735 posts

Armella Stepan Appointed Managing Director of AKA Beverly Hills to Enhance Long-Stay Luxury Experience

🗽 June 25, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California, Armella Stepan becomes the Managing Director of AKA Beverly Hills. With a background in luxury hospitality at RIHGA Royal, Kempinski, Rosewood, Shutters on the Beach, and Hotel Casa del Mar, Stepan aims to enhance long-stay luxury with privacy, flexibility, and personalized service. Her leadership will focus on deepening ties with the local community and refining guest experiences, offering accommodations for long-term stays with full amenities in the heart of Beverly Hills.
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  • 2 min

Expedia AI Survey Misreported by Media: 8% Trust Figure Mistakenly Cited as Traveler Booking Confidence

📊 A recent survey by Expedia titled "The AI Trust Gap" found that 66% of travelers distrust AI for booking travel, implying 34% trust or consider it. Confusion arose when Skift reported only 8% trust AI to book, likely misinterpreting a survey finding that 8% currently rely on AI for trip planning. This misreported statistic spread within 48 hours, illustrating how quickly data can be misconstrued and accepted as industry truth.
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  • 2 min

Skift Report Miscommunicates Expedia Survey: Only 8% Use AI for Trip Planning, Not Booking Trust

📊 Expedia's recent AI survey revealed that 66% of travelers don't trust AI to book trips. However, a misinterpretation led Skift to report that only 8% trust AI for bookings. This figure actually referred to those relying on AI for trip planning, not bookings. Within 48 hours, several media outlets propagated this incorrect statistic, illustrating how quickly misinformation can spread in the industry. Always scrutinize research data to avoid such misunderstandings.
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Hilton and Olive Hospitality Sign First 10 Spark by Hilton Hotels in India, Expanding Mid-Market Presence

🏨 Hilton and Olive Hospitality signed their first 10 Spark by Hilton hotels in India on June 24, 2026, aiming to reach a total of 150 hotels. Locations include Bengaluru, Goa, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. The expansion targets both metro and non-metro areas, focusing on accessible, mid-market accommodation. Hilton plans to surpass 400 hotels in India, supported by deals with NILE Hospitality and Royal Orchid Hotels. Spark by Hilton offers simple, reliable services with complimentary breakfasts and a 24-hour retail market.
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Minor Hotels Announces 2030 Opening of Anantara Miami Resort, Marking U.S. Debut with 50-Storey Tower

🏕️ June 24, 2026, Mumbai: Minor Hotels announces the Anantara Miami Resort & Residences, a 50-storey tower in Miami's Edgewater, Design District, and Wynwood neighborhoods, set to open in 2030. The development, in partnership with One Thousand Group, features 100 private residences, 120 resort residences, 50 hotel suites, and wellness amenities. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and Patricia Urquiola, it includes a rooftop helipad and proximity to Miami's cultural sites. Sales launch this year with One Sotheby's International Realty.
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St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Appoints Brent Devlin as Executive Chef and Seamus Dooley as Director of Food and Beverage

📑 June 24, 2026, Bel Harbour, Florida: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort announces new appointments. Brent Devlin, with 20+ years of culinary leadership, becomes Executive Chef, having managed a multi-million dollar food program at JW Marriott Austin and honored as Manager of the Year in 2022. Seamus Dooley takes the role of Director of Food and Beverage, bringing experience from Michelin-starred restaurants and Forbes Five-Star hotels, emphasizing creativity and performance.
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Marriott Expands Into Rental Apartment Market With W Apartments Cleveland Opening in Late 2027

🏠 Marriott is venturing into rental apartments, introducing W Apartments Cleveland in Erieview Tower by late 2027. Managed by the Kassouf family through a third party, this marks Marriott's shift to tenant-focused branded residences. Unlike Marriott's existing temporary rentals of over 3,500 units globally, this venture offers long-term leases. Tenants will enjoy amenities like a 24/7 concierge, doorman service, W-branded events, and access to a spa, fitness center, and rooftop bar.
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Kyiv Offers Unique Experiences: Choose Hotels Based on Neighborhoods Like Historic Center, Podil, or Pechersk

🌎 Kyiv, post-2022, is evolving and vibrant! Visitors should choose neighborhoods like the historic center, Podil, or Pechersk based not on hotel star ratings but on their unique vibes—cultural hotspots, creative areas, or business hubs. Notable hotels include Hyatt Regency and 11 Mirrors. The city boasts a burgeoning restaurant scene with chefs reimagining Ukrainian dishes. Despite its challenges, Kyiv’s cultural life remains bustling, with theaters, galleries, and events ongoing. Plan ahead, especially for spring or fall visits.
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Shiji Unveils Scheduled Activities and Resource Commissions for Meridian Experiences, Enhancing Hotel Revenue Operations Globally

🏨 Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2026 – Shiji, a leader in hospitality tech, unveiled new features for Meridian Experiences. They introduced Scheduled Activities, allowing flexible group sessions, and Resource Commissions for automated staff incentives. These integrate within the Daylight PMS workflow, enhancing revenue operations. Key functionalities include session-based scheduling, comprehensive participant management, and commission tracking. Shiji supports over 91,000 hotels globally, with 5,000 employees providing critical hotel tech solutions worldwide.
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