Read the latest technology news that has implications for the hotel industry.
Hilton Unveils Connected Rooms Bookings
Not to be confused with the company's tech-enabled "Connected Room," Hilton officials announced the launch of a new booking platform focused on allowing travelers to book connecting rooms called "Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton."
The platform is billed as a way to "book and instantly confirm connecting or adjoining hotel rooms with Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton. You'll gain peace of mind knowing instantly that everyone in your party will be just a door away." The connecting room bookings are available on both Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors App.
Starwood's Sternlicht Expands Tech SPAC Push
Starwood Capital's Barry Sternlicht, fresh off teaming with Blackstone to acquire Extended Stay America, has announced plans to enlarge his special purpose acquisition company, Jaws Juggernaut Acquisition Corp., increasing its size 20% after a $240 million initial public offering, Bloomberg reports.
The larger SPAC market seems to be cooling, the news agency reports, but Sternlicht's group continues to raise funds to invest in wireless communications companies.
Credit Suisse Distances from Oyo's Big Money Backers
The Wall Street Journal reports Swiss bank Credit Suisse has dissolved its relationship with SoftBank — the primary investor behind Oyo Rooms and other major tech platforms — and its chief executive Masayoshi Son.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/credit-suisse-turns-away-from-softbank-and-its-founder-masayoshi-son-11624021118?mod=tech_lead_pos2
"The moves came after the collapse of SoftBank-backed Greensill Capital in March plunged Credit Suisse into turmoil," the newspaper reports. "It also follows Credit Suisse’s $5.5 billion loss stemming from trading by family office Archegos Capital Management. The bank has since promised to dial down risk."
Airbnb, Vrbo Battling for Post-Pandemic Hosts
With a summer travel boom expected in the near future, online alternative accommodation booking platforms Airbnb and Expedia Group's Vrbo are in a heated war for hosts, particularly in highly sought after sites near "beaches, national parks and other nonurban areas," according to The Wall Street Journal.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/airbnb-vrbo-battle-for-more-vacation-cabins-as-travel-rebounds-11623922200?mod=tech_lead_pos5
The newspaper notes that: "Airbnb in May said it eased the sign-up process for new hosts, reducing the number of steps required to 10 from dozens. The company said it has added more than 100 upgrades to its platform, including features for one-on-one mentoring on hosting. It also is trying to convert guests into hosts, offering referral payments to hosts who can get others to list their places on Airbnb."
Meanwhile, Vrbo launched its Fast Start program that "allows hosts who have Airbnb experience to transfer their Airbnb ratings to Vrbo. Vrbo said it has acquired thousands of hosts through the program, though it declined to specify the exact number."