2026 is the year of the brand evolution

In 2025, hospitality experienced its first true channel shift in consumer behavior since the introduction of smartphones. AI-driven booking channels and large language models (LLMs) moved from experimentation to influence, reshaping how travelers discover, evaluate, and choose hotels. This was not simply a new distribution channel, it was a fundamental...

The Customer Service Department Isn’t Broken – The System Is

I’ve been monitoring my customer service experiences with the brands I do business with a little more closely than usual. And I’ve made numerous calls to airlines, mobile phone carriers, electronics companies, and more. I’ve found that people are typically friendly and do their best to support me. To clear...

The Commodore Motel to Open in Mystic, CT, in Spring 2026

Located in Mystic, Connecticut, the new 59-room Commodore Motel is set to open in spring 2026. Originally opened in 1965 as a motor lodge, the newly reimagined boutique motel is undergoing a complete transformation into a vibrant, design-forward coastal retreat in one of New England’s most beloved seaside destinations.

Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas Unveils Inspired Renovation as Part of Visionary Growth

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas has taken a bold step toward the future with a remarkable transformation that includes reimagined pools, revitalized entertainment spaces, and renewed culinary destinations. Far beyond mere upgrades, the renovation reaffirms a longstanding commitment to delivering extraordinary vacation experiences—for both today’s...

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Coming to Deer Valley East Village in Park City, Utah in 2028

New York-based Extell Development Company, a full-service national real estate developer of residential, commercial, and hospitality properties, and Hilton (NYSE: HLT), a leading global hospitality company, today announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences. Expected to debut in 2028, the ski-in, ski-out resort will be located...

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa at Indian Wells Completes Multi-Million-Dollar Reinvestment Program

Embracing the spirit and raw beauty of the desert, Renaissance Esmerelda Resort & Spa - an iconic Coachella Valley retreat known for its immersive experiences - has completed a multi-million-dollar reinvestment program. The 560-room resort’s comprehensive transformation delivers a vibrant, contemporary refresh across public areas, meeting rooms, ballrooms and foyers,...