Hospitality Highlights
- Mews' AI Smart Tips surpasses 5 million weekly guest views worldwide.
- VENZA Announces Acquisition of OpsTechPro to Bolster Integrated Hospitality Security.
- Champion Hotels Rolls Out STS Cloud Event Platform Across 21 of Its Properties.
- Caesars Virginia Opens a Luxury Resort and Casino With 320 Rooms in Danville.
- U.S. hotel growth forecasts are downgraded for 2025 – 26 due to market uncertainty.
Here are the most significant updates and moves in the Hospitality Industry as of June 3, 2025, covering technology advances, leadership changes, new property launches and key industry mergers.
1. Technology & Digital Innovation
Mews' AI Smart Tips Surpasses 5 Million Weekly Views in Hospitality
Mews, a leading hospitality cloud provider, has achieved a major milestone with over 5 million weekly views of its AI-powered Smart Tips feature. This tool centralizes guest information, enhancing personalization across properties worldwide.
The system compiles reservation data, housekeeping notes and past behaviors, providing instant insights for Hotel Staff. This efficiency reduces missed opportunities, fosters faster service and improves overall guest experiences.
- Global adoption: Used by Hoteliers in over 85 countries
- Customer base: Powers more than 12,500 properties
- Audience reach: Viewed over 5 million times weekly
Hotels like Boardwalk Boutique Aruba benefit from real-time insights, such as noting guest preferences like favorite snacks. Similarly, Auberge St Pol in Belgium uses Smart Tips to add a personal touch during check-ins, streamlining operations and delivering top-tier service.
Designed for seamless integration, AI Smart Tips appears directly in guest profiles and reservation calendars, saving hours previously spent searching for relevant data. This innovation empowers every Team Member to enhance guest satisfaction effortlessly.
VENZA To Acquire OpsTechPro and Enhance Risk Management Offerings
VENZA has announced its plan to acquire OpsTechPro, a leading provider of asset management and service optimization tools. This move aims to strengthen VENZA’s capabilities in digital and physical security for the Hospitality Industry. The acquisition will enable VENZA to deliver a comprehensive end-to-end risk management solution, integrating OpsTechPro’s advanced asset management system into its existing platform.
OpsTechPro’s system streamlines hotel operations by automating workflows such as guest requests, housekeeping, vehicle management and water systems. This technology will be incorporated into VENZA’s Risk and Reporting Dashboard, providing clients with a unified view of security and operational data. The platform is expected to improve PCI DSS compliance processes by automating Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ), increasing efficiency and security.
- OpsTechPro tools: Asset management, service optimization
- Key features: Workflow automation, guest and Staff Management
- Integration benefits: Enhanced security visibility, PCI compliance automation
While OpsTechPro will continue to operate independently, its collaboration with VENZA will deliver more integrated solutions. Jay Visnjic, CEO of OpsTechPro, emphasized the value of the partnership, stating it will help Hoteliers optimize operations and protection. The acquisition highlights VENZA’s commitment to expanding its Hospitality Security and Risk Management offerings.
Champion Hotels Implements STS Cloud Across 21 Properties To Boost Group Sales
Champion Hotels, the largest private hotel operator in the US, has adopted STS Cloud as its group sales and Event Management platform. With a portfolio of over 150 diverse properties, this move aims to modernize operations.
Already onboarding 21 properties, Champion Hotels expects to enhance efficiency, real-time collaboration and data accessibility. The platform covers lead tracking, booking, reporting and analytics, transforming manual processes into a seamless digital workflow.
- Over 150 properties
- 21 properties onboarded
- Modernized Event Management
- Enhanced collaboration across locations
Mike Farney, Area Director, emphasized that STS Cloud's design and reporting capabilities would streamline sales operations. Co-Founder Ryan Hamilton highlighted the platform's scalability and support for multi-property operators in a competitive market.
Hotel Communication Network Acquires Crave Interactive
In a strategic move, Hotel Communication Network (HCN) announced its acquisition of Crave Interactive, a UK-based provider of digital guest experiences. Established in 2009, Crave specializes in in-room tablets and AI-driven guest services, serving clients like MGM Resorts, Fairmont and Hyatt.
This acquisition aims to expand HCN’s presence across the luxury hotel market, integrating multilingual AI Concierge technology with digital signage. The platform offers personalized guest interactions, from room service to spa bookings, supported by ad revenues that make the tech accessible worldwide.
- Deal closed for an undisclosed amount
- Services in 25 countries
- Features an AI-powered multilingual Concierge
- Part of HCN’s ad-subsidized revenue model
Kevin Bidner, CEO of HCN, described the merger as a fusion of visions to redefine the guest experience globally. Combined, the companies will deliver innovative solutions that enhance personalization and service at every scale.
2. Openings, Developments & Expansions
Caesars Virginia Opens in Danville With Luxurious Amenities
Caesars Virginia, a state-of-the-art resort located in Danville, officially opened in December 2024. It boasts a 320-room hotel tower alongside extensive gaming and entertainment options, aiming to boost the local economy.
The property features 50,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space and a 2,500-seat live entertainment venue, making it a premier destination for events and leisure. Its gaming space spans 90,000 sq ft, with nearly 1,500 slot machines, 79 Table Games and a WSOP Poker Room, complemented by the Caesars Sportsbook.
Dining options include Gordon Ramsay’s Ramsay’s Kitchen, Dan Dan Noodle Bar and the 500 Block Food Hall, adding variety for guests. Caesars Virginia aims to attract major conventions, casino players and tourists, serving as a vibrant economic driver for the region.
- Opened: December 2024
- Rooms: 320
- Gaming space: 90,000 sq ft
- Slots: Nearly 1,500
- Dining options: Ramsay’s Kitchen, Dan Dan Noodle Bar, 500 Block Food Hall
The development, led by Caesars Entertainment in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, brings modern luxury and entertainment to Danville. It plays a crucial role in regional employment, tourism and investment, setting a benchmark for U.S. hotel openings in 2025.
3. Industry Trends & Market Outlook
Downgrade in U.S. Hotel Growth Forecast by CoStar and Tourism Economics
CoStar and Tourism Economics have revised downward their 2025 – 26 U.S. hotel growth projections, citing Q1 underperformance and macroeconomic uncertainty. The forecast now anticipates slower growth across key metrics such as supply, demand, ADR and RevPAR.
For 2025, growth estimates were lowered: supply (-0.1%), demand (-0.6%), ADR (-0.3%) and RevPAR (-0.8%). Similar adjustments have been made for 2026, with reductions of 0.5% to 0.7% in these areas.
Industry experts note consumer confidence remains fragile, impacting demand especially in lower and middle price tiers. While top-line growth persists, recovering leisure travel faces challenges due to shortened booking windows and economic pressures.
- Q1 underperformance and macroeconomic concerns led to downward revisions
- Forecasts include:
- Supply: down 0.5% in 2026
- Demand: down 0.3% in 2026
- ADR: down 0.7% in 2026
- RevPAR: down 0.6% in 2026
- GOPAR for 2025 decreased by $3, reflecting softer demand and rising costs
According to STR President Amanda Hite, business transient recovery is ongoing but leisure gains are becoming more isolated amid market uncertainties, emphasizing a cautious outlook for Hoteliers in the coming quarters.
4. Leadership & People Moves
Hospitality Leader Antoine Serhan Named New York's The Barclay Manager
InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel has appointed Antoine Serhan as its new Hotel Manager. Serhan brings extensive international experience from roles across North America, the Middle East and Asia, including managing two properties in Dubai with over 500 Staff. His previous NYC roles include Director of Front Office at Millennium Broadway and Front Office Manager at the New York Palace.
Serhan's leadership is recognized for building high-performing teams and delivering results in operations, revenue growth and stakeholder relations. Sofia Vandaele, GM of The Barclay, praised his hands-on leadership and operational excellence, emphasizing his potential to contribute to the hotel’s continued success.
- Appointed: June 2, 2025
- Owned by: Street Holdings
- Managed by: IHG
- Building built: 1926 with recent renovation
This strategic appointment highlights The Barclay's focus on expert leadership amid ongoing renovations, aiming to strengthen its position in NYC’s luxury hotel market.
5. Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Alliances
CapStar Facilitates Major Mergers and Growth Strategies in Hospitality Industry
Washington-based CapStar Advisors announced the successful completion of two key transactions. The firm represented Springboard Hospitality in its merger with Hotel Equities, expanding its management portfolio significantly. Additionally, CapStar executed a growth plan for Brightwild, a vacation rental company in Florida, by identifying new markets to meet its ambitious expansion targets.
Springboard, specializing in independent hotels, merged its 50-hotel portfolio with Hotel Equities, which manages around 200 properties across the US, Caribbean and Latin America. This move introduced Hotel Equities to the Hawaiian market. CapStar's expertise in sourcing and negotiating deals played a crucial role, aiding in a mutual strategy that benefits all parties.
- Springboard’s portfolio: 50 hotels
- Hotel Equities' portfolio: 200 properties
- Expansion markets include: Hawaii, Caribbean, Latin America
- Brightwild's growth strategy involved: new markets and operational optimization
David McCaslin, Partner at CapStar, highlighted their role in helping Owners and Operators achieve their potential through tailored mergers, recapitalizations and strategic alliances. Rafter, CEO of the combined Hotel Equities, praised CapStar for its diligent and collaborative approach. Meanwhile, Brightwild’s CEO, Mike Phillips, credited CapStar’s deep operational expertise for shaping their future growth roadmap.
