ASPEN, COLO.—The Aspen Mountain Residences, a landmark in the heart of Aspen, is located in Aspen’s coveted front row. A comprehensive remodeling project includes upgrades with new decor, finishes, lighting, and furniture throughout each unit, reaffirming the commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled blend of elegance, modernity, and mountain charm. Each newly remodeled residence at The Aspen Mountain Residences features a harmonious blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication to offer a serene retreat after a day of exploring Aspen’s stunning landscapes. The residences boast high-end furnishings, plush bedding, and elegant decor that reflect the natural beauty of Aspen....

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, announced its first contract under the recently reintroduced SOAR (Supporting Ownership Access and Representation) program, designed to create hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Damon Healey of Eternal Companies, a real estate investment and asset management firm, executed a contract to convert two hotels in Georgia to Suburban Studios, one of Choice’s four extended stay brands. The pair of properties opened on May 30. “We’re so excited to announce the first contract under the newly reintroduced SOAR program and to work with franchisees like Damon Healey. Our team is...

MADRID, SPAIN—More than 50 countries have endorsed a landmark proposal for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. For the first time in the history of the summit, COP29 featured a Tourism Day, with a First Ministerial Meeting dedicated to positioning tourism policy to support national climate goals. In Baku, public and private sector leaders recognized the significant impact of climate change on the tourism sector and its contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, they emphasized tourism’s potential to actively foster climate adaptation and regeneration strategies. Over 700 stakeholders participated in the Tourism Day events. The First Ministerial was...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Rosanna Maietta released the following statement in response to the death of Harris Rosen, founder and President of Rosen Hotels & Resorts: “Harris Rosen was an inspirational figure and a shining example of the passion and drive that hoteliers need to succeed. His love for the industry made him the largest independent hotelier in Florida, but he showed us the true meaning of hospitality through his philanthropic work,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “His generous donation to the University of Central Florida built the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which was...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Dr. Whitney Roban, Ph.D., a leading sleep expert, to launch a new sleep enhancing program designed to support the wellness routines of its guests, specifically those who experience “First Night Effect.” According to Dr. Roban, research has shown that when individuals travel to unfamiliar environments, such as hotel rooms, one half of the brain enters into a hyper vigilant state. This increased alertness disrupts the natural sleep cycle, particularly impacting the crucial slow wave deep sleep stage. This phenomenon is known as the “First Night Effect.” Dr. Roban has...

TROY, N.Y.—Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—announced that The Ritz-Carlton, Denver has attained Green Lodging/Green Hospitality Gold-level Certification for sustainable best practices. Offered at four levels from Bronze to Platinum, Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program provides hotels and other hospitality facilities with the tools to reduce operating costs by saving energy, conserving water, and reducing waste. Hotels that are eco-rated have a distinct marketing advantage and public recognition as an environmental leader. “This is an impressive achievement for one of the world’s great...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA—Carbon-neutral Hotel Belmar in Costa Rica has unveiled its thoughtful room renovations completed this summer. The redesigned rooms harmonize the property’s focus on its unique natural setting while providing guests with the modern comforts they desire. Local designers with Costa Rica’s NAAS Interior Culture led the project, redefining the guest experience with a subtle balance between contemporary design and the hotel’s forest surroundings. Rooms feature natural materials, such as wood, and a palette of subdued colors to create a warm and welcoming environment. Nearly all of the ecolodge’s 26 rooms were renovated. Mid Century Modern elements and furniture provide clean lines and functionality...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International are committing $1,000,000 in monetary donations to support the relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funds will support two world-renowned organizations, World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross, to aid in immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding for communities devastated by catastrophic storms from Florida to the Carolinas and Tennessee. In addition to the financial contribution, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has opened its doors as a state-designated shelter at its Event Center, providing safety and refuge for over 1,000 displaced individuals since the shelter was put in place. The...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with investment firm Lafayette Square to provide diverse hoteliers with improved access to capital. Through an exclusive relationship, Wyndham will vet and directly connect qualified owners with Lafayette Square, which aims to help hoteliers with up to $100 million in combined financing from the firm over the coming years. While not all hoteliers will qualify, viable candidates can use the funds to move forward projects that would otherwise stall due to lack of traditional financing. Lafayette Square’s investment strategy addresses a critical issue diverse hoteliers face when it comes to access to...

Wellness features have undoubtedly become a key differentiator in the hospitality industry in all markets for attracting guests and driving revenue. But some features may provide better returns on investment (ROI) than others and selecting the most suitable for a property requires a considered approach. The continuous evolution of wellness facilities, amenities, and services likely contributed to the whopping 18.1 percent annual growth the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) detected in the wellness real estate sector in 2020-23 and would also support the 15.8 percent annual expansion GWI predicts for 2024-29. The strong performance and rosy outlook of the sector have prompted...