Believe it or not, the first month of 2024 has already come and gone. January is always a peculiar month, as it is a time for setting new intentions and goals for the year ahead, but it also tends to feel slow and sleepy. However, in the hotel world, things are always moving along at a quick pace. As one of TPG’s senior hotel reporters, I am here to keep you, dear readers, up to date with some interesting hotel tidbits that you may have missed.
One major event in the hotel industry that took place in January was the American Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles. Fortunately, my colleague Cameron Sperance was there to report on all the exciting happenings. One article you definitely need to check out is his interview with Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano. They discussed Marriott’s new brands, the growth of Marriott Bonvoy, and plans to keep their fan-favorite brands fresh and exciting.
In other news, Marriott has announced its plans to expand its collection of apartment-style properties under the brand “Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy.” Last year, they launched the first of these apartments in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now, they have signed development agreements for new properties in Detroit and St. Louis, as well as in Courmayeur, Italy, and Neom, Saudi Arabia. These luxury apartments will participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, allowing members to earn points and enjoy various perks.
On a sadder note, the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas will be closing its doors on April 2nd. The resort, which opened in 1957, will eventually be demolished and replaced with a stadium for the Oakland Athletics baseball team. This is just one example of the ongoing transformation happening on the Las Vegas Strip, with new resorts and entertainment venues constantly being added.
In more positive news, the Spanish hotel brand Melia Hotels International is expanding even further. In 2024, they plan to open more than 20 hotels, compared to the dozen they opened last year. Melia has its sights set on international growth, with plans to expand in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and enter new territories like Albania and other Mediterranean destinations. If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience, Melia Hotels should definitely be on your radar.
For those dreaming of staying in a castle, Dromoland Castle in Ireland is a must-visit. They have recently opened a new luxury private residence called Dromoland Lodge. This five-bedroom lodge is located on the castle’s golf course and offers guests a range of incredible perks, including daily breakfast, golf carts for exploring the estate, and a personal residential assistant. Guests can also enjoy amenities like a private putting green, game room, and access to the Castle Spa.
In a fun crossover between Nashville and Santa Fe, the iconic Bluebird Cafe is returning to Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe for a temporary residence. The Bluebird Cafe is known for hosting “In the Round” songwriter nights, where hit songwriters perform their songs in an intimate setting. Guests can also enjoy a Nashville-style barbecue meal with a New Mexican twist. This is a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Bluebird Cafe outside of its usual Nashville location.
In conclusion, January may feel slow and sleepy for many, but in the hotel world, things are always in motion. From new brand announcements to iconic properties closing and unique hotel experiences, there is always something exciting happening. Stay tuned for more hotel news and updates in the coming months.