Hotel Openings

🏠 In 2026, G6 Hospitality, owner of Motel 6 and Studio 6, opened over 35 new Studio 6 locations in cities like Birmingham, Sacramento, and Chicago. These new sites, a mix of conversions and new builds, meet strong business travel and long-term guest demand. CEO Sonal Sinha and VP Anuj Ladha highlight the focus on franchise partnerships to maintain quality and value, emphasizing the need for extended-stay accommodations driven by workforce mobility and long-term travel.

🏨 Spark by Hilton, SIRO by Kerzner, StudioRes, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Handwritten Collection by Accor, Noted Collection by IHG, and Series by Marriott are new hotel brands launched in recent years. They focus on essentials, fitness, efficiency, apartment-style stays, personality, moment-focused experiences, and personalized stays. While the industry emphasizes scalability and flexibility, there is a perceived lack of soul, personality, and distinct points of view in these new offerings.

🏖 In November 2024, the Sheraton San Diego Resort completed a $123 million renovation, unveiling the waterfront Garden Terrace on Harbor Island. With 3,600 square feet, it hosts up to 300 wedding guests and 250 event attendees. The resort offers 132,367 square feet of meeting space. Renovations included 717 guestrooms in the Marina Tower, featuring modern decor and the Sheraton Sleep Experience. Sean Clancy, VP and GM, highlighted the resort's transformation, embodying San Diego's best.

🏢 Stonebridge will manage a 216-room Kimpton hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, developed by The Domain Companies. Expected to open in early 2028, the 10-story hotel will feature a fitness center, 7,000 square feet of meeting space, two dining options, and a rooftop bar. Located near key city landmarks, the hotel aims to enhance Salt Lake City's hospitality scene. Stonebridge plans to implement a strategy focused on maximizing rates and premium demand.

📍 Cincinnati, summer 2026: The Fidelity Hotel, an independent establishment in the historic Gwynne Building, joins Curator Hotel & Resort Collection before its opening. Managed by New Waterloo, this partnership grants access to nearly 100 vendor agreements in operations and technology. Curator's support aims to boost hotel performance while maintaining uniqueness. Reservations start soon, with a complete digital launch expected by June 2026.

🏨 Stonebridge will manage a Kimpton hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, expected to open in early 2028. The 216-room, 10-story hotel will feature two dining outlets, a rooftop bar, and 7,000 sq ft of meeting space. It's within a 10-minute walk of key attractions and 15 minutes from the airport. Developed by The Domain Companies, this project aims to set new hospitality standards and deliver long-term returns through strategic management.

🏨 Fredericksburg, Texas, set for 2028, will host the first Waldorf Astoria in the state. On 106 acres, it features 60 guestrooms, 42 villas, and 50 residences. An April 7 council meeting advanced construction plans, with full-scale work starting in four weeks. The project boosts local growth, generating hundreds of jobs and significant tax revenue. EB-5 approved, it's a catalyst for community development, drawing international visitors and raising local property values. Next council meeting: May 5.

🏡 Two luxury holiday apartments in Kendal, Cumbria, named Osprey Residence and Monterey Residence, are on sale for £549,500. Located on the main shopping street, each unit includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge, and a bathroom. The building offers central heating, soundproofing, and Wi-Fi. Managed by Christie and Co, the apartments benefit from strong demand due to their proximity to Lake District National Park, offering year-round appeal.