Latest news with #Hospitality
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Noble Investment Group acquires 16 WoodSpring Suites hotels
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Noble Investment Group acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites hotels, an extended stay brand under Choice Hotels International, the Atlanta-based real estate investment firm announced Wednesday. Noble did not share terms of the deal, and did not immediately respond to a Hotel Dive request for comment. Noble said the acquisitions, which occurred through two portfolio transactions, further advance its platform of branded extended stay hotels — 'an asset class at the convergence of hospitality, mobility, and America's accelerating demand for flexible, cost-efficient living solutions.' The firm is no stranger to the brand, having previously snapped up a multiproperty portfolio of WoodSpring Suites in 2023. Noble Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer Ben Brunt said the acquisitions are part of the firm's bid to scale 'a high-margin, service-light platform that delivers brand-backed reliability without the burden of traditional leases.' Noble has a $6 billion portfolio in the U.S., including properties under multiple hotel companies' extended stay brands. The firm called its extended stay platform 'purpose-built for today's evolving economy.' Last year, the firm announced a $1 billion final close for its Noble Hospitality Fund V, a real estate fund focused on investments in select-service and extended stay hotels. In 2023, Noble acquired a 10-hotel portfolio of WoodSpring Suites properties across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. At the time, the company said it had acquired 48 hotels in the select-service and extended stay spaces over the prior two years. 'It became clear, as we moved through the pandemic, that the [extended stay] segment of the hospitality business, specifically the economy and midscale segments, were the most resilient from an occupancy standpoint, and it has the potential, if properly run, to be the most profitable segment relative to gross operating profit margins,' Brunt told Hotel Dive in 2023. Noble has also built multiple properties under Marriott International's StudioRes extended stay brand, which launched in 2023. Select-service and extended stay hotels 'dominated' in terms of hotel transactions closed in the first quarter of 2025, according to JLL. The segment is poised for investment wins this year given its 'durable returns in a volatile market,' JLL reported earlier this year. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hospitality Net
2 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Iconic Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki Becomes Hawaii's First Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton on the island of O'ahu, has officially joined Hilton as the first Tapestry Collection property in Hawai'i. Situated at the gateway to Waikiki, this beloved hotel blends a legacy of local charm with Hilton's globally renowned hospitality and expansive benefits. The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki is operated by Highgate, who continues to bring its expertise as a premier real estate and hospitality management company to the islands of Hawai'i. The collaboration marks a new chapter that honors the hotel's deep roots in the community while introducing guests to the distinctive, story-driven spirit of the Tapestry Collection. With magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head and the island's lush mountain ranges, The Ambassador—formerly Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador—feels like staying with a friend who knows all the best local spots. Its legacy of warm hospitality and thoughtful design is now elevated through the power of Hilton Honors' award-winning loyalty program. With its debut in Hawai'i, Tapestry Collection by Hilton introduces its signature, community-focused approach to one of the world's most iconic and culturally rich destinations. Rooted in a culture of warm, intuitive service, The Ambassador's "This Is How We Waikiki" approach reflects a local philosophy—welcoming every guest like a friend, sharing insider knowledge, and creating moments that feel both effortless and memorable. This guest-first philosophy extends beyond service—it's reflected in every detail of the hotel's design, atmosphere and sense of place. The Ambassador's newly-renovated, mid-century design celebrates the modern spirit of Waikiki with subtle nods to the property's founding origins dating back to the 1960s. The 368-room hotel offers a range of accommodations—from spacious two-bedroom suites to Waikiki's only lofted bunk-bed rooms—designed with families and groups in mind. Interiors feature a tropical-inspired palette reflecting Oʻahu's natural beauty, with thoughtful touches that immerse guests in the colors, textures and relaxed rhythm of island life. Expansive lanais, cozy lounge areas and private retreats elevate the experience, while a custom lava rock wall in the lobby pays tribute to Hawaii's volcanic landscape. The exterior preserves the hotel's iconic heritage, blending past and present seamlessly. The Ambassador offers a variety of onsite programming and elevated amenities included in each stay. Waikiki Swim & Social Club, the hotel's retro-inspired, expansive pool and cabana deck, offers an all-day menu of tropical beverages, locally inspired bites and breezy vibes reflective of the island's energy. Guests enjoy palm-fringed views, private cabanas and a refreshing dip in the sun-soaked pool. Start the day with a workout at the fully equipped fitness center or take part in weekly poolside pilates classes. Beach Candy Waikiki offers guests easy-access and essential beach rentals and bike cruisers, while the hotel's community stewardship initiatives help improve the local area, such as the King Kalakaua Park clean-up in partnership with the City of Honolulu. Favorite Son, the hotel's laid-back indoor-outdoor dining destination, serves up hearty comfort food with island flair, including gourmet sandwiches, deep-dish-style square pizzas and fresh salads. Designed for both locals and travelers on the go, it's a place to refuel, relax and savor the flavors of Waikiki with zero pretense and plenty of personality. Guests unplug early with a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring craft cocktails, light bites and live local entertainment. This playful yet purposeful programming underscores the hotel's mission to be a launchpad for discovering the local lifestyle. The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will be part of Hilton Honors, the company's award-winning guest loyalty program. Hilton Honors members can earn points through stays. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app. To learn more and book your stay, visit The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton's website and follow @ambassadorwaikiki. Hotel website
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Agoda and GSTC Launch Free Digital Training Platform to Empower Hoteliers with Sustainability Skills
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), has launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a free digital training platform designed to equip current and aspiring hoteliers with practical sustainability tools and knowledge. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for sustainable accommodation options from increasingly sustainability-conscious travelers while driving transformation within Asia's hotel industry. The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers localized and tailored content to tackle the unique sustainability challenges faced by the region. The platform features interactive learning exercises, case studies, assessments, and discussion boards to create an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Learning modules focus on how to attract sustainability-minded guests and develop sustainability strategies with insights and case studies from hotels across Asia. Available in English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian, the platform ensures accessibility for a broad audience of hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia. The self-paced platform allows participants to complete training modules at their convenience, making it ideal for busy hospitality professionals. Upon successful completion, participants receive a completion certificate jointly issued by GSTC and Agoda, formally recognizing their enhanced sustainability knowledge and skills. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, shared, "Through the Sustainable Tourism Academy, Agoda and GSTC are equipping hoteliers to drive meaningful change within the industry. Agoda is committed to scaling up this initiative, and by offering this platform free of charge, we're making sustainability education accessible, practical, and impactful for everyone in the Asian hospitality sector, from kitchen staff to general managers." Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer at Global Sustainable Tourism Council, added, "By providing free access to practical, localized sustainability training, GSTC and Agoda are empowering hoteliers to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making sustainability not just an aspiration, but a standard practice across the region." The training content is built around the GSTC Standard, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. It covers key areas such as sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts. Developed by Agoda's Sustainability Team and GSTC and its trainers, including CB Ramkumar (Vice Chair, GSTC), Mochamad Nalendra (CEO, Wise Steps Consulting), and Catherine Germier-Hamel (CEO, Destination Mekong), the content combines diverse expertise and real-world insights from leaders in the field. The platform was officially launched on Friday, 30 May, at an event in Bangkok, Thailand, which brought together over a hundred Southeast Asian hospitality professionals for in-depth conversations on emerging trends and challenges in sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Academy is free of charge and accessible to everyone, underscoring Agoda and GSTC's commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for all in travel. To explore the platform, visit --- ENDS --- View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Major Wellness Hotels Stage Top-Line Comeback in 2024
Major Wellness hotels had a standout top-line performance in 2024, generating more than twice as much TRevPAR as No Wellness hotels. Minor Wellness posted the highest rise in RevPAR and TRevPAR growth during 2024 and were the best performers in the Luxury and the Upper Upscale categories. Occupancy remained largely stable across the board in 2024. Average ancillary revenue, a key part of TRevPAR, was somewhat lower than in 2023. Major Wellness outperformed Minor Wellness in leisure performance and was the only group that could also raise per-room F&B revenue, albeit just slightly. Minor Wellness continued to lead in profit conversion, although Major Wellness hotels sharply improved GOPPAR results in the Upscale category Hotels with Major Wellness offerings –– those receiving over $1mn or 10% of total revenue from wellness and leisure –– had a strong performance in revenue generation globally in 2024, hospitality advisor RLA Global said in its latest Wellness Real Estate Report, published in partnership with P&L benchmarking firm HotStats for the 6th year in 2025. Average TRevPAR at Major Wellness properties was 56% higher than at Minor Wellness hotels, and exceeded that of hotels with no wellness services by a striking 108%. Minor Wellness continued to lead in RevPAR and TRevPAR growth in 2024, although Major Wellness assets increased revenue KPIs by up to 160% in the Upscale hotel category, according to the report findings. Major Wellness hotels also fared better in Upscale in terms of absolute profit. 'Major Wellness hotels came roaring back in 2024, displaying a standout top-line performance in TRevPAR and RevPAR and impressive year-on-year growth rates in the Upscale category. The all-important bottom line performance showed Major Wellness outperforming Minor Wellness in GOPPAR in absolute terms in 2024, but Minor Wellness had higher year-on-year GOPPAR growth compared to 2023,' Roger A. Allen, Group CEO of RLA Global, said. 'Major Wellness assets in the upscale segment are now outperforming even luxury properties in total revenue per room — a clear sign that traditional assumptions about service levels and positioning are being challenged. This shift could have significant implications for how capital is allocated and how future developments are designed,' Rachael Rothman, Head of Hotels Research and Data Analytics at CBRE, said. Occupancy rates remained largely stable in 2024, slightly up at Major and Minor Wellness hotels and a bit down at hotels with no wellness offerings. Ancillary spending was somewhat lower than in 2023, and accounted for 56% of TRevPAR at Major Wellness and 38% at Minor Wellness. 'Occupancy is holding steady, showing that travel demand remains strong. But hotels can't just ride the wave anymore — with revenue growth starting to soften, the real challenge is unlocking more on-property spend, especially in wellness, where guest demand is high but monetisation still lags,' Michael Grove, CEO of HotStats, said. Major Wellness properties had a healthy leisure performance with a profit conversion of 49%. Payroll represents 35% of their leisure income, suggesting significant staff requirements, but departmental expenses are minimal at 16%, reflecting efficient operational spending. Major Wellness was the only group that could increase F&B revenue per occupied room in 2024, but just by 1% – suggesting that TRevPAR is mainly driven by the rooms and leisure departments. 'As wellness offerings evolve, it's clear that operational efficiency and targeted F&B concepts in Minor Wellness properties are driving profitability, while Major Wellness must look beyond traditional offerings to sustain growth,' Edward Harvey, Director at Elevate FB, said. Important industry trends the Wellness Real Estate Report identified in 2025 include the return to foundational health habits increasingly driving wellness space design, experiences outvaluing opulence in luxury living, and hotels prioritise sleep to repeat business, among others. The annual Wellness Real Estate Report and its mid-year updates evaluate average hotel performance based on HotStats data covering over 11,000 Major, Minor and No Wellness hotels of different classes worldwide. Processing property-level KPI results, such as ADR, occupancy rates, TRevPAR, GOPPAR and GOP, the report and its updates present how wellness contributes to hotel revenue flows and operating costs, and what effects it has on margins and profits. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT About RLA Global RLA Global is a leading boutique advisory firm, specializing in resorts and destinations, mixed-use developments, and complex hospitality and tourism assets. We engage projects from a highly strategic perspective right down to the finest details, encompassing the entire life-cycle of leisure and hospitality assets. The firm has a proven track record of 100+ high-profile projects, across four continents. RLA Global is recognized by the European Travel Award as one of the Best International Leisure and Hospitality Advisors.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sheraton Oman Hotel appoints new Marketing Manager
Muscat: Sheraton Oman Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Aziza Gharbi as the hotel's new Marketing Manager. Aziza holds a Master's degree in Tourism Management and brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. She began her career in Doha, Qatar, where she developed a solid foundation in marketing across the region's competitive hospitality sector. For the past two years, she has been part of Marriott International, most recently leading the Marketing & Communications efforts at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. During her tenure, she played a key role in elevating the brand's presence and driving significant business results. Aziza now continues her journey within Marriott International, bringing her expertise and vision to Sheraton Oman Hotel. Known for her strategic mindset, creative approach, and strong leadership, Aziza excels in delivering impactful marketing campaigns and compelling brand storytelling tailored to today's business travelers. Fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to the Oman market and is committed to strengthening Sheraton Oman's position as a leading destination for business & leisure travel in the region.
