Holiday Inn Express by IHG has launched its new “Unpacking” campaign with Brooke Averick and Connor Wood, creators of the podcast Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast. The campaign focuses on the growing appeal of morning-after conversations, when travelers gather over breakfast to share stories and revisit memorable moments. A key feature is the limited-edition Morning Debrief card game, which includes 30 conversation prompts and is available at select US properties. The campaign draws on a survey of 2,000 Gen Z and millennial adults. It found that 55% enjoy the post-event recap more than the event itself, while 73% say these conversations offer a level of connection that texts and phone calls cannot replace. Read more

Four Seasons Resorts Lanai will take over the full management of Sensei Lanai from December 16, 2026, bringing its hotel and wellness operations under one management structure. The property will be renamed Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Koele and will continue to offer luxury stays and wellness programs. The change follows an eight-year partnership with wellness company Sensei, which will now focus on expanding its standalone retreat business. The resort plans to retain its established wellness approach, with spa services based on four pillars: Mind, Body, Nutrition, and Sleep. Its main restaurant, Koele by Nobu, will feature dishes from chef Nobu Matsuhisa, alongside afternoon tea, wine tastings, and cocktail events. Read more

White Lodging plans to open Hotel Trinity, an Autograph Collection property, in downtown Austin in late 2026. Located at 311 East Fifth Street, the 14-story hotel will have 258 guest rooms, including 20 suites. Its food and beverage offering will include The Yacht Club, a seafood-focused restaurant serving fresh oysters, caviar, and champagne pairings. Guests will also have access to Sundeck Social, a rooftop pool and social club reserved for hotel residents. Other planned services include a dedicated house car, in-room grocery service, and a guest experience team. The opening will mark White Lodging's 13th hotel in Austin and add another Marriott luxury property to the city's downtown market. Read more

The University of California has purchased the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for approximately $193 million through its investment arm, UC Investments. The 261-room oceanfront resort, located along the Northern California coast, includes restaurants and a spa. The acquisition adds another hotel to the university system's growing real estate portfolio, following its $175.8 million purchase of the Residence Inn Berkeley in 2025. The sale comes after the resort's previous owner, Strategic Hotels & Resorts, faced a dispute with Half Moon Bay over approximately $2.16 million in unpaid hotel taxes and interest. UC has not disclosed its plans for the property, although the resort is expected to continue operating as a luxury hotel. Read more

Forecasts for a super El Niño are putting several Western US ski destinations in focus for the 2026-2027 winter season. After a winter marked by low snowfall, Colorado, Utah, and California's Mammoth Lakes could benefit from increased winter storms and favorable conditions at higher elevations. The report highlights established destinations such as Aspen Snowmass, Vail, Breckenridge, and Park City, along with newer hospitality offerings. Keystone's Kindred Resort is preparing for its first ski season with 107 hotel rooms, 95 residences, and ski-in/ski-out access. Utah's Deer Valley Resort is expanding to a record 4,500 skiable acres, while Limelight Mammoth is attracting visitors with 149 rooms, ski services, and regular live music. The report also notes that winter sports travelers are spending more, with 45% reporting daily trip spending of at least $1,500 per person, excluding airfare. Read more

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