Read the latest hotel industry news from around the Americas region.
Marriott CFO Says Industry's Labor Market is Robust
In an exclusive sit-down interview with Hotel News Now's Bryan Wroten, Marriott International Chief Financial Officer Leeny Oberg said to remember that if a recession does happen, each economic downturn has different fundamentals at play.
In the U.S., unemployment increased slightly from 3.5% to 3.7% during August. However, Oberg said that's still a low percentage.
“We’ve got a robust labor market with plenty of good jobs for people in the market for work, and that will have some impact on how things go forward combined with the [Federal Reserve’s] moves on both the U.S. balance sheet as well as with interest rates,” she said.
Satisfaction With Hotel Management Companies Declines
The recent J.D. Power 2022 North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark recorded a declining rate of satisfaction for third-party hotel management companies, according to a news release.
"On average, overall guest satisfaction among the largest third-party management companies is 837 this year, which is down four points from a year ago," according to a news release from J.D. Power. "The decline is driven by lower satisfaction with room cost and fees; décor/furnishings of guest room; and variety of food and beverage."
Aman Group Puts $600 Million Tag on New York City Hotel
The renovated Crown Building in Midtown Manhattan has been put on the market by Aman Group for $600 million in a sale-and-leaseback deal, according to GlobeSt.com.
The Aman Hotel, on "Billionaire's Row," first opened on Aug. 2 in the Crown Building.
Deals, Developments, People on the Move
- NewcrestImage entered an agreement to buy 16 Marriott-branded hotels in nine states through a joint venture with Hospitality Capital Partners.
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach named Donovan Stephens as general manager. Additionally, Sabrina Schroeter has been appointed director of sales and marketing.
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' new economy extended-stay brand, currently operating under Project ECHO, has reached a development milestone of 100 signings.
- Aloft Orlando Downtown completed a multi-million-dollar renovation, which included modernized guest rooms and public spaces.
- Aimbridge Hospitality announced the HALL Arts Hotel, located in the Dallas Arts District, will be managed under its specialized Full Service Division.
- Marriott marked its first luxury all-inclusive resort in The Luxury Collection Brand with the Sanctuary Cap Cana Castle in the Dominican Republic.
- Will Oakley has been appointed managing director of Oetker Collection's Jumby Bay Island in Antigua.
- Sonesta International Hotels Corp. announced expansion plans in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the renewal of its master franchise relationship with GHL Hoteles and the hiring of three lodging development leaders.