Hyatt is using artificial intelligence to reduce the time needed to prepare Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) for hotel conversions, cutting the process from several weeks to just one day. The technology helps teams assess building requirements, brand standards, and likely conversion costs. Hyatt is also developing an end-to-end AI platform to manage conversions from the initial proposal through the hotel's opening, with completion expected by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The move comes as conversions account for a growing share of the company's expansion plans. Hyatt reported a record development pipeline of approximately 158,000 rooms, up 12% year over year, while third-quarter comparable systemwide RevPAR rose 7.2%. Read more

MGM Resorts International reported lower third-quarter earnings as declining Las Vegas room rates offset gains in casino revenue. Revenue for the Las Vegas Strip resorts fell 2% to $1.954 billion, while adjusted EBITDAR dropped 12% to $531 million. Occupancy remained steady at 89%, but the average daily room rate fell 8% to $218. Across the company, consolidated revenue declined 0.9% to $4.212 billion, and adjusted EBITDA fell 20% to $403 million. Growth in MGM China and improved results from its digital operations provided some relief, but the company faces continued pressure to restore room pricing and improve resort profitability. Read more

Hyatt and Extell Development Company plan to bring The StandardX brand to North America with a new hotel in New York City's Times Square. Scheduled to open in the second half of 2028, the 1,800-room property will form part of a larger development featuring an observation deck more than 1,000 feet above Manhattan, a rooftop pool, and a free-fall attraction. The hotel will also include restaurants, bars, nightlife venues, and a rooftop lounge overlooking the city. Its design will draw on New York's theatrical character, with bold colors, sculptural forms, and reflective finishes. The project will serve as a flagship for the StandardX brand, which targets a more accessible market than its parent brand, The Standard.. Read more

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta has brought back Night Spa, a private after-hours wellness experience designed for couples and special occasions. Starting at 7 p.m., guests receive exclusive access to the indoor heated saline pool, sauna, and steam room after regular spa hours. The experience also includes a customized couples massage lasting 50 or 80 minutes, followed by Champagne and a selection of food prepared by the hotel's culinary team. Spa staff remain available throughout the evening while allowing guests to enjoy the facilities in privacy. The offering builds on the hotel's wider wellness program, which includes customized treatments, facials, and guided meditation sessions in the pool. Read more

A new study from Canary Technologies examines more than 10 million AI-powered guest interactions across thousands of hotels in over 100 countries. The findings suggest that AI can improve service response times, personalize guest communications, and support additional revenue. Six in 10 AI responses provided information specific to a guest's circumstances rather than general answers, while guests who interacted with AI were 11% more likely to leave a five-star rating. Hotels using AI messaging also recorded average upsell revenue growth of 54% during their first six months of use. The study found that 65% of guest conversations involved requests requiring action, such as making reservations or fixing an air conditioner, highlighting opportunities for AI to handle more operational tasks. Read more

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