Marriott Opens First City Express Hotel in the U.S.

The DJIA rose 383 points while Nasdaq was up 247, the S&P 500 was up 61 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was down .03 to 4.26%. Lodging stocks were higher. SVC surged 20%, SHCO bounced back 9% and is now midpoint back to where it was before the takeover offer was disclosed and what the go-private price is. HGV was up 5% on the day.

It is hard to really pinpoint if some in the industry are trying to convince themselves and others or if they really believe that business is not going to be affected by the global and economic turmoil we are seeing. It seemed like you could easily find those who shared your views at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, whether you were positive, concerned, or just plain negative. Everyone seems to be waiting for the transaction market to heat up; impacts from tariffs and immigration were the other talking points. We’ll just say that, to be safe, the outlook right now is uncertain.

Marriott International, Inc. is set to make a historic entry into the U.S. midscale hotel segment with the grand opening of City Express by Marriott Duluth (GA) in March 2025. This milestone launch marks the first City Express by Marriott property in the country and signals the brand’s ambitious expansion across North America. Building on the momentum of this launch, Marriott has confirmed its expansion plans for City Express by Marriott across the U.S. and Canada. With over 45 signed agreements already in place, more than a dozen properties are slated to open in 2025 alone. Among the locations are City Express by Marriott New Orleans Northeast and City Express by Marriott Chicago Downtown, both expected in the second quarter of 2025. Additional openings later in the year include City Express by Marriott Orlando International Drive and City Express by Marriott Port Hope in Ontario, Canada.

TPG Hotels & Resorts, in conjunction with Douglas Development, announced the opening of Canal House of Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This adaptive reuse hotel marks a significant milestone as Marriott International has designated the hotel as having the 1-millionth room in its U.S. portfolio. The 107-room property features a library lounge, private courtyard, fitness center and the C&O Lounge.

Excel Group has partnered with Ares Management Real Estate Secondaries funds to invest in a portfolio of Excel-owned Marriott and Hilton-branded hotels. The portfolio comprises eight assets primarily concentrated in high-demand U.S.east coast markets with a mix of limited service, select service, and extended stay hotels. The transaction also provides additional capital for Excel Group to continue to grow their hotel portfolio. Park Madison Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.

The Ford Motor Company’s Michigan hotel reopens today as a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Following a two-year renovation, The Dearborn Inn has 135 guestrooms, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant. This summer, the new Autograph Collection hotel will debut five standalone homes on the hotel’s 23 acres.

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced its new Sonesta Simply Suites prototype, a streamlined, market-responsive design catering to modern extended-stay travelers. The new construction prototype balances guest comfort with operational efficiency, offering two scalable configurations: a four-story, 122-key layout and a three-story, 89-key layout. The suites feature in-suite kitchens, ergonomic workspaces, and ample storage. Public areas include a market, fitness center, guest laundry, and inviting outdoor spaces. The back-of-house layout enhances operational efficiency, supporting streamlined staffing and reducing costs.

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX announced the completion of a $42 million renovation to enhance the hotel’s appeal to business and leisure travelers. The transformation introduces 614 redesigned guestrooms, a modernized lobby, 14,000 square feet of re-imagined event spaces, including the Sonesta Work Suite, and four distinctive dining venues.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. is introducing new, value-engineered prototypes for Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson that will provide more revenue-driving spaces for owners within the same footprint and achieve a 10 to 15% reduction in construction costs. Throughout the year, Choice Hotels plans on testing and rolling out a series of new and evolved brand hallmarks, including an updated breakfast offering, furniture, fixtures, equipment packages, and more, as the franchisor continues to invest in its brands, driving growth and long-term brand success.

The Chicago Hotel Collection announced the acquisition of the Ambassador Chicago, an iconic property in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood. Under new ownership, the hotel will honor its storied legacy while introducing modern enhancements to elevate the guest experiences. The hotel features 285 guestrooms, a lobby lounge and an upcoming dining concept.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin unveiled the complete transformation of 756 guestrooms and suites in the Swan hotel. This update is part of an extensive $275 million refurbishment and expansion initiative, which also encompasses enhancements to the conference facilities at both the Swan and Dolphin hotels and a significant expansion of the Dolphin’s event space totaling 120,000 square feet.

Noble House Hotels & Resorts announced The Sylvan Lodge will debut in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this May. Located in the heart of the Snake River Sporting Club, the 38-room boutique retreat offers a wellness center and spa, rooftop terrace with steaming hot tubs, an outdoor exercise pool, Dark Sky bar, a signature restaurant and privileged access to a private sporting club that is otherwise members-only.

Gateway Jax unveiled plans to restore the historic Ambassador Hotel in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, transforming it into a premier hospitality destination in partnership with The Indigo Road Hospitality Group. The project will breathe new life into the long-vacant property, blending luxury accommodations with a high-end restaurant, conference space, and modern amenities. Augustine Developmentrecently sold the Ambassador Hotel, the Central National Bank, and adjacent parcels to Gateway Jax for $17 million. The Ambassador Hotel site will be integrated into Gateway Jax’s inaugural project, Pearl Square. The eight-block, multi-use development will include 1,250 new residential units, a grocery-anchored retail space, new public spaces, lush public park spaces, and a signature curbless festival street with outdoor dining opportunities. Pearl Square represents an estimated $2 billion capital investment over the next decade.

Urban Network Capital Group, in collaboration with Vertical Developments and Concepto Taller de Arquitectura, announced the groundbreaking of Phase III at Visions Resort & Spa in Kissimmee, Florida. Phase III is a highly anticipated part of the resort and has already sold out. This phase includes 181 Branded Hotel Residences offering 1- and 2-bedroom configurations including stylish lofts. The resort will be managed by GPI Hospitality in partnership with Lumina Stays and Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Haley Hospitality Enterprises has purchased a 121-room hotel in Laguna Hills, California for nearly $17 million, according to The Real Deal. The seller was LHMLP. Atlas Hospitality Group represented the buyers.

Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle is introducing new dining options, excursions, and services that celebrate the island’s rich culture, energy, and hospitality. The 422-room, all-inclusive resort is located on the southeast coast of Barbados.

Nobu Hospitality announced an early 2026 opening for the Nobu Beach Inn on the island of Barbuda. The 400-acre project will feature 36 rooms spread across 17 bungalow cottages and is co-located with the existing Nobu Barbuda restaurant. The development also has a residential component, with pre-sales underway for 25 beachfront lots for villas. In addition to the Nobu restaurant, the property will feature several other dining concepts, including a beachfront spa, open-air gym, and yoga facilities.

Personnel Moves

Davidson Hospitality Group announced several executive appointments and promotions designed to propel the company’s sustainable growth strategies and market opportunities. Harris White joins Davidson as Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, White served as CFO at Virgin Hotels Collection. After 30+ years with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Nick Gregory joins Davidson as Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations. Robert Morse brings over three decades of hospitality industry experience to his role as Vice President of Revenue Management at Davidson Resorts and Davidson Hotels. He comes to Davidson after 12 years with Marriott International, most recently serving as Regional Vice President of Revenue Management for the brand in Canada. Kyle McCoy takes on the role of Vice President, Learning & Organizational Development. Michele Smith advances to the newly created position of Chief Accounting Officer. Jason Rabidoux has risen within the Acquisition & Business Development team and is now leading the company’s growth efforts as Chief Investment Officer.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced the appointment of ShaoWei Ong as Chief People & Culture Officer. ShaoWei will join both the Executive Committee and the Group Leadership team. ShaoWei previously served as Group Human Resources Director at both Jardine Schindler and Livi Bank. Amanda Hyndman, who has held the dual roles of Chief People & Culture Officer and Chief Operating Officer, will now focus fully on her responsibilities as COO.

Europe Highlights

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced its ambitious growth strategy for the United Kingdom, the third-largest market in the EAME region by portfolio size, only surpassed by Germany and Spain. The hotel corporation plans to grow its UK portfolio by more than 30% between 2025 and 2026, adding over 1,000 rooms to the UK market. The announcement followed the successful launch of Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds earlier this month. Further key developments in Hyatt’s pipeline include Hyatt Place London Paddington and Hyatt Regency London Olympia. The former marks the third Hyatt Place property in the UK capital, offering 87 rooms. The latter will be the fifth Hyatt Regency hotel in Londonand the seventh in the UK, boasting over 200 rooms.