North America

Europe hostel chain A&O is set to invest €500 million to aid its expansion across Europe. The company is seeking to expand its presence in European city centers.

Hilton will acquire the Graduate Hotels brand for $210 million, which includes all rights to the Graduate brand worldwide, franchise agreements for all existing and signed pipeline Graduate Hotels, and future development and growth.

While U.S. unemployment remains below 4%, employment growth has been slowing and hotel job openings have also slowed. Wage growth outpaced inflation, but RevPAR contracted again in January.

The Rosewood Hotel Group is set to expand its global presence and enhance its portfolio, which currently includes 48 properties across 23 countries, with new openings in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas, alongside growing its residential business.

The market liked this conclusion: both companies' stock prices rose, with Choice Hotels up 6% and Wyndham Hotels 2%, indicating investor relief – or strategic reassessment.

Starwood Capital Group signed a deal with SPAC Jaws Mustang Acquisition to merge. If completed, the SPAC will become the direct or indirect owner of Starwood entities’ interests in an initial portfolio of 10 properties, including the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, the brand created by MGM Resorts International and Marriott International, is now accepting reservations for 16 hotel and resort destinations on Marriott's website and app.

The Fed Chief made it pretty clear there will be no interest rates lowered for some time and the markets seemed to like the certainty.

Choice Hotels issued a press release urging Wyndham stockholders to tender their shares before the March 8 deadline. We would characterize the press release as of begging WH shareholders to threaten they will pull the plug.

Travel + Leisure Co. has closed the acquisition of the vacation ownership business of Accor. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Travel + Leisure Co. earnings.