Hospitality Highlights
- HomeToGo releases the 2025 Taste of Summer Index, spotlighting top foodie destinations in the US.
- Fairmont Orchid completes a multi-million dollar revitalization that celebrates Hawaiian culture.
- IHG launches its 80th avid hotel, marking rapid expansion and innovation in Iowa.
- Highgate designates SONIFI as its preferred guest technology solutions partner for 70+ hotels.
- U.S. hotel industry experiences mixed weekly performance with some markets seeing notable gains and others sharp declines.
1. Industry Trends & Insights
HomeToGo Reveals Top 20 Foodie Destinations for Summer 2025
The 2025 Taste of Summer Index by HomeToGo highlights the leading US destinations for travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences. Nearly 48% of US travelers prioritize trips centered around food and drinks this summer, influencing their choices.
HomeToGo used four metrics to rank locations, including search growth, affordability, restaurant ratings and the variety of gourmet activities. Destinations like Hawaii’s Maui and Portland, Maine, scored highly for their diverse and highly-rated culinary scenes.
- Top destinations: Portland, Oregon; Woodinville, Washington; Ithaca, New York; Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington.
- Key features: Food cart pods, wine country, farm-to-table dining, seafood, global flavors.
Travelers can explore the index on HomeToGo’s website, which offers insights into the rankings, destination descriptions and an interactive map. The report emphasizes the growing trend of questing for unique gastronomic adventures during summer vacations.
U.S. Hotel Industry Reports Mixed Weekly Results in June 2025
According to CoStar’s latest data for May 31, 2025, the U.S. hotel industry experienced mixed weekly performance. Overall occupancy declined slightly by 1.6% to 61.0%, while average daily rate (ADR) decreased by 0.3% to $151.48.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) saw a decline of 1.9%, falling to $92.45. Despite this, some markets demonstrated positive movement; for instance, St. Louis occupancy increased by 11.1%, reaching 64.5% and New York City and Los Angeles recorded the highest ADR gains, both up by 5.7%.
- Occupancy: 61.0%
- ADR: $151.48
- RevPAR: $92.45
- Top markets with occupancy increases: St. Louis (+11.1%)
- Biggest RevPAR declines: New Orleans (-30.2%) Dallas (-21.5%)
Steepest declines in RevPAR were observed in New Orleans and Dallas, with drops of 30.2% and 21.5% respectively. As the industry navigates these fluctuations, market dynamics continue to reflect regional performances and varying travel demand.
2. Openings & Expansions
The Nickel Hotel Opens on Charleston’s King Street
Method Co. has officially opened The Nickel Hotel in Charleston's vibrant Cannonborough neighborhood. The 50-room boutique property features an interior courtyard, private event space, library and a future rooftop lounge. Designed in collaboration with Morris Adjmi Architects, it blends Charleston’s historic architecture with modern influences.
The hotel’s layered lobby showcases contemporary Southern design, including European marble mosaics and hand-painted porcelain. Guests can enjoy amenities like a guest-only cocktail bar, the upcoming Rosemary Rose rooftop lounge with Moroccan-inspired furnishings and private balconies offering city or courtyard views.
- 50 rooms
- Interior courtyard and library
- Rooftop lounge opening soon
- Full kitchens with bespoke furniture
Each suite provides a full kitchen, lounge, dining space and in-room laundry. The property emphasizes local design traditions, with many rooms featuring private balconies and city views, making it a top addition to Charleston’s boutique hotel scene.
Flagstaff Gets Its First Dual-Branded Hilton Hotel by NCG Hospitality
NCG Hospitality announced the upcoming opening of a dual-branded hotel featuring Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton, scheduled for August 2025 in Flagstaff, Arizona. This marks the city’s first hotel pairing of two Hilton brands.
The new property offers a total of 204 rooms, with 113 extended-stay suites at Home2 Suites and 91 guestrooms at Tru. Reservations are now open for stays starting in September 2025 with amenities designed for both leisure and business travelers.
- Shared amenities include
- Heated indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Outdoor patio with grills
- On-site restaurant & bar, The Pines Bar & Bistro
Guests can enjoy modern accommodations like sofa beds, a full-size refrigerator and a microwave at Home2 Suites, while Tru rooms feature a 55-inch TV and mini-fridge. The leadership team is led by General Manager Bryce Skeen and regional sales managers.
IHG Celebrates Opening of 80th avid Hotel in Coralville
IHG has launched its 80th avid hotel in Coralville, Iowa, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The new 71-room property is strategically located near the University of Iowa and the Antique Car Museum of Iowa, offering guests a sound-reducing design and modern amenities.
This dual-branded hotel, a collaboration between avid and Candlewood Suites, caters to both short-term and extended-stay travelers. It features a large, well-equipped fitness center and a revamped breakfast menu that includes scrambled eggs, proteins, potatoes and premium coffee. According to Karen Gilbride, the brand aims to deliver high guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Location: Near Iowa University and Car Museum
- Rooms: 71
- Design: Soundproof, modern
- Brands: Dual-branded avid and Candlewood Suites
The Coralville opening exemplifies IHG’s aggressive expansion with 131 hotels currently in the pipeline. Recent launches include properties in Querétaro, Harrisburg and soon Victorville, marking the brand’s fast growth as the company focuses on delivering quality experiences and owner value.
Dreamscape Hospitality Expands with Management of Milwaukee Hotel
Dreamscape Hospitality has announced that it now manages the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Milwaukee – West Allis, marking its growth into Midwest markets. The pet-friendly property is located just 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, offering amenities like 107 guestrooms, an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast and a 24-hour fitness center.
The hotel features a 360-square-foot meeting room for small gatherings and is close to major attractions such as American Family Field and Wisconsin State Fair Park. According to President Adam Patenaude, the company aims to enhance guest experiences through hands-on management and service excellence.
- Location: Near downtown Milwaukee and attractions
- Facilities: Indoor pool, fitness center, breakfast
- Meeting room: 360 sq ft for events
- Access: Close to businesses and healthcare
This addition aligns with Dreamscape’s strategy to grow in key markets across the U.S., strengthening its industry presence with strategically situated hotels. The expansion demonstrates the company’s dedication to service and strategic growth in competitive regions.
3. Renovations & Redesigns
Fairmont Orchid Completes $M Revitalization Reflecting Hawaiian Culture
The luxury resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawai'i has announced the completion of its extensive $M revitalization, featuring refreshed guest rooms, a new Fairmont Gold floor and improved event spaces. This multi-million dollar project celebrates Hawaiian culture through inspired design elements and authentic textures.
The refined spaces include modern lighting, stylish carpeting and decor that reflects the island's landscapes. With 32,000 sq ft of indoor and 76,000 sq ft of outdoor event areas, the resort is ideal for meetings and celebrations. The Fairmont Gold lounge offers an elevated experience with locally-inspired cuisine and personalized service.
- 540 rooms
- Prime oceanfront location on 32 acres
- Five acclaimed restaurants
- Full-service Spa Without Walls
- 10,000 sq ft pool and championship tennis courts
4. Technology & Partnerships
Highgate Expands Partnership with SONIFI for Guest Tech
Highgate has heightened its collaboration with SONIFI, designating the company as a preferred partner for guest technology solutions across its hotel portfolio. This partnership enables access to exclusive pricing and dedicated support for innovations such as Wi-Fi, interactive TVs and streaming services.
As part of the 2025 rollout, SONIFI will upgrade Wi-Fi networks at over 70 properties in the U.S., including flagship destinations like Florida’s TradeWinds Resort. The enhancements aim to boost digital infrastructure and generate new revenue streams via interactive platforms.
- Over 70 properties will receive Wi-Fi upgrades
- Partnership started in 2025
- Flagship property: TradeWinds Resort
- Focus on enhancing digital infrastructure and revenue
Mike Uwe Dickersbach from Highgate explained that SONIFI’s understanding of hotel needs makes them a strategic partner. Ahmad Ouri, CEO of SONIFI, added that this collaboration aligns with their shared vision for exceptional guest experiences.
