LODGING Staff

🏨 Columbus, Ohio—In 2021, Whitestone Companies initiated a strategic transformation of its legacy management firm, culminating in the launch of Soartress Hospitality, headquartered in Columbus. CEO Jay Batra shared that over four years, the company redefined its structure, culture, and technology, aligning with a people-centric vision. Soartress, a subsidiary of Whitestone, focuses on high-quality guest experiences and aims for future growth. It manages a diverse portfolio of select-service, extended-stay, and full-service hotels.

🏨 Hilton Birmingham at UAB, October 2025, Birmingham, Alabama: Completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of 295 guestrooms and 16,000 sq. ft. of meeting/event space. CCR Architecture & Interiors and P&M Construction led the project. New additions include Blazer’s Grill and a 24-hour fitness center. Located on UAB’s campus, amenities feature a free shuttle, outdoor pool, and pet-friendly options. Managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality, owned by the UAB Educational Foundation.

📈 Accor's Q3 2025 highlights show a 3.1% management and franchise revenue boost. Recurring EBITDA guidance increased to 11-12%. A $116 million share buyback is slated for Q4. Accor opened 77 hotels, adding 11,200 rooms, with a portfolio of 859,830 rooms by September 2025. RevPAR for luxury grew by 4.3%, while lifestyle rose by 6.9%. Total revenue reached $1.59 billion, slightly up by 0.1% despite currency and scope effects. 2025 goals include 3-4% RevPAR and 3.5% net growth.

📈 IHG Hotels & Resorts' Q3 2025 update: Global RevPAR rose 1.4% YTD; Americas up 0.8%, EMEAA up 3.8%, Greater China down 2.6%. Room revenue grew 4% in business but declined 2% in leisure and 4% in groups. Q3 saw occupancy rise by 0.4 points. Opened 14,500 rooms, an increase of 17% YOY, and signed 22,600 rooms, up 18% YOY. $700 million of a $900 million share buyback completed, reducing share count by 3.9%. A new premium brand is launching soon.

🏨 Cambria Hotel Portland – Pearl District opened in Portland, Oregon, marking the city's only new hotel opening this year. Located directly on the Park Blocks, the 178-room hotel offers amenities like spa-inspired bathrooms, a fitness studio, and 1,350 sq. ft. of meeting space. It is near key attractions such as the Saturday Market and Oregon Convention Center. The on-site restaurant, Recess, led by Chef Michael Iles, features Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes with local ingredients.

🏨 Foss & Company is financing the transformation of the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. Originally opened in 1909, this historic landmark will become a 311-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel. Led by Axle Capital Group, the project aims to revitalize the downtown area, preserving history while boosting tourism. John Bowman from Foss & Company and Jiwon Choi from Axle Companies emphasize the project's importance in supporting San Antonio's growth as a tourist and cultural hub.