Hilton has made its new Home2 Suites by Hilton Clean Energy Prototype available to US hotel owners and developers. The turnkey design uses all-electric systems, renewable energy, and an enhanced building envelope to reduce energy use and operating emissions. Hilton says modeling across 13 US cities projects 30% greater energy efficiency and annual energy cost reductions of 18% to 40%. The design could also cut operational carbon emissions by about 440 metric tons. It gives owners a ready-made option for addressing rising utility costs while keeping the Home2 Suites extended-stay format. Read more

Meritage Hospitality Group, one of Wendy's largest US franchisees, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company operates 314 Wendy's restaurants across 15 states and employs about 9,000 people. The filing followed Wendy's decision to terminate its franchise agreement, with court documents showing disputes over royalties and other fees. Meritage says it plans to keep its restaurants operating and continue paying employees during the bankruptcy process. The filing comes as Wendy's faces broader sales pressure, including a 7% decline in US same-store sales in its latest quarter. Read more.

Accor's MGallery Collection has signed Ink 48 in Manhattan, marking the brand's entry into New York City. The 222-room hotel overlooks the Hudson River and includes a rooftop bar, restaurant, fitness center, and about 6,000 square feet of meeting space. Ink 48 will undergo a renovation while continuing to operate independently. The property is expected to join MGallery officially in 2028 under the management of Rebel Hotel Company. The move supports MGallery's wider expansion across the US. Read more.

AAHOA members met with lawmakers during the organization's 2026 National Leadership & Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC. Hotel owners held hundreds of meetings with members of Congress and their staffs to discuss policies affecting operating costs, financing, litigation, franchising, and payment networks. Key priorities include raising SBA loan limits through the STRONG and LIONs Acts and supporting proposed changes to franchise and lawsuit rules. AAHOA says its members own 60% of US hotels and support 4.2 million jobs. Read more.

Former Remington Hospitality CEO Sloan Dean has launched AI Hospitality Group, an AI-native hotel management company. The company uses more than 60 autonomous AI agents across areas such as recruiting, accounting, revenue management, and marketing. AIHG combines these systems with human teams handling the guest-facing side of hotel operations. Rather than licensing its technology, the company signs hotel management agreements and takes responsibility for hotel performance. It says its model is designed to reduce back-office costs and improve owners' GOP margins. Read more.

Showcase your brand/product/services in our newsletter and reach over 32,000 industry leaders in hospitality! Contact us today to advertise with Hotel Jolt.

Disclosure: Some content in this newsletter may be sponsored or include affiliate links. Hotel Jolt might earn commissions or have a business interest in featured companies. Read our privacy policy.