Track Best Western Hotels & Resorts in one feed. This hub aggregates the latest news, brand updates and openings across Best Western’s global membership network, as covered by trusted sources. Follow one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.
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BWH Hotels Opens New 80-Room GLō Best Western in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Expanding Suburban Offerings
27 August 2026🏨 BWH Hotels opened GLō Best Western Olive Branch, an 80-room hotel at 8853 Midsouth Drive, Olive Branch, Mississippi. The modern hotel features amenities like a fitness center, outdoor pool, grilling stations, and a fire pit. Located in DeSoto County, it’s within reach of Memphis attractions and cultural sites. Owned by Yogi DeSoto Corporation and built by Patel Construction, the hotel caters to Olive Branch’s growing economic landscape. Guests can earn Best Western Rewards points with their stay.
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BWH Hotels Opens New 80-Room GLō Best Western in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Targeting Memphis Area Travelers
27 August 2026🏨 In August 2026, BWH Hotels launched the GLō Best Western Olive Branch, an 80-room hotel in Olive Branch, Mississippi. The hotel features modern design, curated artwork, a fitness center, outdoor amenities, and is part of the Memphis logistics ecosystem. It caters to travelers visiting Memphis and is owned by Yogi DeSoto Corporation. Constructed by Patel Construction, it targets a region with strong economic growth and an expanding business landscape.
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The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® World Heritage Experiences List is Announced
25 August 2026Washington, DC – August 2026 / NewsmakerAlert: Historic Hotels Worldwide® announces its 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® World Heritage Experiences List, highlighting 25 authentic historic hotels located within or close to historic sites recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. To be nominated and selected for membership and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a hotel must be at least 75 years old and recognized for its historical significance…
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SINA Hospitality Receives Approval for $180M Sports & Entertainment Destination in Colonial Heights
21 August 2026Major Development to Turn 38-Acre Site into a Regional Tourism Hub Featuring Sports Fields, Housing, Premium Hotels, Dining, and Retail COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA Richmond-based hotel development and management firm SINA Hospitality is moving forward with a $180 million multi-use sports, hospitality, and entertainment destination in the City of Colonial Heights following City Council approval. The landmark project will turn nearly 38 acres of underutilized land at 301 Charles H Dimmock Parkway near Southpark Mall into a vibrant regional sports tourism…
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BWH Hotels Expands Aiden Brand with New Openings in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America by 2026
21 August 2026🏨 Aiden, BWH® Hotels’ boutique brand, expands globally in 2026 with new openings in Germany (January), Thailand, and Sacramento (May), and Kansas City (June). Future sites in Denver, Tempe, Toronto Airport, and Pullman are planned for late 2026 to summer 2027. Aiden aims for locally inspired designs, offering 77 rooms in Bangkok and 145 in Toronto. The “Art Welcomes You In” series, featuring local artists, continues to define its unique hotel experiences.
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BWH Hotels Expands Aiden Brand with New Openings in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America in 2026
20 August 2026📍 Aiden, a boutique hotel brand by BWH Hotels, is expanding globally with recent openings in 2026: Velbert, Germany (January); Bangkok, Thailand (May); Sacramento, USA (May); Kansas City, USA (June). Upcoming projects include Denver, Tempe, Toronto Airport (Fall 2026), and Pullman (Summer 2027). Each hotel reflects local culture, offering unique designs and experiences. Notable features include a rooftop destination in Denver and a jazz-inspired lounge in Toronto. The Toronto opening also marks Aiden’s Canadian debut.
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Goldman Sachs-IGIS Consortium Wins Bid for Timewalk Myeongdong in Seoul with KRW535 Billion Proposal
17 August 2026💰 Goldman Sachs and IGIS Asset Management were selected as the preferred bidders for Timewalk Myeongdong in Seoul, South Korea, with a bid of KRW535 billion. The property spans 37,286 sqm over 19 stories. In Sydney, Australia, BreakFree on Broadway was acquired for AUD19 million. The Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit was acquired by the Savetsomphob family. In Japan, the Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka was sold by ICHIKEN Co., Ltd. South Korea designated Gyeongju and Haeundae as Global Tourism…
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BWH® Hotels Operates 3,864 Properties Globally with 2,051 in the U.S. as of March 31, 2026.
14 August 2026🏨 BWH® Hotels, as of March 31, 2026, operates 3,864 global properties, with 2,051 in the U.S. Key brands include Best Western®, franchising since 1946, with 1,659 properties and 121,774 rooms. Application fees for most brands are $49,000, with royalty and marketing fees at 5% and 2.1% of GRR, respectively. SureStay® has 391 properties, the highest room count at 331,776. Contact: Brad LeBlanc for franchise opportunities.
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The Blackburn Inn Named a 2026 Historic Hotels of America® Sustainability Champion Nominee Finalist
12 August 2026Two-time Awards of Excellence recipient recognized among the nation’s leading historic hotels for stewardship and sustainability STAUNTON, Va., August 12, 2026 – The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center has been named a nominee finalist for the 2026 Historic Hotels of America® Sustainability Champion Award, a national honor recognizing innovative green initiatives and practices that demonstrate how historic preservation can advance a more sustainable future. The Blackburn is one of 10 hotels selected as finalists in the Sustainability Champion category. Historic…
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Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire Launches New Wildlife Experience with SWAROVSKI OPTIK Binoculars for Enhanced Birdwatching
12 August 2026🏖 Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire offers diverse summer experiences. Bar at Wild Carrot, open 11:00 am to midnight, serves Surinder Virk’s unique cocktails like the 14-day Damson Negroni. La Terrazza features Italian cuisine Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Wildlife exploration on 500 acres utilizes SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars. Private birdwatching costs GBP 175 for two hours. Summer pod dining and Pool Bar, open 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, extend tranquility until September 30.
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Chef Stuart Ralston Expands Michelin-Starred Lyla in Edinburgh with Addition of Four Guest Rooms
11 August 2026🍴 Chef Stuart Ralston opened Lyla in Edinburgh, a Michelin-starred venue, in 2014. Since April 2026, Lyla includes four coastal plant-themed bedrooms. Located on Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, it highlights Scottish seafood through its 10-course tasting menu. Guests experience dishes like squid ramen and sorrel sorbet. Dinner costs £185 per person, and overnight stays with dinner start at £715. Room-only rates begin at £345, including breakfast. The Georgian townhouse setting enhances the luxurious yet intimate atmosphere.
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Kohler Co. Expands Beyond Plumbing with $7 Billion Revenue, Emphasizing Hospitality and Luxury Experiences
9 August 2026🚰 John Michael Kohler emigrated from Austria to the U.S. Midwest in the mid-19th century, settling in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He transformed a water trough into a bathtub in 1883, shifting his company towards plumbing products. Kohler Co. later expanded under Herb Kohler (CEO in 1972) into a $7 billion diversified brand with hotels and golf courses, including Whistling Straits, host of the 2021 Ryder Cup. The Carriage House reopened in 2026 after a renovation.
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United Hospitality Management Expands in India with Three New Hotel Management Agreements Adding 182 Keys
6 August 2026🏠 United Hospitality Management (UHM) signed three new hotel agreements with IHG Hotels & Resorts, adding 182 keys to its India portfolio. Scheduled to open between 2027-2029, the properties include Garner Corbett (50 keys), voco Kanatal (92 keys), and Garner Ahmedabad (40 keys). UHM seeks to manage 100 hotels in India, reflecting growth in domestic travel and investor confidence. UHM’s India expansion began with Rosastays acquisition in December 2025. The company manages 24 properties in India.
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Gravity Haus Achieves Higher Profitability Through Membership Model, Surpassing Lodging Margins Across 13 North American Locations
5 August 2026🏨 Jim Deters, founder and CEO of Gravity Haus, enhanced hotel profitability through a high-margin membership model across 13 properties in the US and Canada since 2019. Approximately 700 local members at the Vail location pay monthly, stabilizing revenue year-round. Technology integrates custom software with Mews for seamless operations. Focus on recruiting community members ensures authentic guest experiences, boosting reviews and visibility. Emphasizing local partnerships over copying models enhances unique guest offerings.
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Wildfires in Saumos Halt Gironde Tourism, Causing €2-5 Million Weekly Losses and Mass Evacuations
3 August 2026🔥 July 19-27, Gironde, France: The 54th Oyster Festival wrapped on July 19 in Andernos-les-Bains with high hotel occupancy (79%). By July 21, a fire at Saumos displaced 220,000 people, affecting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds. Bordeaux’s hotel occupancy increased, but cancellations rose, leading to a loss of €2-5 million weekly. Government aid includes insurance reimbursements and flexibility from Urssaf. The fire’s containment timeline remains uncertain, impacting recovery.
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Wildfire in Saumos Halts Gironde Tourism: 220,000 Evacuated, 40,000 Hectares Burned, €2-5 Million Weekly Loss
3 August 2026🔥 On July 21, 2026, a fire broke out in Saumos, France, advancing 20 km and burning 40,000 hectares. It forced the evacuation of 220,000 people, affecting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds. Bordeaux occupancy spiked, but cancellations soon surpassed bookings. The disruption costs 2 to 5 million euros weekly. 5000 people were sheltered in Bordeaux, while 683 were rehoused. Recovery depends on fire containment, with scenarios suggesting potential recovery within eight weeks. The government supports affected businesses, and insurers will…
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Wildfires in Gironde Trigger Hotel Cancellations, Causing Weekly Revenue Losses of 2-5 Million Euros
31 July 2026🔥 July 19-27, 2025, Andernos-les-Bains and Gironde, France: The Oyster Festival ended as wildfires began near Saumos, advancing 20 km in 4 days and burning 40,000 hectares. 220,000 evacuated, affecting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds. Occupancy rates fell as cancellations surpassed bookings, costing 2-5 million euros weekly. Bordeaux housed 5,000 evacuees; 700 found shelter at campuses. The government and insurers responded with financial aid and rehousing support. The tourism industry faces significant challenges in recovery.
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Wildfire Forces 220,000 Evacuations in Gironde, Leading to 2-5 Million Euros Weekly Revenue Loss
31 July 2026🔥 On July 19, the 54th Oyster Festival in Andernos-les-Bains concluded, followed by a fire on July 21 that spread over 40,000 hectares near Saumos. By July 25, 220,000 people evacuated, impacting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds, causing weekly revenue losses of 2 to 5 million euros. Bordeaux housed 5,000 evacuees at its exhibition center. The fire disrupted tourism, with significant cancellations affecting local businesses like Catherine Parinaud’s properties. Government measures were announced on July 27 to support the affected…
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TikTok Introduces Mini Dramas for Brands, Projecting $1.3 Billion in US Microdrama Revenue by 2025
30 July 2026📹 TikTok just launched “Mini Dramas” in the US, allowing brands to create episodic content with revenue sharing. This burgeoning format, akin to China’s microdramas, is projected to generate $1.3 billion by 2025. Currently, 2.2M to 5M viewers are expected this year. P&G’s 55-episode series showcases the potential. Meanwhile, Kalshi leverages AI-generated anime to bypass costly stadium ads, collaborating with Jake Wang’s popular sports videos. This creative marketing shift highlights digital platforms’ dominance.
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BWH Hotels Opens Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Its 28th Property in Thailand, Expanding to 17 in Greater Bangkok
30 July 2026🏨 July 30, 2026, Bangkok, Thailand – BWH Hotels introduces Aiden Surawong Bangkok, its first Aiden brand hotel in Southeast Asia. Located on Surawong Road, the 77-room hotel blends art deco design with local culture. Guests enjoy amenities like the Gems Pool and Club Ruby restaurant. BWH now operates 17 properties in Greater Bangkok and 28 in Thailand. The company aims for 200 Asia-Pacific hotels within five years, enhancing local experiences for travelers.
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Boutique Hotels Thrive in Caribbean as Luxury Travelers Seek Personalized, Meaningful Experiences According to Virtuoso Report
29 July 2026🌴 Golden Rock Inn in Nevis offers 11 rooms on a 100-acre estate. East Winds in St. Lucia features 30 cottage-style rooms on 12 acres, offering all-inclusive packages with complimentary weddings. Mansión Xodó in Mérida, Yucatán, is a luxury hideaway with six suites in a 19th-century residence. The Virtuoso 2026 Luxe Report highlights a shift towards slower, personalized travel. Small Caribbean hotels provide unique experiences, targeting affluent travelers seeking cultural immersion and wellness.
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Italy’s Hotel Scene Expands with Noteworthy New Openings and Restorations Set for 2026 Across Iconic Locations
29 July 2026🏨 Italian hotel scene for 2026 features exciting new openings and restorations. In the Dolomites, Hotel Ambra Cortina d’Ampezzo debuts a HiFi Bar & Lounge, while Rosapetra Spa Resort introduces the Henge Suite with a private sauna and terrace. Florence’s Villa San Michele reopens with a new Guerlain spa. Lake Como’s Casabianca adds artistic suites, and the Lake Como Edition stands out with 148 rooms. Rome sees Casa JK Place with 12 apartments in May. Venice’s Danieli relaunches in August,…
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André Fu’s New Book, “A Designer’s Vision,” Explores 15 Years of Iconic Projects, Released by Assouline.
24 July 2026📚 André Fu, an interior designer from Hong Kong, has his 15-year career chronicled in a monograph, “André Fu: A Designer’s Vision,” released by Assouline on 24 July 2026, priced at £100. The book covers projects like The Upper House and St Regis in Hong Kong, Waldorf Astoria Osaka, and London’s Berkeley Hotel Pavilion Suites. It’s divided into three parts, including Heritage Reimagined, and features interviews with collaborators such as chef Daniel Calvert.
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WorldHotels Expands Global Presence with Over 40 Hotels in Development and New Entries in Key Markets
23 July 2026🏨 WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, is expanding with over 40 new hotels in development, following a growth of 100 hotels in 2025. With the luxury travel market projected to rise from $1.6 trillion in 2025 to $3 trillion by 2033, the brand is launching projects like Essensia Sky in Vietnam and entering new markets such as South Korea and Portugal. Strategic partnerships include De Historiske in Norway, expanding WorldHotels’ Crafted collection in Europe.
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STR Projection Tool Enhancements by Newport Hospitality Enable Accurate Forecasting and Budgeting for Hotel Property Leaders
23 July 2026📈 Ownership groups and asset managers demand accurate hotel forecasting due to rising costs. The STR Projection Tool by Newport Hospitality Group aids in planning the fiscal year, using data from CoStar and STR. It offers comparisons with previous years, improving decision-making and revenue strategy for properties. Enhanced sections provide year-over-year comparisons, aiding stakeholders. Newport Hospitality Group, based in Williamsburg, VA, manages hotels of various brands across the U.S., with Tim Hayes leading financial analysis.
