Follow Revinate without the noise. This hub gathers the latest news and product updates around Revinate’s guest data platform, CRM and direct-booking tools for hotels, curated from trusted sources. Stay on top of a leading name in hotel marketing and guest experience.
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Lindsey Ueberroth of Preferred Travel Group Highlights Success of Independent Hotels in Post-“Beigification” Era
6 August 2026📰 In a Hotel Moment podcast episode, Karen Stephens and Lindsey Ueberroth discuss the decline of hotel brand uniformity in favor of unique, independent hotels. Preferred Hotels and Resorts, under Ueberroth’s leadership, includes over 625 hotels across 80 countries. Key trends include a focus on personalized guest experiences, heritage travel, and the role of AI in hospitality. Their Luxury Travel Report highlights the increasing importance of loyalty programs and travel advisors.
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Accor Reports 6.5% Increase in EBITDA for First Half of 2026 Amid Challenging Market Conditions
30 July 2026💼 Accor reported a 2.2% increase in RevPAR for the first half of 2026, with an EBITDA rise of 6.5% to €563 million and a full-year outlook of €1.26 to €1.29 billion. TravelAI acquired Sonder, relaunching it as an AI-powered urban stay guide. Latin America’s hotel pipeline reached 759 projects, with early planning up 22%. The Access Group acquired Talent Funnel, managing 75,000 hires annually. Venice’s Hotel Danieli reopened as a Four Seasons Hotel.
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Luxury Hospitality Shifts Focus from Exclusivity to Human-Centered Experiences, Says Aethos CEO Lily Wecker
30 July 2026📰 In a recent Hotel Moment podcast episode, Dylan Cole from Revinate and Lily Wecker of Aethos discussed evolving luxury trends in hospitality. Aethos recently opened a restaurant in London and targets experiential luxury, attracting mainly Gen Z and Millennials, with over half of their guests under 40. Their approach favors high emotional density over exclusivity, promoting connection and mindfulness. Aethos’ Milan property exemplifies this by encouraging guest interaction. The ultimate goal for Aethos is fostering a sense of belonging.
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Dream Inn Santa Cruz Builds Guest Loyalty Through Storytelling and Personalized Campaigns, Says Director Lydia Bates
16 July 2026🏨 Hotel Moment podcast features Lydia Bates, Director of Sales and Marketing at Dream Inn Santa Cruz, discussing the hotel’s emphasis on human-led hospitality. The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, California, built in the 1960s, offers 165 rooms with ocean views, leveraging storytelling and personalization to boost guest loyalty. The hotel uses pre-arrival communications and local expertise to enhance guest experiences and convert OTA visitors into direct bookers. Creative campaigns like “Ride Out the Storm” address seasonal demand fluctuations.
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Booking Holdings Unifies B2B Wholesale Operations for Booking.com, Agoda, and Priceline, Reselling Hotel Inventory at Scale
15 July 2026🏨 North America hotel guest satisfaction hit a record high of 665/1,000 in JD Power’s 30th study. Hotel restaurant bookings rose 13% annually, with OpenTable highlighting F&B as a key driver. Booking Holdings unified its B2B wholesale model across platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Priceline, reshaping the distribution debate. Urban Cowboy expanded to four hotels over 12 years with zero marketing. Notable openings: Six Senses AMAALA, Beldersoy Resort, Wilde Porto, Mangia’s Sardinia Resort, Hacienda del Mar, and lyf Chinatown Singapore.
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Revinate Launches Ivy, AI Decision Intelligence Layer, Leveraging 17 Years of Hospitality Data and 1.1 Billion Guest Profiles
15 July 2026📈 Frank Trampert joined Revinate nine weeks ago after leaving Sabre. He highlights that Revinate has 1.1 billion guest profiles and 12,500+ customers, leveraging structured guest data for AI models. Revinate’s Chat resolves 80% of queries using property data. The company’s AI, Ivy, intends to automate hotel operations, aiming to double marketing returns by targeting the right audience for $110,000/month. Revinate prioritizes data privacy, aligning with GDPR standards. They launched trust.revinate.com for transparency.
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AI Referral Traffic to Hotel Websites Increases Over 50%, Independent Hotels Benefit Most from Distinctive Content
3 July 2026📊 AI referral traffic to hotel websites surged over 50%, benefiting independent hotels with unique content. U.S. RevPAR rose 9.6% for June 21-27, with notable increases in Miami and San Francisco due to FIFA World Cup matches. Regent’s University London reports 80% of hospitality recruiters overlook graduates for lack of work readiness. Ascott expanded in Vietnam with three property signings, while HARRIS Hotel debuted in Malaysia, and Capella Residences launched in Brisbane.
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Aparium Hotel Group Emphasizes Emotional Connection and Authentic Storytelling Over AI in Hospitality Experience
3 July 2026📰 In 2023, Revinate’s CMO, Karen Stephens, discusses with Dina Niekamp from Aparium Hotel Group how AI is complementing but not replacing the essential human touch in hospitality. Aparium, known for its eight hotels deeply rooted in local communities, embraces emotional connections and authenticity. Aparium’s “fifth meatball” philosophy empowers staff to anticipate guest needs. Their unique “translocal” approach integrates local culture with strong food and beverage offerings, creating memorable guest experiences.
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Hotel Teams Urged to Move Beyond Data Reporting to Drive Growth with AI, Says Sage Hospitality Expert
30 June 2026📈 In a Hotel Moment podcast episode, Karen Stephens, Revinate’s Chief Marketing Officer, interviews Jeff Michael, Area Director of Revenue Management at Sage Hospitality Group, about leveraging data in hospitality. Emphasizing AI’s role, they highlight its potential to enhance guest personalization at scale, aligning revenue, sales, and marketing for profitability. Stephens, based in San Francisco, has been with Revinate for over 11 years, recently transitioning from Chief Revenue Officer after achieving their highest booking in Q4 2023.
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HITEC 2026 Attracts Over 6,100 Attendees, Highlighting AI Accountability and Legal Liabilities in Hospitality Industry
19 June 2026📈 In 2026 at San Antonio’s Henry B. González Convention Center, HITEC hosted over 6,100 hospitality tech professionals and 400 exhibitors across 85,000 square feet. AI’s accountability in hospitality, highlighted by Air Canada’s chatbot liability case, dominated discussions. Hotels face potential legal issues with AI-driven systems, risking antitrust exposure. Meanwhile, Booking.com facilitated €691 billion in European economic activity in 2025, supporting 4.7 million jobs and generating €175 billion in wages. AI and digital engagement remain pivotal industry topics.
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Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol Set to Transform Hotel Booking with AI, Impacting Distribution Strategies for Hoteliers
19 June 2026🛌 In an episode of Hotel Moment, hosts Karen Stephens and Dylan Cole discuss the impact of Google’s expansion into hotel booking with its Universal Commerce Protocol. The next 12 months are crucial for hotel distribution. AI-powered search and agent-to-agent booking are transforming the landscape. Hotels must focus on AI discoverability, clean data, and direct booking strategies. Karen Stephens, with over 25 years in hospitality tech, leads Revinate’s marketing efforts and hosts the podcast.
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Google Expands Hotel Booking with Universal Commerce Protocol, Revolutionizing AI-Driven Hotel Discovery and Distribution
19 June 2026🛒 Hosts Karen Stephens and Dylan Cole explore Google’s expansion into hotel bookings through its Universal Commerce Protocol on ‘Hotel Moment.’ They discuss AI’s impact on hotel bookings and the upcoming 12 crucial months for hotel distribution. Key themes include AI-powered search, OTA roles, and strategies for hotels to enhance discoverability and trust. Karen, with 25 years in hospitality tech, has led Revinate’s marketing efforts, achieving a record-breaking booking quarter in Q4 2023.
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HITEC 2026 Highlights: Hotels Absorb Wage Pressure with 2.3% Efficiency Gains Without Increased Headcount in Q1.
18 June 2026📊 HITEC 2026 Day Three in San Antonio saw eight startups pitch innovations, and a closed-door round table with hotel CIOs highlighted disagreements on AI readiness. Q1 2026 labor data from Actabl found cost per occupied room rose 1.8%, while hours per room dropped 2.3%, showcasing efficiency gains. Design Hotels added 16 Palisociety properties across nine U.S. cities, expanding its North American presence by over 1,000 keys. The hospitality industry’s focus on human connection is reflected in evolving legal frameworks.
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Marriott Launches Ask Bonvoy AI for 283 Million Members, Signals Shift in Direct Booking Strategy
17 June 2026💻 Marriott announced the beta launch of Ask Bonvoy, a conversational AI tool for 283 million members, with a full rollout planned later in 2026. At HITEC 2026, held in San Antonio, the industry debated AI’s impact on costs, brand survival, and human roles, feeling both excited and unsettled. Zenzap CEO Guy Weiss highlighted risks of using WhatsApp for hotel ops, suggesting specific communication tools to reduce staff turnover by up to 50%. Revinate launched Ivy, enhancing guest communication efficiency.
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Revinate Unveils AI Platform Ivy at HITEC 2026; Trained on 1.1 Billion Guest Profiles for Enhanced Hotel Revenue
17 June 2026💻 HITEC 2026, San Antonio: Revinate unveils Ivy, an AI platform trained on 17 years of hospitality data and 1.1 billion guest profiles. It automates tasks, resolving 80% of routine guest inquiries and saving 30 hours monthly in call scoring. CEO Bryson Koehler emphasizes Ivy’s ability to enhance decision-making and streamline operations. By evolving Ivy, Revinate aims to shift focus from software management to strategic guest engagement, leveraging data for personalized communication and revenue growth. Booth 3418 showcases Ivy from…
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Revinate Launches AI-Powered Call Scoring and Chat Tools for Hospitality with 96% Accuracy Unveiled at HITEC 2026
17 June 2026📱 In July 2026, Revinate unveiled AI-powered capabilities at HITEC 2026 in San Antonio. Ivy, their AI, which draws from 17 years and 1.1 billion guest profiles, powers these tools. Call Scoring with Ivy automates call assessments, saving supervisors 30+ hours monthly. It boasts a 96% accuracy rate. Revinate Chat resolves 80% of guest inquiries, enhancing guest interaction and security. General availability for Call Scoring is July 2026, and Revinate Chat launches September 1, 2026.
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Wilhelm Luxem Discusses Integrating Technology to Enhance Service in Luxury Hotels on Hotel Moment Podcast
17 June 2026🏨 In a conversation on Hotel Moment, Wilhelm Luxem, with a 50-year career in luxury hospitality, emphasizes technology’s role in enhancing service. His approach includes a two-week training rule and addressing the demand for personalized experiences, aiming to maintain authentic human connections. Karen Stephens, Revinate’s Chief Marketing Officer with over 25 years in hospitality tech, hosts the podcast. In her current role, she led Revinate to its highest booking quarter in Q4 2023.
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Capture and convert FIFA World Cup demand and win more direct revenue
29 April 2026This post was originally published on this site.Hosted by ’s Karen Stephens, Hotel Moment is a podcast series focused on the strategies, technologies, and trends shaping modern hospitality. In this episode, Hotel Mogel’s Adam Mogelonsky joins the conversation to discuss how hotels can capture and convert FIFA World Cup demand into long-term direct revenue through smarter pricing, data strategy, guest engagement, and direct booking optimization. Click here to listen to the full episode. The post Capture and convert FIFA World Cup demand…
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Hotel Competitor Analysis: Key Strategies for Pricing, Marketing, and Improving Guest Experiences
20 April 2026🏨 Hotel competitor analysis is key for strategic decisions in pricing, marketing, and services by evaluating rivals’ market positions. Essential metrics include ADR, RevPAR, and review scores. Effective analysis involves pricing strategies, guest experience, digital presence, and reputation monitoring. Tools like RateGain and STR aid in tracking competition. AI enhances competitor monitoring, with case studies showing up to 15% revenue increases. Common pitfalls include blindly copying competitors and ignoring indirect rivals like Airbnb.
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Fragmented Guest Data Limits Hotels’ Revenue Growth by Hindering Personalization and Effective Demand Conversion
27 March 2026📈 Mar 27, 2026, hotel marketing faces challenges not due to lack of tools, but because of fragmented guest data systems. Disconnected data impedes personalization and revenue growth by not forming a complete guest profile. Hotels underutilize existing data, leading to ineffective generic campaigns. Segmentation based on behavior can enhance conversion rates. Investing in AI without unified data is ineffective. Core channels like email and search remain crucial, and guest data influences hotels’ visibility in AI-driven searches.
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The 2026 Revinate Hospitality Benchmark report is live — with channel-level insights
12 March 2026The report analyzed 2.8 billion emails and 4.3 million calls globally, revealing newsletters achieve 33.6% open rates and cart abandonment campaigns convert at 5-6%.
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Storey Hotel Management Boosts Direct Bookings by 50% Using Email Microsegmentation and Timely Campaigns
3 March 2026📧 Jonathan Holcomb, VP at Storey Hotel Management Group, shared strategies to combat email fatigue affecting hotel marketing. In the Bay Area, Chicago, Anguilla, and Fiji, his team uses email microsegmentation, leveraging a CRM to create over 50 targeted marketing journeys. This approach personalizes emails based on guest data, improving open rates and conversions. Timing is crucial; effective campaigns involve sending emails at strategic intervals, considering guest context to maximize engagement and reduce cart abandonment.
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Recast: How technology is transforming hotel data security | with Matthijs Welle
19 February 2026Guest data is your hotel’s most valuable asset — and today’s attackers know it. That’s why this week on Hotel Moment, we revisit a conversation with Bryson Koehler, CEO of Revinate, and Matthijs Welle, CEO of Mews, to explain why data security is even more relevant in 2026.
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7 Proven Strategies to Boost Direct Bookings and Outpace OTAs in 2026
17 February 2026📅 In 2026, over two-thirds of travelers still use OTAs like Booking.com, but there’s a shift as one-third are open to AI travel assistants for bookings. Hotels need to leverage strategies to win direct bookings, focusing on personal connections and perks. Tactics include collecting data from OTA guests, engaging pre-check-in, using AI for visibility, offering unique perks, integrating AI agents for bookings, and leveraging guest reviews. Direct strategies must prioritize relationships, personalization, and value.
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The Customer is Always Right
9 February 2026🛠 In London, 1909, Harry Gordon Selfridge opened his innovative department store, introducing the “customer is always right” philosophy. This reshaped retail and hospitality, but caused employee burnout and financial abuse. By the 1980s, Ritz-Carlton adopted a similar model, risking operational collapse. Today, 42% of hotel managers comp stays to avoid bad reviews, costing up to $500,000 annually. Progressive hotels are now balancing guest experience with staff dignity, using tech to prevent manipulation.
