Hotel investment is showing signs of recovery, but investors are taking a more selective approach. US hotel transaction volume reached $5.6 billion in Q1 2026, up 14.4% year over year, while the number of transactions rose 35%. AI is also moving beyond pilot projects into areas such as revenue management, marketing, finance, and guest communications. The article also highlights branded residences as an increasingly important financing tool, with developers using advance residential sales to support hotel projects. Read more

London and Hong Kong-based design studio Conran and Partners has joined global design firm DLR Group. The studio will retain its name and operate as a distinct DLR Group studio, with its five partners continuing to lead the London and Hong Kong offices. The move gives Conran and Partners access to DLR Group's wider resources and international opportunities, including the US market. DLR Group, meanwhile, gains an established luxury design presence in Europe and Asia. The combined business will continue working across hospitality, residential, mixed-use, workplace, and retail projects. Read more

BWH Hotels GB is highlighting the growth of its portfolio beyond its traditional mid-market image. The group now covers more than 18 brands, including luxury hotels, boutique properties, extended-stay apartments, and the WorldHotels Collection. Its strategy combines the reach and commercial support of a global network with the independence and character of individual properties. A recent marketing campaign generated more than 1,000 bookings and £250,000 in revenue in its first month. BWH Hotels is also adding premium properties and strengthening its sales support for the segment. Read more

Safemark has introduced the CG15 and CG17, two new in-room safes aimed at boutique and luxury hotels. The CG15 holds laptops up to 15 inches, while the CG17 accommodates models up to 17 inches. Both feature tempered glass doors, internal lighting, backlit displays, and a design intended to fit more easily into modern guest rooms. The CG15 also offers space for custom color printing and branding. Both models come with a five-year warranty and a $10,000 limited warranty against forced entry. Read more

US hotels recorded year-over-year gains across the three main performance measures in August 2026, according to CoStar data. Occupancy reached 66.4%, up 0.5%, while average daily rate rose 1.5% to $161.78. RevPAR increased 2% to $107.43, although growth was slower than in July. San Francisco recorded the strongest gains among the top 25 markets, with RevPAR rising 15.8%. New Orleans saw the sharpest occupancy and RevPAR declines, while New York City recorded the largest drop in ADR. Read more

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