LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 67

3 min

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Highlights Global Renovations

📄 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced renovations at global properties. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald completed updates by 2024. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace finished renovations in April 2025 for 120 rooms. In June 2025, Fairmont Orchid completed a multimillion-dollar renovation for 540 rooms. Hamilton Princess in Bermuda unveiled its renovated wing in May 2025, marking 140 years. Fairmont Southampton will complete its $550 million revamp by summer 2026. The Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva's transformation will debut in 2026.

2 min

Olympia Hospitality Announces New Management Partnership

🏨 Sara Masterson, president of Olympia Hospitality, announced a management partnership with Mountain Shore Properties for Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, Kentucky. The 122-room hotel, in the East Market District (NuLu), joins the JdV by Hyatt collection, enhancing its visibility. The hotel features vintage and modern furnishings, and includes Byrdie’s restaurant, Bar Genevieve rooftop lounge, Mini Marché market, and Jimmy Can’t Dance jazz bar. This strategic move aims to unlock the hotel’s full potential and ensure long-term growth.

Phrasing Announces Development of AI Optimization System for Hospitality Industry

💻 Dallas, Texas—April 2025, Phrasing announced a new AI-driven system for hotels and resorts. This system utilizes "Content Pods" to optimize content for both traditional and AI-driven search, improving visibility and engagement across digital platforms. Tim Welsh, Phrasing's president, emphasizes the system's ability to enhance digital marketing strategies by aligning with AI search dynamics, empowering hospitality brands to compete effectively in the digital era.

1 min

CoStar: U.S. Hotel Industry Reports Negative Yearly Comparisons

📈 Arlington, Virginia—August 3-9, 2025, the U.S. hotel industry saw a decline: occupancy fell 1.0% to 68.0%, ADR decreased 0.6% to $159.61, and RevPAR dropped 1.6% to $108.47. San Francisco excelled with World Transplant Congress influence, boosting occupancy by 12.8% to 81.5%, ADR by 8.3% to $210.29, and RevPAR by 22.2% to $171.38. Houston faced the biggest losses with a 27.5% drop in occupancy to 55.3% and a 34.6% decrease in RevPAR to $61.38, due to post-Hurricane Beryl effects.

Breakwater and BR Investments Acquire Ramada Hotel in Augusta, GA

🏨 Breakwater and BR Investments are acquiring the Ramada Hotel in downtown Augusta, originally opened in 1974 and rebranded in 1999. The 175-room hotel, one of only two in the U.S. designed by I.M. Pei, will undergo renovations led by The Gettys Group and Rabun Architects. A Charleston-based restaurateur will enhance the food and beverage offerings. The project aims to revitalize Broad Street, creating a vibrant hub in Augusta.

1 min

Choice Hotels International Appoints Aly El-Bassuni as Senior Vice President of Managed Hotels Division

🏨 Aly El-Bassuni was appointed as senior vice president of the managed hotels division at Choice Hotels International in North Bethesda, Maryland. With over 30 years in hospitality, his prior roles include president at Aimbridge Hospitality and senior positions at Wyndham and Radisson. El-Bassuni will focus on strategy, operations, and growth for Choice Hotels’ managed properties. His leadership will drive performance and enhance guest experiences, building on the company's strong foundation.

1 min

Vision Hospitality Group Opens Element Wilmington

🏨 Vision Hospitality Group and CBL & Associates, on August 2025, opened the Element Wilmington hotel in North Carolina. This is Vision's second Element by Westin hotel and their 43rd overall. The hotel, located at Mayfair Town Center, features 139 rooms with amenities like spa-inspired bathrooms, a fitness center, and a pet-friendly environment. It’s the first Element by Westin on North Carolina's coast, offering sustainable features such as EV charging stations and bike rentals.

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📄 Remington Hospitality appointed Cory Chambers as chief commercial officer. HHM Hotels hired Jeremiah Galvin as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Choice Hotels promoted Aly El-Bassuni to senior vice president of managed hotels. Stonebridge promoted Jamie Pomeroy to senior vice president of business development. Lighthouse appointed Mercedes Blanco as vice president of enterprise growth. Various hospitality leaders, including Richard Romane, Hiren Prabhakar, and Steve Janicek, received managerial appointments at prestigious locations.

2 min

Hilton Opens Its First U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel

🏨 Hilton debuted in the U.S. Virgin Islands with Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, a 126-room hotel opposite Havensight Mall, overlooking Long Bay. The hotel includes a 3,800 sq. ft. patio, 2,000 sq. ft. pool deck, and 850 sq. ft. event space. Amenities feature a fitness center, full-service bar, and lounge known as The Helm. Charlotte Amalie is 1.5 miles away, Cyril E. King Airport is 4.1 miles, and Magens Bay Beach is 4.5 miles.

2 min

2025 Guide to Franchising

📅 As of March 31, 2025, BWH® Hotels operates 3,861 properties globally, with 2,072 in the U.S. Key brands include Best Western®, franchising since 1946 with 1,686 properties, and Aiden®, franchising since 2018 with 34 properties. Franchise fees are an application fee of $49,000, a 5% royalty, and a 2.1% marketing fee. WorldHotels™ Crafted, franchising since 2021, has 32 properties with a 2-4% royalty. Contact: Brad LeBlanc at Brad.LeBlanc@bwh.com.

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