A Decade of Innovation in Just One Year: Seven Surprising Ways the Pandemic Has Changed Hotels Forever

For more than a century, Hilton has pioneered many of the elements that define the hospitality industry today. In the last year, the pandemic has accelerated our innovation engine – we’ve thought of it as a decade of change in just 12 months. And though the experience in our hotels will be different as people begin to travel more freely, our Team Members around the world are eager to welcome our guests, sharing the light and warmth of our hospitality once again.“ – Chris Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton

After more than a year of canceling family vacations, postponing bucket-list trips or attending virtual conferences, travelers are looking forward to packing their suitcases and making new memories with family and friends. In fact, Hilton’s recent To New Memories campaign revealed that 94% of Americans surveyed plan on doing just that once travel restrictions lift, and that 91% of those who travel say that their hotel experiences are a memorable part of their trip. 

But how has the pandemic changed that hotel experience? And what can travelers expect as they hit the road now and in years to come?

Marriott International Teams With Shinhan Card and Visa For Korea’s First-Ever Co-Branded Hotel Credit Card

‘Marriott Bonvoy The BEST Shinhan Card’ combines the competitive advantages of a major card company with the reach and choice of the highly awarded travel program

Marriott International today announced the launch of Marriott Bonvoy® The BEST Shinhan Card, offered exclusively by Visa, enabling cardholders to accelerate the number of Marriott Bonvoy points they earn, which can be redeemed for free nights at more than 7,600 hotels across 30 extraordinary brands around the world. This launch is set to be the first hotel industry credit card in South Korea where Cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy member benefits that come with elite status.

Super 8 Teams Up with Actor Oliver Hudson to Inspire Travellers to #JourneySafe

Award-winning, PSA-style campaign gets reimagined to promote safe travel as increasing numbers of travellers prepare for a return to the open road ......<

Super 8® by Wyndham, one of the world’s largest economy hotel brands, today unveiled the latest instalment of its award-winning #JourneySafe campaign. Featuring the voice of actor, family man and avid road-tripper Oliver Hudson, the reimagined, multi-channel campaign—best known for its use of iconic dashboard bobbleheads—takes a light-hearted, PSA-style approach to promote the continued importance of safe and responsible travel.

#JourneySafe returns as millions of travellers—many showing increasing levels of consumer confidence—look to balance a new willingness to travel with the continued desire to do so safely.

According to a recent third-party travel study shared by the United States Travel Association with its members, close to 9 out of 10 American travellers now have travel plans in the next six months1.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues its growth programme.....

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company by number of properties with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries, continues to cement its presence across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA) with a series of recent hotel launches and a strong line-up of openings for 2021.

In a year of historic challenges for the travel industry, in 2020 Wyndham achieved 38 new hotel signings in the region, a host of important openings, in addition to launching multi-faceted initiatives to support and empower hotel partners across EMEA to help re-build demand in response to changes and on-going travel restrictions.

Some of Wyndham’s key 2020 openings included the European expansion of Ramada by Wyndham in Madrid, Valencia, Leeds and Budapest and continued momentum in India and Pakistan. Other highlights included the expansion of La Quinta by Wyndham in Turkey, and the debut of the Super 8 by Wyndham brand in the UAE alongside more openings in Germany.

Hollywood Beach redevelopment gets top ranking.

A top 10 ranking in Conde Nast Traveler, AAA Four Diamond status and resilience through the pandemic have proven the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort to be one of the best public/private redevelopment projects in the nation.

Margaritaville looking east from the Intracoastal. (Photo: Lojeta Group of Fla. Inc.)

Best Practice Cities (www.bestpracticecities.com) Founding principal Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, while serving as City Manager for Hollywood Florida, steered the project through uncharted and difficult waters. Her leadership created not only the #7 resort among all Florida resorts ranked by Conde Nast readers but also an anchor for redevelopment and reinvestment that has kept hundreds of small businesses on Hollywood Beach alive even in unmatched challenges during COVID-19. The Margaritaville development created hundreds of jobs, a revenue stream for the city that will be worth hundreds of millions and an activity generator that has boosted tourism in the historic beach district between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

Hyatt continues to expand brand presence of independent hotels in Canada with new hotel joining JdV by Hyatt brand this week and another slated to join later this year

Loft king at The Anndore House (Photo: Business Wire)

Hyatt Hotels announced the continued expansion of the JdV by Hyatt brand with The Anndore House joining the brand this week and plans for The Walper Hotel to join the brand later this year. This milestone signifies the JdV by Hyatt brand’s intentional growth in a new market while offering experiences in places that matter most to guests, members, customers and owners. While the brand has 14 properties across the United States and China, The Anndore House marks its debut in Toronto today, and The Walper Hotel is currently slated to join the JdV by Hyatt brand this May.

Hyatt Hotels expanding in India

Hyatt expects to grow its Indian brand portfolio by more than 70% through 2023, with six new hotels set to open in 2021 across the Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place brands

Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced plans to grow its brand footprint in India – one of Hyatt’s top three growth markets globally – by more than 70% by 2023. With over 20 executed managed and franchised agreements, Hyatt will add more than 3,600 keys to its existing portfolio of 32 Hyatt-branded hotels across eight distinct brands in the country, including the Andaz, Alila, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, and Hyatt Place brands.

This ambitious growth in India is fueled by an ever-increasing demand from guests, World of Hyatt members, customers, and owners to offer unique and differentiated hotel experiences. This announcement signals significant intentional growth plans for Hyatt, bringing the number of Hyatt-branded hotels in India to more than 50 by the end of 2023, resulting in a more diverse portfolio of hotel offerings in new and existing markets.

All roads lead to Nashville: The nation’s fourth-largest hotel owner-operator welcomes NASCAR fans to its newly acquired properties..........

Tru and Home2 Suites by Hilton Near the Nashville Superspeedway

The ultimate pit-stop! MCR, the fourth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the 167-room dual-branded Tru by Hilton Smyrna Nashville and Home2 Suites by Hilton Smyrna Nashville in Tennessee.

The hotels are located less than 10 miles from the Nashville Superspeedway, the internationally renowned motor racing complex with the oldest continually operating track in the United States. On Saturday, June 19, the track hosts the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, its first NASCAR event since 2011. And for the first time in 40 years, the NASCAR Cup Series comes to Middle Tennessee with the Ally 400 race on Sunday, June 20. (It’s Father’s Day weekend — hint, hint.)

The first Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Belgium set to open.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts celebrates the opening of Hotel Avenue Louise Brussels, its first Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel in Belgium. The new property is situated in the heart of Brussels, close to many of the capital’s landmarks and attractions, making it the ideal destination for travellers looking to explore the history and culture of the city. 

Christian Michel, Vice President for Development Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said: “This new opening marks an exciting step in expanding our Trademark Collection by Wyndham portfolio in Europe and around the world. Our Trademark brand is an important part of our conversion strategy. It brings our powerful scale and world-class capabilities to independent hoteliers seeking the competitive advantage of a global hospitality company.”

Hotel Avenue Louise Brussels, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is situated in one of the city’s most popular areas, meters away from the trendy shopping district of Avenue Louise, and within walking distance of many iconic attractions including the historic Grand-Place, the Horta Museum, as well as the famous Manneken Pis statue. The local area offers guests bars, restaurants and traditional bistros, all within walking distance from the hotel.

Massive growth for Hyatt Hotels

The milestone debut of Alila Napa Valley demonstrates Hyatt’s ongoing commitment to growing with intent in places that matter most to travellers.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the official opening of Hyatt’s 1,000th hotel worldwide, Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Founder Jay Pritzker purchased the first Hyatt hotel in 1957 with a new vision for hospitality, built around people. Since then, Hyatt’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best has driven groundbreaking hotel designs, the award-winning World of Hyatt guest loyalty program and strategic brand acquisitions. Today, this milestone reinforces Hyatt’s continued commitment to intentional growth in places that matter most to guests, members, customers, and owners.

Marking the expansion of Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle Alila brand portfolio with the brand’s second property in the Americas, Alila Napa Valley offers guests crafted luxury, innovative design, and bespoke experiences in one of the world’s most famous wine regions. The 68-room adults-only restorative retreat is surrounded by the pristine Home Vineyards of the Beringer Estate and features an outdoor pool overlooking adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, a seasonally driven restaurant and bar with a local, sustainable menu and Spa Alila and Fitness Center with transformative, customized treatments.

Pioneering new immersive lifestyle destination at the convergence of travel, fitness and wellbeing....... say hello to SIRO

Kerzner International, the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resort & Residences and ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts worldwide, continues to innovate with the introduction of a new hospitality experience, SIRO. Conceived with fitness and wellbeing at the core, SIRO will be an immersive lifestyle destination, blending the boundaries between hospitality, fitness, and wellness through a fresh perspective and energizing experiences. SIRO will create a collective global community of like-minded individuals who live a high-performance lifestyle passionate about driving achievement and living their fullest potential.

“We have always been pioneers, true disruptors within the hospitality space. We have built destinations through the personalities of our brands and understanding our guests’ journey, creating a meaningful legacy,” commented Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “We look forward to continuing the improvement of people’s lives with the introduction of SIRO. We recognize that holistic health is more important than ever, and the primary focus of SIRO will be exceptional fitness and wellness to support a modern and balanced global lifestyle, delivered with our renowned service in a transformative and nurturing urban environment. As innovators, we are always looking to revolutionize the guest experience and anticipate travellers’ needs. We felt the time was right to introduce the SIRO concept to the world as we continue the strategic growth of the Company. We look forward to SIRO becoming part of key cities around the world.”

SIRO (pronounced Sigh-Row) represents the pillars of Strength, Inclusive, Reflection and Original:

Strength

to always be resilient and committed to become the best version of yourself

Inclusive

to always celebrate the diversity of people and their passions

Reflection

to always nurture harmony, balance, and wellbeing

Original

to always challenge convention and elevate experiences

Hilton to offer COVID-19 testing and screening options for event attendees

After booking a meeting or event at any U.S. property, planners gain access to third-party providers with COVID-19 tests and health screening options

Event planners continue to look to hospitality industry leaders for solutions that help simplify the complex task of organizing in-person or hybrid events in the current environment – particularly as it relates to COVID-19 testing and health screenings. Throughout the pandemic, Hilton has been listening and responding to the needs of its customers, and now the world’s most hospitable company is providing event planners with COVID-19 testing and health screening resources for their event attendees.

“As more customers book in-person meetings and events, there has been a steady increase in requests and questions around COVID-19 testing and screening options for event attendees,” said Frank Passanante, senior vice president, Hilton Worldwide Sales, Americas. “In response, we expanded the resources within our Hilton EventReady Playbook to include third-party providers that can deliver a seamless experience and offer preferential pricing to our event planners.”

Wyndham developments

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries and territories – announced today the first groundbreaking of its new La Quinta and Hawthorn Suites dual-brand hotel concept in Pflugerville, Texas. This marks the first-ever pairing of these two flags under the same roof and enables owners to target both the business transient and extended-stay demand within any given market. The company has 36 La Quinta and Hawthorn dual-branded hotels in its development pipeline in markets such as San Antonio and El Paso, Texas; Yuma, Ariz.; Wichita, Kan.; Charlotte, N.C.

The property is slated to open in March 2022 with a combined 100 guestrooms – 30 of which will feature the recently updated Hawthorn room design that includes modern, well-equipped kitchens for extended-stay guests. This hotel will also feature the newly refreshed room design from La Quinta’s sought-after Del Sol prototype in 70 rooms.  This new dual-brand hotel concept is designed to streamline development and operational costs. The concept includes a shared lobby, spacious modern great room, fitness centre, bar, amenities, and back of the house all while appealing to the multiple types of travellers that have an affinity for these brands. The combination enhances Wyndham’s suite of offerings for developers by coupling its leading upper-midscale brand, La Quinta, with its benchmark, extended-stay Hawthorn Suites brand that reported a 44 percent year-over-year increase in domestic contract executions during 2020.

Massive global development for Hyatt Hotels

Intentional growth of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands demonstrates Hyatt’s commitment to expanding these brands to key global destinations

-Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the global growth of its independent collection brands, including recent openings and development plans through 2025 across The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands. This growth reinforces Hyatt’s focus on continuing to immerse guests, members and customers into cultures and destinations that matter most to them.

Hyatt’s independent collection brands encompass diverse properties, each true to its destination and offering the modern traveller enriching experiences in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s a luxury hotel in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand with a rich history, a boutique JdV by Hyatt hotel inspired by its vibrant neighbourhood, or an immersive resort retreat within the Destination by Hyatt brand, each hotel delivers one-of-a-kind guest experiences for every occasion.

“With each new hotel opening under Hyatt’s three independent collection brands, we are encouraging unique discovery of the local culture or history of the hotel’s location, truly illustrating the spirit of these three distinct brands,” said Katie Johnson, global brand leader, independent collection, Hyatt. “Learning from our guests, members, and customers is key to Hyatt. Each of these hotels accelerates our efforts to expand our independent collections in markets that reach travellers and surprise locals with captivating experiences.”

W Hotel Melbourne opens...

It’s time to press play. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, opened the doors to Melbourne’s first luxury lifestyle hotel – W Melbourne – at 408 Flinders Lane. In the heart of an eclectic dining and edgy fashion district, W Melbourne brings the community’s iconic laneway culture and emerging music scene to life. Inspired by the contrasts of the city, the hotel slowly reveals itself to visitors as guests peel back layers to unearth the unique personality of each space.

“Melbourne is the perfect locale for the playfully luxe spirit of the W brand and we could not be more excited to unveil this highly anticipated hotel to the world,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. ”From its unique, locally inspired design to its eclectic lineup of restaurants and bars, W Melbourne is destined to redefine the luxury hotel scene here and become a must-go destination for travelers and local scene-stealers alike.”

Marriott Bonvoy's Latest Global Promotion Offers Twice as Much

Along with February’s arrival comes a new global promotion from Marriott Bonvoy making it easier and quicker for members to achieve elite status and redeem points for free nights at 7,500 participating hotels globally, gift cards and experiences. Members will receive double elite night credits and double points earned for stays of two nights or longer that occur between February 16 – April 27, 2021 at properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy. To take advantage, members must register here for the promotion before April 13, 2021.

Members can achieve higher elite status even quicker with this promotion when combined with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy’s co-branded credit cards from American Express and JPMorgan Chase, which offer 15 Elite Night Credits annually. Terms apply. To learn more about the cards, please visit here.

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun debuts in picturesque Costa Mujeres

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun debuts in picturesque Costa Mujeres

Overview of Planet Hollywood Cancun

Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest all-inclusive luxury property, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun, on Friday, January 29, 2021. Featuring an array of amenities, services and A-list exclusives, the highly anticipated resort transforms the everyday all-inclusive vacation into a blockbuster getaway.

"It's been an amazing journey leading my all-star cast of employees to prepare for the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun," said General Manager Jonathan Iriarte. “The Planet Hollywood brand is dedicated to delivering unique and memorable experiences, and with this new resort we wanted to rewrite the script on what an all-inclusive vacation should look like. We can’t wait for our guests to experience the resort’s VIP line-up of features and attractions."

Situated in the exclusive resort enclave of Costa Mujeres, a charming, pristine peninsula just north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun invites travelers to Vacation Like a Star™ in one of Mexico’s most beautiful beachfront locations, surrounded by turquoise waters and sprawling mangroves. With 898-luxury suites, world-class restaurants and modern wellness features, plus curated entertainment-themed experiences and authentic Hollywood memorabilia, it is the ideal resort for families, couples, friends and business professionals looking for a getaway like no other.

A range of exciting PH Experiences will allow guests to discover the wonders of Costa Mujeres while the resort's PH Attractions set the stage for action-packed features on-site – including four swimming pools, a lazy river, Shipwreck Cove and Jurassic Splash Park, FlowRider® surf simulator, Labyrinth, a mini-golf course and the first-of-its-kind Planet Play Adventure Park. Children can enjoy supervised activities at the Stars Kids Club™, a unique kids club program designed to spark the imagination of younger guests, and the whole family can catch a front row seat at the theater to watch fan-favorite movies and classic films.

Delivering today’s hottest culinary trends from the resort’s ‘Crave – World of Flavors’ program, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun‘s selection of 11 restaurants, including celebrity Chef Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, will take guests on a culinary adventure spanning from Mexico to Japan, Italy and India. Guests can also enjoy a Chef’s Table experience featuring a personal Chef and custom crafted menu of dishes catered to each person’s unique tastes. Another new venue, Studio Disco Bar & Lounge is the perfect place to live the VIP experience and dance the night away in paradise. With everything from specialty coffees to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, Planet Hollywood is committed to providing a memorable, highlight-reel worthy experience for each and every guest.

Additional all-star features and amenities include:

• The PH Spa, inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, which promises total relaxation and rejuvenation with deep immersive therapies, soothing massages, showers, a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and an ice fountain.

• The resort’s professionally designed wellness program, PHIT, which brings active vacationers top-trending fitness regimes straight from Hollywood.

• The state-of-the-art PUMPED Fitness Centre which offers first-class workouts with professional instructors, daily classes and the latest cardio and strength-training equipment. The resort also features tennis courts and a world-class outdoor facility.

• A modern and spacious Convention Center that will transform any conference or board meeting into a full red-carpet experience, with a capacity of up to 1,300 guests.

• A variety of wedding packages fit for the big screen, plus on-site wedding coordinators to take care of all the details.

• Monthly special events and daily activities for guests of all ages, from Hollywood Tribute Nights to Retro Wednesdays.

• Signature brand offerings, including the Your Soundtrack™ music program, where guests can curate a soundtrack for their vacation and Plugged-In™, a personal command center to help guests do anything from ordering room service to booking excursions, along with free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

• Other brand offerings include the Main Event Guarantee™, allowing guests to catch all major events in real time and STAR Class™, delivering the full star experience with exclusive amenities and extraordinary service.

Introducing a new way to Vacation like a Star™, Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun, the brand’s first-ever adults-only resort-within-a-resort concept, allows guests 18 years and older to enjoy Planet Hollywood’s signature celebrity-inspired experience in an exclusive resort setting. This upscale oasis is comprised of 332 suites with A-lister amenities including hand-crafted PHabulous Beds™, ceiling-mounted rain showers and plush bathrobes and slippers. Adult Scene also features its own private beachfront and pool area, complete with a swim-up bar and waiter service, two specialty restaurants reserved exclusively for Adult Scene guests – the Braza Grill & Churrascaria and Catch Seafood Restaurant – in addition to full access to the amenities and facilities at the wider Planet Hollywood resort.

For more information or to book your all-inclusive vacation, visit www.planethollywoodhotels.com

Hyatt Offers More Seamless Travel Experience With Complimentary COVID-19 Testing for Guests at Latin America Resorts Traveling to the U.S.

Hyatt Offers More Seamless Travel Experience With Complimentary COVID-19 Testing for Guests at Latin America Resorts Traveling to the U.S.

Driven by Hyatt’s purpose of care and to support the wellbeing of guests, World of Hyatt members and customers, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that all 19 Hyatt resorts in Latin America have arranged for complimentary on-property COVID-19 testing through May 31, 2021, for guests travelling to the U.S. This is valid for up to two registered guests per guestroom per stay at 19 participating resorts in Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and South America. 

In addition, Hyatt hotels in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America are extending a Travel Delay Rate to guests who cannot complete their travel due to test-related reasons, representing up to a 50% savings on standard rates (excluding Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara properties) and up to a 30% discount on food and beverage (excluding alcohol). These special offers serve as an extension of Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment, which enhances operational practices at Hyatt hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, with guest and colleague wellbeing as a top priority.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts opens its first hotel in Nepal.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries, continues to expand its global footprint with its entry into Nepal via the newly opened 90-room Ramada® Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu-Thamel.

Located in the center of Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, the newly built hotel opened earlier this week and is part of a vibrant rejuvenation project of the city’s commercial center, close to top attractions and cultural wonders such as the base camp for Mount Everest, the Garden of Dreams, Ason Bazaar at Kathmandu Durbar Square and other popular destinations in the city.

This latest opening builds on Wyndham’s continued commitment to growth for the sub-Indian continent. With more than 50 properties currently in the Indian sub-continent, the opening of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu-Thamel is another welcome footstep towards the Company’s continued expansion plans.

Inside the best hotel in America...................Grand Hyatt Nashville

Grand Hyatt Nashville was named the best new hotel in America, according to USA TODAY readers who voted in the media outlet’s 10Best poll.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the best new hotel in the country, particularly during such a challenging year and so soon after our grand opening,” said Joe Melton, acting general manager of Grand Hyatt Nashville. “It’s an honour to be part of the Music City community that continues to show such resilience and strength, and we look forward to welcoming many more guests in 2021. Thank you to USA Today readers for their support!”

Check availability or get more information here.

Grand Hyatt Nashville, which opened October 2020 in the heart of the expansive 18-acre Nashville Yards development, is home to one of the tallest outdoor rooftop lounges in Nashville, a fifth-floor pool deck overlooking downtown, world-class spa R+R Wellness, and multiple culinary experiences – including The Nashville Grange, a Tennessee-to-table restaurant featuring locally-sourced dishes, and a new “contemporary renditions of luxury favourites” concept from James Beard Award-Winning chef Sean Brock called The Continental.