LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 19

3 min

Hyatt Announces Opening of Hyatt Studios Huntsville

🏨 Hyatt Studios Huntsville opened in December 2025, following the first Hyatt Studios in Mobile, Alabama, earlier this year. Located near major employers and attractions in Huntsville, Alabama, the hotel offers 120 studio apartment-style suites with kitchens and flexible workspaces. Managed by LBA Hospitality and developed by 3H Group, it includes amenities like a 24/7 market, free breakfast, fiber internet, EV charging, a fitness studio, and a 623-square-foot meeting room for up to 15 people.

2 min

Red Oak Capital Holdings Closes Loan for Four Points by Sheraton – O’Hare

💰 Red Oak Capital Holdings provided $10 million for acquiring and refurbishing Four Points by Sheraton – O’Hare in Chicago, IL. The loan, structured under Red Oak’s Core-Plus Bridge Loan program, has an 18-month term and a loan-to-stabilized-value of 54.54%. The 295-room, 195,000-square-foot hotel, built in 1985 on 7.5 acres, will undergo upgrades and a Marriott franchise agreement. The sponsor, owning 20 assets worth over $70 million, aims to enhance performance through targeted improvements.

2 min

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown Opens

🏨 Drury Hotels opened its first Nebraska location, the Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown, in Lincoln. The hotel features 210 rooms, over 2,400 sq ft of meeting space, and on-site dining. Located near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it offers easy access to local attractions. Meeting amenities include free Wi-Fi and flexible policies. Guests enjoy a 24-hour business center, indoor pool, and complimentary meals. General Manager Megan Clark leads a staff of 55.

2 min

Amadeus: Global Hotel Revenue Projected to Reach $7.4 Billion Over Year-End Holiday Period

🗺️ Amadeus reports that as of December 4, 2025, global hotel occupancy rose by 0.5% from 2024. Tromso, Norway leads with 93% occupancy. Curacao shows the highest increase at 11%, while Waikoloa, Hawaii has the highest ADR at $942. Guanacaste, Costa Rica tops with over $2,600 ADR, and Cairns, Australia records the lowest at $286. Holiday travel revenue is expected to reach $7.4 billion, with New York contributing $66 million.

1 min

Newmark Arranges Refinancing for Virgin Hotels Nashville

💵 Newmark has arranged a $51 million loan for Virgin Group to refinance Virgin Hotels Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. Opened in July 2020, the hotel is located on Music Row near The Gulch, Downtown Nashville, and Vanderbilt University. It features a rooftop bar, speakeasy, restaurant, rooftop pool, fitness center, and over 15,000 square feet of meeting space. This property is a flagship for the Virgin Hotels brand in the U.S.

1 min

Remington Hospitality Appoints Amy Epperson as Executive Vice President of Human Resources

🏢 Amy Epperson, promoted in 2023, is now the executive vice president of human resources at Remington Hospitality, based in Dallas, Texas. Reporting directly to CEO Ben Perelmuter, Epperson will oversee talent strategy, organizational development, culture, compliance, and associate experience. Her leadership significantly impacts organizational change and engagement, aligning HR with business objectives to support growth across the managed portfolio. Her promotion underscores the importance of human capital in achieving operational excellence and owner outcomes.

2 min

Oracle Expands Consumer Payment Solution

💳 Oracle announced updates to its Oracle Payments solution in Austin, Texas. New features include in-terminal charitable giving, expanded device offerings, and regional coverage. Key updates: availability in Canada supporting local compliance, VeriFone M450 and AMS1 devices for diverse payment methods, and integration with OPERA Cloud for streamlined check-ins. The solution extends to spas, gift shops, and parking services. Chris Adams highlights the expanded charitable and payment capabilities, enhancing connections and operational efficiency.

1 min

AHLA Issues Statement on the Senate Introduction of the American Franchise Act

🏨 Senators Marshall and King introduced the American Franchise Act in the Senate to protect the hotel franchise model. This act is crucial for nearly 3 million jobs nationwide, supporting small business hotel owners and economic opportunities across the U.S. The American Hotel & Lodging Association CEO, Rosanna Maietta, emphasized its importance for the American Dream and urged quick legislative approval. Washington, D.C., is the focal point for these legislative efforts.

4 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

🏠 Atlantis Paradise Island appointed Vaughn Roberts as COO in February 2024. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa named Ryan Reynolds as director of operations. Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham chose Brandon Claypool as GM. The Palace Hotel, Madrid appointed Elisa Barral as GM, first woman since 1912. OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort opens February 2026, with Chris Long as GM from April 2025. BWH Hotels elected Viral (Victor) Patel as board chairperson for 2026.

2 min

Marriott Reaches 100 Signings for City Express by Marriott in the U.S. and Canada

🏨 Marriott International has reached 100 signed agreements for City Express by Marriott properties in the U.S. and Canada as of 2025. Six properties have opened this year, with four more set to open by year-end. Key upcoming locations include Kissimmee, Dulles, Amarillo, Sandusky, and Carson City. The brand targets midscale markets and offers amenities like modern guestrooms and complimentary breakfast. Expansion plans include two properties in Osaka, Japan.

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