Hospitality Highlights
- Hilton celebrates its 1,000th Hotel opening and plans 150+ new openings in 2025.
- Marriott launches its first StudioRes extended-stay Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida.
- Wyndham’s first-annual owner trends report indicates strong optimism and focus on AI and loyalty programs.
- Aimbridge Hospitality expands its portfolio across the US and UK, adding notable properties.
- Vision Hospitality promotes O’Mally Foster to Chief People Officer, strengthening HR leadership.
1. Major Brand Expansion & Development
Hilton Celebrates Milestone With Its 1,000th Hotel Opening
Hilton has reached a major milestone with the grand opening of its 1,000th Hotel worldwide. Recent expansions include properties in Paris, Cape Town, Dallas, Osaka and more, highlighting robust growth in Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle segments.
The company’s portfolio is set to grow further, with nearly 500 luxury and lifestyle Hotels in the pipeline and over 150 new openings expected in 2025. Notable upcoming launches include Waldorf Astoria in New York, Rabat and new properties in India and Thailand.
- Recent openings include Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica, Osaka and Signia by Hilton Amman
- Hilton plans to add over 150 Hotels globally in 2025
- The new NoMad Detroit will be located within The Station at Michigan Central, part of Detroit’s revitalization efforts
Hilton’s President and CEO Chris Nassetta emphasized their goal to serve travelers globally with innovative brand offerings, including plans to host three new luxury or lifestyle Hotels weekly throughout the year, reinforcing Hilton’s market momentum.
First StudioRes Hotel Debuts in Fort Myers, Florida
Marriott International has launched its first StudioRes Hotel in Fort Myers, signaling its entry into the midscale extended-stay segment. The 124-key property caters to travelers on long-term trips, featuring spacious studios with kitchens, lounges and communal outdoor spaces.
This innovative brand is part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio and plans to expand beyond Fort Myers with over 40 properties across the U.S. and Canada by 2027. The Hotel offers amenities such as free WiFi, streaming access, fitness centers and casual workspaces to enhance guest experience for business or leisure stays.
- 124 studio-style rooms
- Extended-stay amenities including kitchens and communal outdoor areas
- Located near Fort Myers attractions, beaches and airport
- Part of Marriott Bonvoy rewards program
Marriott partners with Concord Hospitality and Whitman Peterson, who operate nearly 80 properties with plans to develop numerous StudioRes locations. Marriott CFO Leeny Oberg highlights the brand’s rapid growth and strong market reception, emphasizing value, efficiency and scalability for long-term guests.
2. Industry Trends & Owner Sentiment
Wyndham Unveils First-Annual Hotel Owner Trends Report
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts released its first-annual Hotel Owner Trends Report, based on two comprehensive surveys of hundreds of Hotel owners and developers. Despite current economic volatility, over 90% remain optimistic about the industry’s future.
The report highlights the significance of brands, with 98% open to exploring new branded opportunities, favoring both traditional and soft brand options. Key factors influencing brand choices include support from industry experts and access to leadership.
Owners increasingly focus on technology investments, with over 60% adopting AI and digital guest services and nearly 80% emphasizing loyalty programs. Extended-stay segments continue to attract nearly all owners, citing high demand and ROI as primary drivers.
- Majority (62%) prioritize loyalty programs when switching brands
- Over 35% are interested in lifestyle, boutique or midscale segments
- 96% see growth potential in extended-stay Hotels
- Many plan to increase infrastructure investment in the next five years
Wyndham’s retention rate nearing 96% underscores its competitive support system, catering to evolving owner demands like advanced technology and robust rewards programs. The industry remains resilient, focused on strategic growth and innovation.
3. Leadership Updates
Vision Hospitality Promotes O’Mally Foster To Chief People Officer
Officials of Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. announced the promotion of O’Mally Foster to Chief People Officer. Foster will continue to champion the company’s core values, leading cultural transformations and promoting internal career growth.
With over 30 years of experience, Foster joined Vision in 2017, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of HR. His leadership focuses on employee engagement, retention and aligning HR policies with the organization’s mission of community service, sustainability and cultural respect.
- Foster's role: Chief People Officer
- Tenure at Vision: Since 2017
- Previous role: Senior Vice President of HR
- Experience: 30+ years in Hospitality
Mitch Patel, CEO, emphasized Foster’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive and respectful workplace. Foster highlighted his commitment to fostering a culture where employees thrive, which ultimately helps Vision achieve market leadership and exceptional performance.
4. Portfolio Growth & Strategic Initiatives
Aimbridge Expands Portfolio and Accelerates Strategic Initiatives
Aimbridge Hospitality continues to strengthen its performance-driven culture, focusing on operational excellence and enhanced data analytics. The company is expanding its managed portfolio, welcoming new Hotels across the US and EMEA in 2025.
Key additions include independent Hotels: the historic Hotel Deco in Omaha, modern Orange County Hotel near Santa Ana Airport and Palm Springs’ Casa Palma Hotel. In the UK, 11 properties were added, such as the Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Mercure Hotels in several cities.
- New Properties in 2025:
- 1930s-inspired Hotel Deco in Omaha
- Orange County Hotel in Santa Ana
- Casa Palma in Palm Springs
- UK Portfolio Expansion:
- 10+ Mercure Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport
- Property updates include rebrands: Sheraton Minneapolis, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara and Four Points Costa Blanca, with multimillion-dollar renovations and upgrades.
Through advanced data analysis and market monitoring, Aimbridge is adapting to industry shifts, expanding its national sales team to attract corporate and group business. Its in-house agency, Second Wave Marketing, drives tailored branding strategies to boost visibility and revenue.
