Hospitality Highlights
- Zucchetti North America launches Lybra Assistant RMS in North America at HITEC Indianapolis, promising significant RevPAR growth.
- Charlestowne Hotels takes over management of the 106-room Hotel Nell in Washington, DC’s Union Market.
- Four Seasons opens reservations for Naples Beach Club, its first property on Florida’s Gulf Coast, debuting October 2025.
- Agilysys unveils new hospitality technology at HITEC 2025, emphasizing AI-powered personalization and operational efficiency.
- BD Hotels announces Nora Hotel in West Palm Beach, the company’s first luxury new-build outside New York.
1. Technology & Revenue Management
Launch of Lybra Assistant RMS by Zucchetti North America at HITEC Indianapolis
Zucchetti North America has introduced Lybra Assistant RMS to the North American market during HITEC Indianapolis. This next-generation revenue management system integrates real-time demand data, advanced machine learning and a user-friendly interface to provide actionable insights, automated rate suggestions and comprehensive control over hotel revenue strategies.
Lybra Assistant, already a top RMS in Europe used by over 1,600 hotels, has demonstrated up to 17% RevPAR increases within six months and saved thousands of hours in manual work. It’s especially suitable for hotels with over 20 rooms, offering automatic updates and predictive analytics based on flight searches and booking trends, enabling proactive pricing adjustments.
- Key features: real-time demand data, AI-driven forecasts, competitor rate monitoring
- Market impact: 17% revenue growth, 1,000+ hours saved annually
- Integration: channels like flight searches and online distribution
Lybra Assistant aims to empower North American hotels with innovative AI tools and anticipates future demand, transforming revenue management. Company officials highlight the RMS’s ability to optimize profitability through predictive analytics and market intelligence, positioning it as a vital asset for competitive advantages in hospitality operations.
Agilysys Unveils Innovations at HITEC 2025
During HITEC 2025, Agilysys, Inc. showcased several groundbreaking solutions aimed at transforming the hospitality industry. These innovations focus on enhancing revenue, streamlining operations and delivering personalized guest experiences through advanced technology.
Key offerings include Book with S.P.E.N.D.Technology, a booking engine enhancement that simplifies package reservations and demand management. Their Intelligent Guest Profile facilitates data sharing across systems for consistent, personalized service.
Additionally, IG Fly Mobile POS supports secure contactless payments everywhere on property, improving staff efficiency and guest convenience.
- New booking system reduces staff burden and increases package flexibility
- Unified guest profiles enable personalized marketing and service
- Mobile POS supports secure, anywhere-on-property payments
Terrie O’Hanlon, SVP at Agilysys, emphasized how these innovations help hospitality providers foster personalized, loyalty-driven relationships. By integrating AI, real-time data and seamless payment solutions, properties can boost revenue growth and operational efficiency, shaping the future of guest engagement.
Partnership Brings Upsell Technology to Infor HMS
INFOR announced a preferred partnership with Plusgrade, integrating its hospitality management solution (HMS) with Plusgrade’s upsell platform. This collaboration aims to help hotels boost revenue while enhancing guest personalization.
This partnership enables hoteliers to offer premium upgrades, flexible stay options and in-room experiences seamlessly, without increasing operational workload. Benefits include upselling opportunities such as early check-in, late check-out and experience add-ons, all driven by AI-powered pricing optimization.
According to Alan Young, VP at Infor, this move allows hotels to activate high-margin, targeted offers that improve the guest journey and profitability. The integrated platform simplifies deployment while unlocking hidden revenue streams, supporting hotels’ evolving guest service needs.
Upsell features include:
- Pre-arrival upgrade offers
- Loyalty points redemption
- Real-time AI price calibration
- Operational insights at check-in
As a trusted provider, Infor emphasizes that this strategic alignment with Plusgrade will drive greater conversion and hotel profitability in a competitive market.
2. Management, Operations & Expansion
Charlestowne Hotels Expands With Management of Hotel Nell in Washington, DC
Leading hospitality management firm Charlestowne Hotels has announced its takeover of Hotel Nell, a stylish 106-room property in Washington DC’s vibrant Union Market neighborhood. The company will oversee daily operations, marketing revenue management and food & beverage programming.
Hotel Nell is housed in the historic Bolgiano Seed Factory, surrounded by eclectic dining, artisan shops and creative spaces. It offers over 10,000 sq ft of event space, including a rooftop venue with city skyline views. The hotel is positioned as a prime destination for both locals and visitors.
- 106 rooms
- Flexible event space: 10,000 sq ft
- Rooftop venue with sweeping city views
Charlestowne aims to elevate Hotel Nell with vibrant food concepts and a playful social scene. The hotel features three distinct dining outlets, including the popular rooftop bar Treehouse, offering Mexican-inspired bites and cocktails. A new vibrant venue is set to open soon, targeting the late-night crowd and providing an immersive experience.
CEO Kyle Hughey emphasizes their approach of creating unexpected, bold culinary experiences rooted in the city’s energy. This expansion demonstrates Charlestowne’s ongoing growth in top US cities following recent acquisitions in Chicago.
BD Hotels Debuts The Nora Hotel in West Palm Beach With a New York Vibe
BD Hotels, renowned for its iconic properties in New York, is expanding into West Palm Beach with The Nora Hotel, slated to open in 2026. This project marks its first new construction outside New York, reflecting a strategic shift into emerging markets.
The $200 million development spans approximately 150,000 square feet on 16 acres, incorporating adaptive reuse and new builds. The hotel aims to emulate a luxurious, residential feel with modern, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, inspired by Henry Mizner’s classic designs.
- Expected opening: August 2026
- Number of rooms: 201
- Cost: close to $200 million
- Location: West Palm Beach's Nora District
Born, co-founder of BD Hotels, aims to create a neighborhood destination with retail, dining and residential options nearby. The hotel will feature a rooftop lounge, in-room dining from Pastis and emphasize serene, elegant interiors designed for comfort.
Rebranding of Hospitality Investor Apps to HIA and New Website Launch
Hotel Investor Apps, based in Glenwood, Maryland, announced its official rebrand to HIA coinciding with the company's 10th anniversary. The rebrand signifies an expanded vision to serve a broader spectrum of hospitality businesses.
HIA now focuses on delivering integrated financial and operational solutions across hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants and golf courses. The new branding emphasizes hospitality, intelligence and accounting, reflecting their core platform pillars.
Key platform features include:
- The industry’s only full ERP purpose-built for hospitality
- Advanced budgeting, forecasting and real-time cash monitoring
- Integration with over 13,000 bank connections
- An ecosystem of more than 60 technology partners
While the visual identity evolved, HIA remains committed to its core values of technology, expertise and customer service, aiming to empower industry leaders with innovative solutions.
3. New Developments & Openings
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort Opens Reservations for October 2025
Set on 1,000 feet of pristine white sand beach in Old Naples, the upcoming Naples Beach Club will debut in October 2025 as the region's first Four Seasons property on the Gulf Coast. This luxurious beachfront resort offers a seamless blend of coastal elegance and authentic local charm, designed to connect guests with Naples' vibrant lifestyle.
The development includes 220 rooms and 95 luxury residences, with amenities such as five dining options, a full-service spa, multiple pools and the new Tom Fazio golf course opening in 2026. The resort's Market Square features entertainment, shopping and culinary experiences, creating a lively community hub.
- 220 rooms, including 57 suites
- 95 luxury residences in five residential buildings
- Five dining venues, spa, pools, golf course (2026)
Designed with a focus on indoor-outdoor living, the guest rooms feature coastal textures, expansive terraces and upscale furnishings for a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The resort promises an exceptional luxury experience, celebrating the natural beauty and charming culture of Naples.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Third Cobblestone Hotel in Alabama
Cobblestone Hotels celebrated the groundbreaking of its third Alabama property in Bay Minette, attended by city officials, community members and banking representatives. This new 54-room hotel marks a significant milestone in the area's development.
The project, managed by Slate Hospitality Group, includes amenities such as a pool, fitness center, business facilities and in-room essentials like TVs, microwaves and refrigerators. The mayor highlighted the partnership's role in boosting local retail and dining.
- Total rooms: 54
- Floors: 4
- Guests can enjoy: indoor pool, fitness center, business amenities
- Construction by: BriMark Builders
Located in downtown Bay Minette, the hotel complements ongoing revitalization efforts alongside new restaurants and businesses. The project aims to serve travelers and support economic growth, with a focus on public/private collaboration to transform the city.
4. Industry Trends & Investment
2025 NYU Hospitality Investment Forum Highlights
Despite facing economic headwinds, industry leaders at the NYU Forum remain cautiously optimistic about the hotel sector’s resilience. While ADR growth in 2025 trails inflation at just 1.3%, occupancy remains stable at around 62.8%, indicating steady demand.
Discussions focused on brand proliferation and the value of major chains, citing advantages such as cost savings from reduced OTAs, new technology platforms and stronger guest loyalty programs. Notably, Best Western announced an innovative self-insurance plan at lower costs.
- Occupancy projected at 62.8% in 2025
- ADR growth expected at 1.3%
- Operating expenses predicted to rise by 4%
Case studies showcased innovative properties like Hotel Equinox with its wellness model featuring a 60,000 sq ft fitness club and Hotel Marcel, a LEED Platinum-certified, electric hotel with solar power. The forum emphasized the importance of applying AI to enhance travel planning and creating engaging guest experiences inspired by cruise line entertainment strategies.
