening

🏨 AC Hotel by Marriott Manila opened in December 2025, marking the brand's debut in the Philippines. Located in the GLAS Tower in Ortigas Center, it offers 160 rooms with European design, panoramic skyline views, and 802 square meters of meeting space. The property features dining options like AC Kitchen and AC Lounge, with a 61st-floor AC Bar. Amenities include an indoor pool and a 24-hour exercise room, providing a blend of European and Filipino hospitality.

2 min

Dual-Branded TownePlace & Fairfield Hotel Opens at Georgia National Fairgrounds

🏨 Retreat Hotels & Resorts opened a dual-branded Fairfield by Marriott/TownePlace Suites hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, GA. The 129-key property features 66 TownePlace Suites and 63 Fairfield keys, plus amenities like a large pool and spa. It is the first Marriott in Perry and the only one within a 15-mile radius. Located 100 miles south of Atlanta, the Fairgrounds draw more than one million visitors annually.

1 min

Chatham Lodging Trust Announces Sale of Massachusetts Hotel

💰 West Palm Beach, Florida—Chatham Lodging Trust sold the 147-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton in Billerica, Massachusetts, for $17.4 million. A planned $6 million renovation for 2025 was halted due to the sale. The hotel was expected to earn $1 million in 2025, with a 4% capitalization rate. This is the sixth hotel sold since December 2024, amassing $100 million in proceeds, with an overall 6% capitalization rate.

2 min

Gencom Acquires Majority Stake in Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

🏨 Affiliates of Gencom reacquired a majority interest in the 115-key Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida. The property, originally acquired in 2011 and partially sold in 2017, was financed by Banco Inbursa for an undisclosed sum. Opened in 2002, the 21-story hotel features ~30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and underwent renovations in 2018. Gencom emphasizes investing in high-quality assets in strong markets, capitalizing on Miami's tourism appeal.

2 min

Gencom Acquires Majority Stake in Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

🏨 Gencom reacquired a majority interest in the 115-key The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. Initially bought in 2011 and sold in 2017 to Hersha Hospitality Trust, the deal was financed by Banco Inbursa. The hotel, opened in 2002, features ~30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a pool, spa, and underwent renovations in 2018. Gencom's investment reflects confidence in Miami's lodging market and Coconut Grove's appeal for both leisure and business.

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