LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 3

2 min

Lark Shares Details of Anticipated Hotel Openings for 2026

🏠 Lark will expand its lifestyle brand in 2026 with four openings: Cambridge Common House (16 rooms) in Cambridge, MA, The Drew Hotel (25 rooms) in Plymouth, MA, Shore Haven (21 rooms) in Falmouth, MA, and The Penny Lane (18 rooms) in Hampton Bays, NY. All set for spring 2026, these properties feature unique designs, historic renovations, and sustainable practices, like solar energy and no single-use plastics at The Penny Lane.

1 min

OTH Hotels Resorts Adds Courtyard by Marriott Manassas Battlefield Park to Its Portfolio

🏨 OTH Hotels Resorts will manage Courtyard by Marriott Manassas Battlefield Park starting January 2026. Located in Manassas, near Washington, D.C., the hotel features 149 rooms, 1,248 sq ft of meeting space, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and The Bistro restaurant. This marks OTH's fifth East Coast management contract in 2025, showcasing their regional growth. The focus includes optimizing revenue, maintaining brand integrity, and enhancing guest experiences.

2 min

Global Rescue Survey: U.S. Travelers Prefer Hidden Gems and Historic Destinations

🌎 LEBANON, New Hampshire—According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 65% of travelers prefer hidden gems over iconic attractions, with women (69%) and non-U.S. travelers (68%) slightly more inclined. History appeals to 75% of travelers, with U.S. tourists (78%) leading. One-third of Americans would pay $3,500 for a 3.5-hour supersonic flight to London, with women more hesitant (27%) than men (30%).

1 min

AHLA Issues Statement on Release of Supplemental H-2B Visas

🌎 On December 31, 2025, in Washington, D.C., the Trump Administration announced the release of 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas. Rosanna Maietta of the American Hotel & Lodging Association praised the move, which assists small business hoteliers facing staffing shortages. The H-2B visa program, capped at 66,000 visas annually, is essential for filling seasonal roles in remote vacation spots. AHLA urged for a more need-based visa system instead of current arbitrary limits.

1 min

Hilton Milwaukee Completes Renovation

🏨 Hilton Milwaukee, Wisconsin, completed a $42 million renovation, updating its 1920s architecture. The project included a refreshed lobby and bar, 554 restyled guestrooms, and over 34,000 square feet of renovated meeting spaces. Guest rooms now feature Art Deco-inspired furnishings, motion-sensor lighting, and premium Kohler fixtures. The renovation preserves the hotel's legacy while welcoming new visitors for leisure, business, or conferences at the expanded Baird Center.

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.

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