Hospitalitynet

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International Foundation is proud to announce Reem Alaqili, Margaret Thompson, Juliette van der Ham, and Libby Warden as the recipients of the 2025 Mike Dimond Student Career Success Grant. This prestigious program supports the development opportunities available to hospitality students interested in careers in commercial strategy. The grant provides aspiring professionals with financial support, access to industry thought leadership, and a dedicated mentorship experience with a seasoned executive.

In the competitive world of hotel development and acquisitions, few incentives capture an owner’s attention more quickly than key money. This upfront payment, offered by a hotel brand or operator, can feel like free capital. However, behind the allure lies a complex set of trade-offs that can significantly impact profitability, flexibility, and asset value for years. Understanding how key money works—and the strings attached—is critical for making a sound business decision.

A free cancellation policy is exactly what it sounds like: a policy allowing guests to book with the option to cancel without a cancellation fee or penalty, usually within a specified time frame before arrival.

Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals — the rarefied few who can buy almost anything — are quietly disengaging from today’s short-stay luxury villa market.

In today’s rapidly evolving meetings and events landscape, personalization has emerged as a critical element in ensuring successful, impactful gatherings. No longer is it enough to offer a one-size-fits-all approach – clients and attendees now expect tailored experiences that reflect their specific needs, preferences, and goals. Hotels and meeting planners must work collaboratively to curate events that go beyond logistics, fostering deeper engagement and delivering lasting impressions. From integrating advanced technology to refining service touchpoints, personalization in events is redefining how meetings are designed and executed.

As part of a commitment to women in employment, Rosewood Hotel Group and Rosewood Foundation are proud to announce a new annual program - Rise to the Table. A first-of-its-kind, fully sponsored global program, Rise to the Table, is designed to empower the next generation of female hospitality leaders. Extending beyond Rosewood’s associates, the program will welcome women from the global food and beverage industry for a week-long immersive educational experience, hosted by Rosewood’s leaders and experts at Rosewood Hong Kong in early March 2026, followed by a year of mentorship aimed at fostering career growth. Applications for the program will close on October 13, 2025.

Hilton today announced the recent signing and upcoming conversion of La Cantera Resort & Spa to Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, which is now accepting reservations for stays beginning Oct. 1, 2025. Located in San Antonio overlooking the Texas Hill Country, the sprawling resort will represent the state’s debut of Signia by Hilton, a collection of premier hotels and resorts located in dynamic destinations around the world. Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa is owned by Ohana Real Estate Investors and will be managed by Hilton.

Everhome Suites, the midscale extended stay brand from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), continues to grow its nationwide footprint with the opening of seven new properties across diverse and strategic markets in the United States. Choice Hotels now has 17 Everhome Suites open, 16 under construction, and 45 in the pipeline. The brand is on track to have nearly 25 hotels open by the end of the year.

A bold new icon in luxury living has arrived in Central Florida.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and YTL Hotels have announced multiple property agreements that will bring LXR Hotels & Resorts to Thailand and Tapestry Collection by Hilton to Japan. The Rawai Phuket and Kasara Niseko Village will join Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, The Green Leaf Niseko Village will join Hilton’s Tapestry Collection by Hilton pipeline and the Hinode Hills Niseko Village is slated to join Curio Collection by Hilton. The Japan properties are conversions and are set to join Hilton’s portfolio by the end of this year.