One grew revenue 50x after half his team quit over the strategy. One brought in 50K signups in a single day with no paid budget. One generated 100M+ views from a stunt that took 50 hours to conceive. One asked every prospect to demo the product themselves instead of demoing it for them.

None of them followed the safe playbook. They treated GTM like an experiment, moved before they had proof, and made bets most founders would never get approved.

HubSpot for Startups documented all 6 stories in the free Bold Bets Playbook. The risks they took, why it was risky, and what it returned.

Read the free Bold Bets Playbook

One of Los Angeles’ most sought-after pizza makers, Pizzeria Sei, is launching a summer residency at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The collaboration will take place at the hotel’s Culina restaurant and will feature Sei’s signature Tokyo-Neapolitan pizzas alongside an exclusive White Capricciosa pizza created specifically for the pop-up. The menu will blend Italian tradition with Japanese precision, which has helped Pizzeria Sei build a loyal following. The partnership reflects a growing trend of luxury hotels teaming up with celebrated local restaurants to create limited-time dining experiences for guests and residents alike. Read more.

Italy has strengthened its reputation as a culinary destination, with several Italian hotel restaurants earning spots among the world's best hotel dining venues. Food & Wine highlights properties such as Seta at Mandarin Oriental Milan, Casa Maria Luigia in Modena, and Oro at Hotel Cipriani in Venice for combining exceptional cuisine with strong local identity. Rather than relying on international dining trends, these hotels focus on regional ingredients, local producers, and authentic storytelling through food. The result is a hotel dining experience that attracts both travelers and local residents, helping Italy set the standard for luxury hospitality dining. Read more.

Ridgeland, Mississippi, is set to add a new extended-stay hotel with plans underway for a 116-room StudioRes by Marriott property. The $20 million development is designed to serve long-term business travelers and guests seeking affordable extended accommodations. Local officials view the project as another step in strengthening Ridgeland’s hospitality sector and supporting continued commercial growth in the area. The investment reflects ongoing demand for flexible lodging options that cater to project-based workers, relocating families, and other extended-stay guests. Read more.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its 2026 Star Chef Gourmet Tour across Greater China, bringing together leading chefs from its luxury and premium hotel brands. The initiative aims to showcase regional culinary talent through a series of special dining events and collaborative menus. By highlighting signature dishes, local ingredients, and chef partnerships, IHG hopes to strengthen the role of food and beverage offerings as a key driver of guest engagement. The program also reflects the growing importance of destination dining within the hotel industry across Asia. Read more.

As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary in November 2026, historic hotels and motels along the famous highway are experiencing renewed attention from travelers. Properties ranging from neon-lit roadside motels to landmark city hotels are preparing for increased visitor interest tied to centennial celebrations. Many destinations are restoring classic features while preserving the nostalgia that has made Route 66 an enduring symbol of American road travel. The anniversary is expected to generate fresh tourism activity and shine a spotlight on the historic accommodations that helped define the route’s legacy. Read more.

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