Follow Hotels.com in one place. This hub gathers the latest news and product changes around the Expedia Group booking brand, curated by 10 Minutes News from trusted sources. Keep up with a major consumer travel platform.
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The Dean Opens Its Largest Hotel in Munich’s Westend with 281 Rooms and Unique Art Program
5 August 2026🏨 The Dean, an Irish-born lifestyle hotel brand, has opened the Dean Munich, a 281-room hotel in Munich’s Westend. This is their largest property and the second in Germany, following the Dean Berlin, which opened in February. Designed by Tatjana von Stein, the hotel features interiors inspired by Jugendstil and 1980s Munich nightlife. The hotel includes a Japanese restaurant, Ibasho, and a fitness and wellness concept with an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.
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Minor Hotels Implements Oracle OPERA Cloud Across 106 Properties in 59 Countries to Enhance Digital Transformation
5 August 2026💻 Minor Hotels has implemented Oracle OPERA Cloud in 106 hotels across 59 countries, enhancing digitalization and guest experiences. The rollout aids rapid expansion, mainly in Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Australasia, by eliminating legacy systems. This shift promotes innovation, supports integration via the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform, and strengthens agility and scalability. The next phase targets Australia and New Zealand, indicating a commitment to cloud-based modernization globally.
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Chapitre Six Expands with New Openings in Courchevel and Cannes Planned for 2026 and 2027
5 August 2026🏨 Founded by Nicolas Saltiel, Chapitre Six offers boutique hotels in Paris, the Riviera, Barbizon, and Megève, with new locations in Courchevel and Cannes planned for December 2026 and Summer 2027. The Bus Palladium Hôtel Club in Paris, a 5-storey, 35-room hotel, retains its rock & roll legacy with a subterranean club. Highlights include the Dalí Suite and a signature Palladium 65 cocktail. Other properties feature unique designs that reflect their neighborhoods.
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Expedia Group Acquires AI Trip Planning Platform Layla to Enhance Personalized Travel Itineraries and Booking Experiences
4 August 2026💻 Expedia Group acquires Layla, a Berlin-based AI trip planning platform founded in 2023, enhancing their AI strategy. The acquisition combines Layla’s advanced personalization with Expedia’s global supply and technology. Layla, co-founded by Saad Saeed and Sardar Bali, offers conversational travel planning. Expedia, a global travel marketplace with brands like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, aims to deliver personalized travel experiences. The acquisition aligns with Expedia’s vision to redefine travel planning and booking.
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Radisson Hotel Group Launches Global Long Stays Program Targeting B2B Market with Simplified Booking and Pricing
4 August 2026🏨 Radisson Hotel Group launched “Long Stays by Radisson Hotels” for the growing extended-stay market, offering B2B solutions with streamlined booking, structured pricing, and a consistent guest experience. The initiative targets B2B partners with dedicated long-stay rates and standardized conditions. Available globally, it responds to rising demand in EMEA and APAC regions like Dubai, Riyadh, Zurich, and Amsterdam. Radisson operates over 1,575 hotels in 100+ countries and provides a 20% points incentive via Radisson Rewards.
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Effective Capital Planning Vital for Hotel Renovations to Enhance Guest Experience and Asset Value
3 August 2026📅 In the hotel industry, proactive capital planning is vital for maintaining guest satisfaction and competitive positioning. Effective renovations involve collaboration with stakeholders to ensure projects are well-planned and executed. Prioritizing investments like FF&E, timing improvements together, and integrating technology are key. With rising construction costs and supply chain issues, careful planning and communication are crucial. The goal is to enhance guest experiences, support staff, and protect long-term asset values.
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Effective Capital Planning Crucial for Hotel Renovations to Enhance Guest Experience and Maintain Competitive Edge
3 August 2026🏨 Effective hotel renovations and constructions require strategic capital planning with collaboration among owners, brand reps, designers, contractors, and vendors. Key priorities include FF&E investments, synchronized improvements, and technology integration. Projects face challenges like high construction costs, supply chain issues, and labor availability. Successful execution needs clear communication and proactive planning, focusing on guest experience and long-term asset value. Decisions impact hotel staff, owners, and guests, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive and functional spaces.
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Preferred Hotels & Resorts Expands with 10 New Properties Globally Between April and June 2026
30 July 2026🗽 Between April 1 and June 30, 2026, Preferred Hotels & Resorts adds 10 new properties globally, including The Botany in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; The Meru Sanur in Denpasar Bali, Indonesia; Ilora Retreats in Maasai Mara, Kenya; Via Antwerp in Antwerp, Belgium; and MYTHIC SANA Downtown Suites in Lisbon, Portugal. “I Prefer Hotel Rewards” members earn 2,500 bonus points for eligible stays. The loyalty program has over 6 million members.
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Vrbo Study Reveals 86% of Travelers Will Pay More for Higher-Quality Vacation Rentals, Emphasizing Cleanliness and Responsiveness
30 July 2026🏠 Vrbo’s “Built to Stay Report” surveyed 1,758 vacation rental travelers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, and Australia in April 2026. 92% of Gen Z would pay more for quality listings, prioritizing cleanliness (78%), core amenities (78%), and responsiveness (79%). Trust signals, such as verified reviews (68%), are crucial, with 81% willing to pay more for them. Promotions influence 91% of bookings, highlighting the importance of transparency in pricing.
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Rosewood’s Hôtel de Crillon in Paris Blends Historic Grandeur with Modern Elegance After Extensive Restoration
30 July 2026🏨 In 2013, Rosewood took over the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, giving the historic hotel a modern yet classic touch. Situated on Place de la Concorde in the 8th arrondissement, the hotel features design work by architect Richard Martinet and designers Aline d’Amman, Tristan Auer, and Chahan Minassian. Karl Lagerfeld’s Les Grands Appartements include a unique two-tonne Carrara marble bath. The spa includes a 14-meter pool, and dining options like Nonos by Paul Pairet offer Parisian charm.
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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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Radisson Hotel Group and Accenture Launch AI-Powered Hotel Discovery App on ChatGPT, Covering 1,000+ Properties
28 July 2026💻 Radisson Hotel Group, in partnership with Accenture, launched an AI-driven hotel app in ChatGPT available as @RadissonHotels, allowing travelers to search over 1,000 hotels in 100+ countries through natural conversation. Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research highlights that 87% of travelers are open to AI travel agents, with 71% expecting AI to influence their spending within a year. The app supports agentic commerce, enhancing hotel discovery and direct bookings, aiming for deeper personalization and AI concierge features.
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WoodSpring Suites Ranked #1 Economy Extended Stay Hotel Brand in JD Power 2026 Satisfaction Study for Fifth Year
28 July 2026🛠 In 2026, WoodSpring Suites, part of Choice Hotels International, ranked #1 in the JD Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index for economy extended stay for the fifth consecutive year. Evaluating guest room, facility, connectivity, staff, value, and check-in/out, the study involved 44,787 guests’ responses. WoodSpring Suites has 583 open locations and 293 nationwide, with 280 projects in progress and 29 under construction. Choice Hotels operates over 7,500 properties globally, offering nearly 650,000 rooms in 46 countries.
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Italy’s Luxury Hotels See Up to 40% Revenue from Food and Beverage as Gastronomy Gains Importance
28 July 2026📰 In 2025, Italy’s luxury hotels generated significant F&B revenues, with luxury properties making 25-40% of revenue from F&B. Hotel Villa d’Este earned €115.3 million, with €830 per room from F&B. Rome Cavalieri reported €68 million total revenue with F&B contributing 37%. Italy plans to increase luxury hotels from 760 to 900 by 2029, representing an 18% rise. Relais & Châteaux has over 210 Michelin-starred venues worldwide, showcasing Italy’s culinary prestige.
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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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Crescent Hotels & Resorts Expands Portfolio with Hilton Short Hills Addition in Greater New York Area
23 July 2026🏨 Crescent Hotels & Resorts expanded its portfolio by adding Hilton Short Hills in Short Hills, NJ. The property features 314 rooms, over 21,000 square feet of event space, and a 5,200-square-foot Grand Ballroom. Located near The Mall at Short Hills and 13 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport, the hotel offers dining, pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Crescent operates over 120 properties in the US and Canada, managing upscale Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt hotels.
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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Reports 17% Increase in Net Income and 4% Growth in System-Wide Rooms for Q2 2026
23 July 2026💸 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reported a 2% U.S. RevPAR increase in Q2 2026. System-wide rooms grew by 4%, excluding Revo Hospitality. The development pipeline reached 261,000 rooms, with a 30% FeePAR premium. Net income rose 17% to $102 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased 9% to $212 million. $91 million was generated in operating cash, with $86 million returned to shareholders. Wyndham operates approximately 9,200 hotels in over 95 countries with 110 million loyalty members.
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34th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition Set for November 16 at Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
23 July 2026🎃 This November 16th in Asheville, NC, The Omni Grove Park Inn hosts the 34th National Gingerbread House Competition, attracting thousands. Registration occurs November 14-15, with entries open until November 9. The display welcomes over 20,000 annual visitors. Judging includes Sasha Aleksandra Nary and Rabiha Sami. The exhibit runs until January 3, 2027. Since 2013, the resort donated over $1.4 million from parking proceeds to local nonprofits.
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WorldHotels Adds 110-Room Willow Hotel in Trelleborg, Sweden to Its Crafted Collection for Lifestyle Experiences
23 July 2026🏨 July 23, 2026, Phoenix, Arizona: WorldHotels adds Willow in Trelleborg, Sweden, to its Crafted collection. Opening June 1, Willow offers 110 rooms, a 400-square-meter spa, three restaurants, and event spaces for up to 100 guests. Located in Trelleborg, near Malmö and Copenhagen, the 16-story hotel combines bold architecture and Art Deco interiors. The design merges a modern structure with the 1850 Thelinska Magasinet. Operated by FAB Group AB, it strengthens WorldHotels’ Scandinavian presence.
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Amsterdam Hotel Market Faces Challenges with Declining RevPAR Despite Rising Visitor Numbers in 2024-2025
22 July 2026🏨 In Amsterdam, 2024-2026 sees a hotel market facing challenges like increased city tax (7% to 12.5%) and VAT hikes (9% to 21% in 2026). Tourist arrivals hit 9.3 million in 2024, growing 4.9% from 2023. A 20% rise in bednights by 2025 highlights growing non-hotel accommodations. Investment in 2025 reached €590 million, with Amsterdam leading at 59% of transactions. Future tax hikes could push city taxes to 20% by 2031, impacting pricing strategies amid competitive pressures.
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Hudini Partners with Nobu Hotels to Implement Staff Connect Digital Check-In Across Global Portfolio
20 July 2026💻 20 June 2026: Hudini partners with Nobu Hotels to implement Staff Connect, a digital check-in solution, in its global portfolio. This innovation reduces manual check-in tasks by up to 90% and the check-in process to under two minutes. Initial rollouts began in 2025 at Nobu Hotel Toronto and Barcelona, with more planned for 2026. The solution supports sustainable practices by eliminating paper use, aligning with Nobu Hotels’ commitment to efficient, eco-friendly operations.
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La Vie Hotels & Resorts Appointed to Manage 138-Key Westin Gold Coast Hotel, Opening Late 2029
17 July 2026🏨 La Vie Hotels & Resorts will manage the upcoming Westin Gold Coast Hotel, slated to open in late 2029. Located in a new mixed-use development, the hotel will feature 138 rooms across levels 6 to 25. It offers 115 premium rooms, 23 suites, a signature restaurant, and wellness amenities. This project aligns with Marriott International’s strategic expansion on the Gold Coast, aiming to enhance well-being and hospitality experiences in Australia.
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Rocco Forte Hotels Adopts Sion Platform to Pay Advisor Commissions Within 48 Hours of Processing
17 July 2026💰 Rocco Forte Hotels, as of July 17, 2026, pays advisors within 24-48 hours post-processing via Sion. The industry’s average payment time is 39 days post-checkout, with Onyx CenterSource handling commissions for most. Only 52% of hotels use direct debit, causing delays. Rocco Forte commits to 20-day payments post-checkout. ASTA plans to publish a watchlist for late-paying hotels. Ensure your hotel’s checkout-to-commission timeline is minimized to avoid advisor dissatisfaction.
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Aspen Hospitality Launches Nell Hotels with 2027 Debut in Rockefeller Center and Little Nell Renovation
15 July 2026🏨 Aspen Hospitality will debut Nell Hotels, launching with Nell New York at Rockefeller Center in fall 2027, designed by Rockwell Group. As Manhattan’s sole Relais & Châteaux property, this 134-room hotel will include a fine dining restaurant with Midtown views. Concurrently, the Little Nell in Aspen will close in April 2027 for renovations, reopening for the 2027-2028 winter season. The Little Nell’s wedding services and Residences will remain operational during this period.
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Phocuswright Study: 79-84% of Travelers Prefer Certified Bed Bug-Free Hotels Over Uncertified 5-Star Options
8 July 2026🐞 1,082 leisure and business travelers in the US, UK, and France prioritize bed bug safety over cleanliness and value. 79-84% would choose a certified 4-star hotel over an uncertified 5-star at the same price. 70% in the US and half in the UK and France take bed bug precautions. Certification can boost direct bookings by 30%, with a €9.5bn opportunity if priced into ADR. Up to 30% of US travelers use AI to check bed bug reputations.
