Florida Gulf Coast Gets New Hampton Inn Project

Vision Hospitality Group has broken ground on a new Hampton Inn near Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers, Florida. The five-story, 115-room hotel is expected to open in summer 2027 and will serve both business and leisure travelers. The property sits close to Southwest Florida International Airport and Florida Gulf Coast University, placing it in a growing travel corridor. Planned amenities include meeting space, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. The project reflects continued hotel investment in Southwest Florida as tourism and population growth remain strong. Read more.

IHG Growth in the U.S. and China Offsets Middle East Slowdown

InterContinental Hotels Group reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter performance, driven by demand in the United States and China. Revenue per available room rose 4.4 percent globally, with the U.S. market returning to steady growth and China benefiting from strong holiday travel demand. Middle East operations faced sharp declines due to regional instability, but growth in other regions helped offset the impact. IHG also opened 82 hotels during the quarter and continues to expand its development pipeline. The results show how diversified hotel portfolios are helping global operators manage regional disruptions. Read more.

Brownsville Hotel Boom Accelerates as Investors Rush In

Brownsville, Texas is seeing rapid hotel development as economic growth transforms the city into a major business hub. New projects include a SpringHill Suites by Marriott and an Embassy Suites by Hilton, with combined investments estimated between $20 million and $30 million. Developers are responding to rising demand linked to SpaceX operations, energy projects, port expansion, and manufacturing activity. The upcoming Marriott property is expected to include around 120 suite-style rooms designed for business travelers and longer stays. Industry observers see Brownsville becoming one of the fastest-growing hospitality markets in South Texas. Read more.

Sonesta Expands Houston Presence With New Airport Hotel

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has opened the Red Lion Inn & Suites Houston IAH Airport, adding another property to its growing Houston portfolio. The 96-room midscale hotel is located near George Bush Intercontinental Airport and targets both transit and business travelers. Amenities include airport shuttle access, modern guest rooms, and proximity to major transportation routes. The opening highlights continued competition among hotel groups for airport-focused accommodations in major U.S. cities. Houston remains a strong expansion market due to steady business travel demand and population growth. Read more.

Iconic St. Pete Beach Resort Sold for $31.5 Million

The Beachcomber Hotel and its well-known Jimmy B’s Beach Bar on St. Pete Beach have been sold to South Carolina-based OTO Development for $31.5 million. The 102-room beachfront property has operated for more than 50 years and is known for its “Old Florida” atmosphere and live music venue. OTO already owns several hotels in the Tampa Bay area, including the neighboring Hilton Garden Inn, creating opportunities for joint operations and shared tourism traffic. The resort reopened in late 2025 after major hurricane-related restoration work. The deal highlights renewed investor confidence in Florida’s coastal hospitality market despite recent storm disruptions. Read more.

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