Market Trends

🌇 IHG announces the Holiday Inn Express Generation 5 design to launch in EMEAA in 2023, targeting 500 properties in the region over the next three years. The design, developed from guest behavior research, offers experiential zones and caters to the rising demand for vibrant, dynamic spaces. Holiday Inn Express Riyadh, set to open in 2026, will debut the concept. Ten projects in the UK and Europe are early adopters, plus 20 interested parties. Generation 5 follows the 2016 ‘Next Generation’ update. Currently, there are 3,206 Holiday Inn Express hotels (340,054 rooms) with 644 properties (79,079 rooms) in the pipeline.

🏡 The Admiral Fell Inn in Baltimore's Fells Point will reopen as The William Fell, a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel, after a multimillion-dollar renovation in April. Owned by Meyer Jabara Hotels, which also operates 31 hotels and 20 restaurants, it's their first Hilton-branded property and third in Baltimore. The renovation by RD Jones + Associates includes a preserved 18th-century exterior, a modern interior with nautical art, and various room options. The hotel honors William Fell, Fells Point's first settler. Meyer Jabara Hotels was founded in 1977.

🏡 Dusit International, a Thai hotel company, partners with IDC Prime to manage two new hotels in Mindanao, Philippines, under the Dusit Princess brand. The hotels, located in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro, are opening in late 2029. Dusit Princess Moena in Bukidnon will feature 184 rooms and facilities like a business center, dining restaurant, and gym. The 14-story Dusit Princess Firenze in Cagayan de Oro will have 180 rooms and amenities like a gym and spa. These projects join Dusit's 302 properties in 19 countries and expand its Philippine presence, which includes Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Samal Island.

💰 Aimbridge Hospitality, the world's largest third-party management company, has agreed to convert over $1.1 billion in debt into equity and inject $100 million in new capital. This deal will reduce Aimbridge’s debt from $1.3 billion to a maximum of $210 million. First- and second-lien lenders have shown "overwhelming support," with first-lien lenders becoming majority owners. Although not explicitly stated, the Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) often precedes Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Aimbridge, under CEO Craig Smith, aims to strengthen its balance sheet and continue investing in operations, targeting improvements and industry leadership. The company manages over 1,000 hotels in more than 20 countries and has recently reshaped its operational structure for greater efficiency.

🏢 Anthony Torres, a top hospitality food and beverage leader, led the Grand Wailea to a $30M revenue growth over two years. Details were shared in a Hospitality Daily Podcast episode on Jan. 16, 2025. The episode was supported by Shiji Group, a global hospitality technology company. Music was produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound. More resources and episodes featuring Anthony Torres are mentioned.

🏨 San Diego-based Cloudbeds' research highlights PMS impact on hotel staff retention, revealing 38% of employees left due to PMS experience. Over half of managers (52.2%) believe at least four months are needed for staff to confidently use PMS. Moreover, 73% of staff receive manual PMS training, suggesting a need for more intuitive systems. The study surveyed 500 hotel staff across the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, and Spain, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly hotel technology for employee satisfaction and efficiency.

🏌️ The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort ranked 6th in Golf World’s Top 100 Parkland courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Adare Manor, which will host the 2027 Ryder Cup, was ahead at 2nd. The course features 11 water holes and nearly 50 sand traps. Barry McCauley, Golf Operations Manager, expressed pride in the achievement. In July, the course hosted the 'Champion of Champions' World Championship with 250 junior golfers from over 40 countries.

🏠 Trafalgar St. James, a 5-star lifestyle hotel in central London, reveals its luxury refurbishment's first stage with the new Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar and a redesigned lobby. The £6m renovation includes six new suites set to be unveiled in February 2025, adding to the hotel’s current 131 rooms. Rockwell offers a day-to-night experience with specialty coffee, all-day deli-style dishes, and a curated wine list. Design LSM crafted the contemporary interiors. Federico Ciampi, London Cluster General Manager, anticipates the suites elevating the hotel's status.

🏠 Kasa opens its second property in downtown San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, offering accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, in-unit laundry, and smart home technology. Guests can select from five room types, including studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, with some providing bay views. Amenities feature fitness centers, yoga and Pilates studios, a sauna, a massage room, and an upcoming outdoor pool. CEO Roman Pedan emphasizes unique developments and exceptional stays with unmatched amenities. Kasa expanded to New Orleans in late 2024, renovating the historic 1916 Lafayette Hotel into The Lafayette New Orleans by Kasa. The company currently operates over 85 properties across the U.S.

Munich, 8th January 2025 – Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, has today announced it has signed long-term lease agreements to convert two former hotels and an aparthotel in Munich into…