Hospitality Highlights
- NBA Finals Between Thunder and Pacers Surges Hotel Search Demand in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis.
- Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare Reopens Following a Comprehensive Renovation Near O'Hare International Airport.
- Wolfe’s Hotel Launches in Moab, Utah, Targeting Adventure Travelers With Adult-Only Luxury Offerings.
- Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City Opens Resort-Style Property Near Kansas Speedway.
- Hospitality & leisure M&A Deals Down 85% Year-Over-Year Reflecting Market Volatility.
1. Major Events & Demand
NBA Finals 2025 Boosts Hotel Demand in Small Markets
With the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers competing in the NBA Finals, local hospitality markets are experiencing a surge in search interest for hotel rooms. Search volumes in both cities are at their highest in two years, indicating rising demand driven by playoff excitement.
Search queries surged 45% in Oklahoma City and 29% in Indianapolis since the playoffs began, highlighting the economic potential for these smaller markets. Notably, search peaks align with key game nights, especially Games 4 and 5, serving as early demand indicators for Hoteliers.
However, Hotels amid the playoff run appear cautious with pricing, only making modest rate increases despite the demand spike. The data emphasizes the necessity for dynamic pricing and real-time demand insights to capitalize on such events effectively.
- Search interest in Oklahoma City increased by 45% during playoffs
- Search interest in Indianapolis increased by 29%
- Peak demand coincides with Games 4 and 5
- Average hotel rate in Indianapolis for Game 4 was $179
Using forward-looking data allows Hotels to adjust strategies proactively, rather than reactively, ensuring they maximize revenue during high-demand events. Relying solely on historical data risks missing lucrative opportunities in live sports markets.
2. Openings & Renovations
Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare Opens After Revitalization
Located less than two miles from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare has reopened following a comprehensive renovation managed by Maverick Hotels & Restaurants. The Hotel now features 206 modern Guestrooms and state-of-the-art amenities designed for both leisure and business travelers.
The property offers excellent proximity to attractions like the Rosemont Theatre, Rivers Casino and Allstate Arena, making it an ideal homebase for exploring the city and surrounding entertainment venues. Its vibrant lobby and colorful murals highlight a fresh, contemporary aesthetic, creating an inviting atmosphere.
The Hotel boasts over 7,600 sq ft of flexible event space, equipped with advanced audiovisual technology and sustainable food options. The onsite Cima Restaurant presents Mediterranean flavors, with indoor and patio dining options, focusing on seasonality and local sourcing.
- 206 Guestrooms
- 50-Seat Three-Season Patio
- 7,600 Sq Ft of Event Space
- State-of-the-Art Recreational Facilities
PM Hotel Group Opens Wolfe’s Hotel in Moab, Utah
Wolfe’s Hotel, an adult-only property, has recently opened in Moab, Utah, following a multimillion-dollar renovation led by PM Hotel Group and KWC Management. Located near iconic Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, it caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil retreat.
The Hotel’s interiors feature natural materials, handcrafted furnishings and a landscape-inspired color palette, creating a regional aesthetic. The property is designed for guests aged 21 and over and includes amenities like an outdoor barrel sauna, fire pits and a seasonally heated pool and hot tub.
The Hotel offers:
- Guestrooms With Desert Views
- Luxurious Spa Amenities by Bathing Culture
- An On-Site Restaurant "Esther’s"
- Gear Storage, Bike Racks and Concierge for Outdoor Activities
- Future offerings include regional cuisine, a specialty espresso bar and guided outdoor adventures.
CEO Paul Sacco emphasizes their goal to deliver memorable, unique hospitality experiences in iconic adventure destinations. Wolfe’s Hotel aims to be a luxurious sanctuary amid Moab’s vibrant outdoor scene, providing a perfect end to active days exploring the region.
New Margaritaville Hotel Opens Near Kansas Speedway
The 228-Room Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City has officially opened, offering a resort-style experience with indoor and outdoor pools, diverse dining venues and over 14,000 sq ft of event space.
Located in Village West close to the Kansas Speedway, the Hotel was developed by Sunflower Development Group in partnership with Homefield KC and Margaritaville to create a Destination Hotel that feels like a resort.
Dining options feature LandShark Bar & Grill, a two-story venue with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 300 Guests, serving American cuisine with live music.
Other outlets include 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, Joe Merchant’s Coffee and the LandShark Lobby Bar. Outdoor amenities boast a zero-entry pool, waterslide, fire pits and cabanas, complemented by an indoor pool and recreation facilities including a Fitness Center and entertainment area.
- Indoor and Outdoor Pools, Waterslide
- Over 14,000 Sq Ft of Event Space
- 11 Suites and Pet-Friendly Rooms
- Multiple Dining Venues, Retail Store
The Hotel also offers 65-inch Smart TVs, private balconies and Guest Rooms with tropical décor. Event spaces range from a 300-Person Ballroom to smaller conference rooms, ideal for weddings and corporate events, emphasizing flexibility and style for various occasions.
Final Approvals Secured for The Bellevue Hotel in Newport
Procaccianti Companies has obtained all necessary approvals to develop a luxury boutique hotel, The Bellevue, in Newport, Rhode Island. The project was unanimously approved by the Newport Technical Review Committee on June 11 paving the way for pre-construction activities.
The 91-key Hotel will be a ground-up development positioned across from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, in one of the Northeast's most constrained coastal markets. The Hotel will feature multiple food and beverage venues, a Spa, Wellness Facilities and underground parking to enhance pedestrian flow.
- 91 Guestrooms
- Multiple F&B Venues
- Spa and Wellness Facilities
- Underground Parking With Juliet Balconies
Designed in collaboration with Centerbrook Architects, The Bellevue reimagines Newport’s architectural legacy, inspired by 1833 Italianate manor Stone Villa. Anticipated to be completed by 2027, the Hotel aims to meet high luxury standards and create a long-term, performance-oriented asset.
3. Markets & Transactions
PwC Reports 85% Decline in Hospitality & Leisure Deals in 2025
PwC's Mid-Year Outlook reveals that 85% of year-over-year M&A deals in hospitality and leisure have declined, reflecting ongoing market volatility. Despite cautious optimism at the start of 2025, concerns over capital market instability and trade policy uncertainties continue to temper deal volume.
While large transformative deals are scarce, targeted acquisitions are helping operators refine portfolios, grow digital capabilities and capitalize on favorable terms. Buyers with strong balance sheets now find opportunities to acquire assets in a favorable environment.
Sector challenges include high borrowing costs and valuation mismatches, with domestic operators better positioned due to global trade headwinds.
Looking ahead, digital transformation remains a key priority, with M&A used to enter luxury and experience-driven markets. Industry leaders should stay agile, leverage strategic divestitures and focus on experience-led assets to navigate persistent economic uncertainties and capitalize on emerging value.
Tech, experience and strategic portfolio adjustments will define success in the evolving landscape.
- Decline of 85% in YoY M&A deals in hospitality & leisure
- Despite volatility targeted M&A offers growth opportunities
- Focus on digital tech and strategic divestitures for portfolio optimization
- Sector faces high borrowing costs and trade uncertainties
4. Technology & Innovation
HITEC 2025 Showcases Innovation and Industry Growth
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) 2025, held in Indianapolis from June 16-19, drew nearly 6,000 Professionals from over 60 countries. The event focused on cutting-edge technological solutions transforming hospitality.
Attendees explored products from 360+ Companies and participated in extensive education sessions, networking with industry leaders, investors and decision-makers. The event also celebrated its tenth anniversary of the Entrepreneur 20X Pitch Competition, highlighting innovation through startup presentations.
- Keynote Speakers: Jeremy Gutsche and Todd Buchholz
- New Inductees: Bruce Bensetler and Luis Segreo
- Winning Startup: Levee, Utilizing AI To Automate Data Capture
First-time attendee Shobi Fasih stated, "Networking and vendor exposure increase industry knowledge." Participants described HITEC as engaging and buzzing with energy. The Conference clearly demonstrated technological advancements shaping the future of hospitality.
5. Performance Metrics
Steady U.S. Hotel Performance in May 2025
According to May 2025 Data From CoStar, U.S. Hotel occupancy slightly declined by 0.7% to 65.3%. Despite this, the average daily rate (ADR) increased by 0.8% to $162.72, maintaining overall revenue per available room (RevPAR) stability (+0.1%).
Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City had the highest occupancy at 87.9%, though down 1.0%. The markets with the lowest occupancy were New Orleans (60.1%) and Houston (61.4%). Higher occupancy and ADR levels remained concentrated in these key markets, highlighting regional performance variations.
- Occupancy: 65.3% (down 0.7%)
- ADR: $162.72 (up 0.8%)
- RevPAR: $106.30 (up 0.1%)
- Highest Occupancy Market: NYC 87.9%
- Lowest Occupancy Markets: New Orleans 60.1% Houston 61.4%
This data indicates a mostly steady recovery trend with regional and market-specific differences continuing to influence overall Hotel industry performance in the U.S.
.png)