California

The Al-Bahar Group, the majority shareholder of Yotel, has taken an extra 30% stake, raising its total stake in Yotel to more than 95%.

Yet the hotel industry continues to expand globally with multiple new properties and several boutique hotel openings.

Hotel industry analysts at Baird expressed caution about softening March demand trends, noting that U.S. RevPAR growth is tracking over 200 basis points below initial expectations.

Concerns over Trump 2.0's impact on the hotel industry are rising, with Deutsche Bank noting potential early signs of a RevPAR downturn.

Loews Hotels is undergoing its largest expansion, opening three new Orlando hotels with Comcast’s Universal, adding 2,000 rooms and reaching 11 properties in the area.

In 2024, Marriott International expanded in Caribbean and Latin America, adding 30 properties, 8,000 rooms, and growing its pipeline to 27,817 rooms.

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, was named the national chair of the U.S. Travel Association’s board for a two-year term, succeeding Hilton’s Chris Nassetta.

IHG reported strong Q4 2024 results, announced the acquisition of the Ruby brand, raised its dividend by 10%, and launched a $900 million buyback, but investors remained unimpressed despite its strong performance.

IHG is expanding its Vignette Collection with San Francisco's historic Hotel Spero and a new French property opening in 2025, featuring two transformed Tiara hotels.

Marriott beat 4Q24 expectations, but its stock fell due to cautious guidance, softer NUG outlook, and lower share repurchases.