Hospitality Highlights
- NoMad Hotels announces a luxury debut in Detroit's historic Michigan Central Station, opening in 2027.
- Marriott Launches Its First StudioRes extended stay property in Fort Myers, Florida.
- Spark by Hilton surpasses 100 open hotels globally within two years using a conversion-focused expansion strategy.
- Hyatt Regency Coconut Point reveals a multi-million-dollar renovation of meeting/event spaces.
- Sonesta Debuts Signature Inn Miami, expanding its upper economy presence in key U.S. gateway markets.
1. Industry Trends & Leadership
Protest Disrupts Hotel Conference but CEOs Remain Unfazed
At the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) at Marriott Marquis, protestors outside the conference aimed to disrupt the event. Despite noise and a breach by one individual, CEOs and Attendees Continued Their Discussions, showing resilience and focus on industry issues.
The protest focused on Marriott's egg sourcing policies, as the company seeks to source 100% of eggs from cage-free providers by 2025. This distraction didn't deter panel members like Sebastien Bazin and Chris Nassetta, who addressed broader industry challenges amid economic headwinds.
Panelists discussed declining consumer confidence, with recent data showing the second-lowest sentiment record since 1952. CEOs attributed slowdowns in travel and cautious consumer behavior to political uncertainty and macroeconomic factors.
- Hilton’s RevPAR forecast: Flat to 2% growth for 2025
- U.S. international inbound travel: Down 15% in March
- Wyndham’s Saudi Arabia expansion: 100 new hotels over 10 years
- India’s infrastructure development: $10 billion investment over 5 years
Leisure travel remains segmented, with luxury up in double digits while economy and midscale segments face more pressure. CEOs emphasized that despite challenges, travel remains essential and driven by desire for experiences.
2. Hotel Openings & Brand Expansions
Marriott Launches First StudioRes Property in Fort Myers
Marriott International has unveiled its first StudioRes in Fort Myers, Florida, signaling its move into the midscale extended stay segment. The 124-room property offers studio-style accommodations with full kitchens, lounges and communal spaces, targeting long-term guests such as relocators and project workers.
Jointly developed with Concord Hospitality and Whitman Peterson, StudioRes Fort Myers features outdoor patios, fitness centers and amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and streaming services. The brand emphasizes affordability and efficiency with plans for over 40 more properties across the U.S. and Canada through 2027.
- 124 rooms
- Studio-style with kitchens
- Locations near major attractions and airports
- Part of Marriott’s affordable development products
This expansion demonstrates Marriott’s strategic focus on meeting diverse traveler needs and offers scalable options for developers. The Fort Myers site, close to beaches and city attractions, is now accepting reservations, marking a milestone for Marriott’s growth in the extended stay market.
Sonesta Opens Signature Inn Miami Near Key Attractions
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has celebrated the grand opening of the Signature Inn Miami, a new 119-room, upper-economy hotel. Located close to Miami International Airport, Dolphin Mall and the Wynwood Arts District, the property is also minutes from South Beach.
Keith Pierce, Sonesta's EVP, highlighted that this marks their first entry into the Miami market. The hotel expands Sonesta’s portfolio with eight brands in Miami, offering diverse options to cater to various traveler needs.
This opening is notable as the 15th Signature Inn nationwide and the 10th Sonesta property in greater Miami. It joins other local hotels such as Nautilus Miami Beach, Z Ocean Collection and Sonesta Miami Airport, enhancing the brand's presence in the region.
Hotels in Miami include:
- 8 Sonesta brands available in the city
- 15 Signature Inn locations nationwide
- 10 Sonesta hotels in the Miami area
- Proximity to Miami International Airport, Dolphin Mall, Wynwood Arts District and South Beach
This new addition aims to serve travelers seeking affordable, quality accommodations in a prime location, reinforcing Sonesta’s growth strategy across key U.S. gateway markets.
Sonesta Launches Signature Inn Miami Near Airport
Sonesta International Hotels Corp. has introduced Signature Inn Miami, a 119-room hotel situated at 7330 NW 36th Street, close to Miami International Airport and popular attractions like Dolphin Mall and Wynwood Arts District. This marks Sonesta's first entry into the Miami market, aiming to provide diverse options within the upper economy and midscale segments.
The hotel features retro-inspired mid-century design aimed at travelers seeking nostalgia with a modern twist. Positioned as a "retro-modern" brand, Signature Inn invites guests to “Stay Outside Ordinary” while enjoying amenities aligned with the brand’s nostalgic theme. The property is part of the 15th Signature Inn in the U.S. and offers loyalty rewards through the Sonesta Travel Pass program.
- Positioned within: Upper economy & midscale segments
- Number of rooms: 119
- Design style: Retro-modern, mid-century
- Location: Near Miami Airport, Dolphin Mall, Wynwood Arts District
This addition expands Sonesta's regional presence, joining nine other properties in Miami and Fort Lauderdale including Nautilus Miami Beach and Sonesta Miami Airport. The hotel aims to attract road trippers, urban explorers and coastal visitors, emphasizing a nostalgic experience combined with modern hospitality.
NoMad Hotels Debuts in Michigan
NoMad Hotels has announced its highly anticipated Michigan debut, partnering with Ford Motor Company to open a nearly 180-room hotel in Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Station. The property will occupy the top floors of the building’s tower, marking a milestone in the ongoing revitalization of The Station, originally opened in 1913.
The hotel promises luxurious amenities including wellness facilities, and will feature interior design by collaborating with local Detroit artists, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture. Set to open in 2027, NoMad Detroit will be a centerpiece of a broader project transforming Michigan Central into an innovation hub that houses nearly 240 companies.
The development emphasizes the preservation of the station’s historic architecture, with plans to reimagine its restaurant and public spaces and integrate Detroit’s artistic community into its design. The partnership also aims to make The Station a vibrant destination for both locals and travelers, elevating Detroit's reputation as a cultural and business epicenter.
- Nearly 180 guestrooms, including 30 suites
- Interior design featuring local Detroit art
- Part of a project revitalizing Michigan Central Station
- Expected opening: 2027
3. Hotel Renovations & Design
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa Announces Major Renovation
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida, revealed plans for a multi-million-dollar renovation of its meeting and event spaces starting in mid-July, with completion expected in early fall. The upgrade aims to enhance functionality and aesthetics of the resort’s versatile amenities.
The renovation will feature natural coastal tones such as ocean blues, lush greens and sandy beiges, reflecting the surrounding environment. The project includes new carpeting, wall coverings, artwork and updated lighting fixtures, including a conch shell-inspired chandelier in the Estero Ballroom.
- 82,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space, including the Calusa Ballroom (14,000 sq ft) and Estero Ballroom (7,000 sq ft)
- Enhanced outdoor areas with new pavers, lighting and landscaped terraces
- Modernized registration and restrooms with stone tones and wooden fixtures
- Recent upgrades: guestroom renovations (2022), Tarpon Bay restaurant redesign (2023) and Southern Kitchen debut (2024)
The resort offers diverse spaces such as gardens, courtyards and a private island, along with off-site activities like deep-sea fishing and yacht tours, providing a comprehensive experience for meetings and leisure visitors alike.
4. Partnerships, Technology & Operations
Partnership Success: Quore and LBA Hospitality Celebrate Nearly a Decade
Quore announced the completion of a fully customized Preventive Maintenance (PM) Template platform for LBA Hospitality. Since 2017, this partnership has helped manage over 100 properties worldwide, spanning brands like Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. The platform standardizes inspections, asset protection and maintenance processes, providing visibility and accountability across all hotels.
Steven Steelfox, LBA’s Director of Engineering, highlighted that custom templates allow for more efficient documentation without sacrificing consistency. The platform’s flexibility supports various inspection types, streamlining operations and improving overall guest satisfaction scores. Steelfox praised Quore’s support and user-friendly interface, which facilitates staff training and proactive issue resolution.
- Over 100 properties managed
- Positive impact on guest scores and operational visibility
The ongoing collaboration includes projects like integrating Marriott’s GXP platform, demonstrating Quore’s key role in LBA’s evolving tech strategy. As Steelfox pointed out, Quore’s industry-leading customer service and ease of use make it a preferred choice for hotel management firms globally.
5. Brand Performance & Growth Strategies
Spark by Hilton's Rapid Expansion Highlights Conversion Strategy
Since launching in January 2023, Spark by Hilton has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing 100 open hotels in less than two years. The brand's pipeline includes 230 hotels worldwide, reflecting its successful market entry and appeal to investors.
Brand Leader Alissa Klees attributes this momentum to the conversion model, leveraging Hilton’s established reputation and performance. The model offers owners a cost-effective opportunity to rebrand existing assets under Hilton’s umbrella, fueling rapid international expansion.
Growth factors include:
- Over 100 hotels opened
- Pipeline of 230 hotels globally
- Expansion into UK, Canada, Austria and India
- Strategic licensing with Olive by Embassy in India
Envisioned as a sister brand to Hampton and Tru, Spark’s accessible price point and proven successful conversion approach foster investor confidence. The brand’s global trajectory is expected to mirror Hilton’s history of strategic growth with significant long-term potential.
