French hotel owners lobbying government: The reason? to regulate more undocumented migrants in order to fill 100,000 jobs for which they have found no internal takers, writes Punch. Currently under French law, Under French law, refugees can work once they get their papers but asylum-seekers must wait nine months after filing their claim for refugee status before looking for work. However, an immigration bill passed by parliament last week — but which French President Emmanuel Macron has yet to sign — cuts the waiting time to six months. Now we wait and see.—Chloe Riley
Ramping up Lolla security: HOTELS sweet hometown, Chicago, hosted Lollapalooza again last weekend, and a few participants noticed an increased security presence at the musical festival, according to the Chicago Tribune. While it makes good sense, it might also have a darker reason: Las Vegas mass shooter Stephen Paddock stayed at a Chicago hotel overlooking the festival in 2017 (but never showed). The best news coming out of the festival this year is that everyone will remember it just for the music and good times – or, if you work downtown, the scent of patchouli, among other things, wafting through the air in the vicinity of Grant Park as you walk through the crowd on your way to work.—Barbara Bohn
Hoxton sets opening: The first property of Ennismore’s Hoxton brand opens in New York City in September, but it’s not done yet. The company plans outposts in Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles this year, along with Chicago in 2019. Its Williamsburg location is on the site of a former water tower factory and maintains that local vibe with ceramics, books chosen by area residents and bed linens by a Brooklyn designer. An events calendar invites in the neighborhood to showcase startups, artists and makers, and will host fitness classes and revolving exhibitions.—B.B.
A business or a hotel? Trunk (Hotel) is the first hotel venture from Tokyo-based parent company Take and Give Needs, which provides wedding planning and event services. The hotel has more of a community hub feel – certainly not a new concept in the U.S. and Europe, but it’s a model that has only recently started to take off in Japan. Since the hotel opened its doors in May 2017, occupancy rates have averaged around 91%, according to data from the company. By comparison, the average occupancy rate in Tokyo was 80% throughout 2017. Not too shabby.—C.R.