Record weekly ADR in US: Hotel ADR in the U.S. reached an all-time weekly high, as per STR’s latest data from December 26 through January 1.
- Occupancy: 54.3% (+10.7%)
- ADR: US$157.91 (+15.1%)
- RevPAR: US$85.74 (+27.4%)
Although the record-breaking ADR level was highlighted by luxury resorts, the top 25 markets reached around US$200 in aggregate, led by Miami (US$455.31) and Oahu (US$411.47). Among the top 25 markets, Norfolk/Virginia Beach recorded the largest occupancy increase over the pre-pandemic comparable (+25.3% to 49.4%), while Phoenix saw the largest ADR increase (+36.9% to US$155.71). The only RevPAR deficits were in San Francisco/San Mateo (-19.6% to US$82.18), Oahu Island (-10.6% to US$329.10), and New York City (-10.0% to US$185.07).
Best Western signs two hotels in Vietnam: Best Western Hotels & Resorts signed two new beachfront projects in Ho Tram in Vietnam. Best Western Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with Thien Binh Minh Joint Stock Co., a subsidiary of the Charm Group, to launch the 458-room and 90-villa Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Premier Collection by West Western, and the 470-room Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Signature Collection by Best Western. Both the properties will open in 2024. Best Western wants more than 20 branded hotels and resorts to be operational in Vietnam by the end of 2024. The group has four operational hotels, and said it has another 16 properties signed and ongoing talks for more.
NewcrestImage acquires nine in Arizona: NewcrestImage, Dallas, Texas, will acquire nine hotels in Arizona from G6 Hospitality — six branded Motel 6 and three branded Studio 6. The company said Arizona is an attractive market because its hotel occupancy is strong and above the national average. The deal is expected to close in early March. G6 Hospitality owns, operates and franchises around 1,400 economy lodging locations in the U.S. and Canada under the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands.
MGM Resorts reimagines loyalty program: MGM Resorts is relaunching MGM Rewards, its refreshed loyalty rewards program, on February 1 which will integrate gaming and non-gaming spend across more than 20 properties of MGM Resorts in the U.S. and offering more ways to earn and new benefits. Non-gaming customers will join their gaming counterparts and can earn MGM Rewards Points, a currency redeemable for complimentary food and beverage, entertainment, hotel stays, etc. All members can earn points on almost all expenditures at MGM Resorts destinations, integrating gaming and non-gaming and activity. Customers playing slots will also earn Slot Dollars. Five member tier levels remain the same.
Locke grows in Europe: Locke, the London-based aparthotel brand, is further expanding into Europe with new openings in Munich and Berlin in 2022. The 360-key WunderLocke in Munich will feature spacious studio apartments, co-working space, meeting and event spaces along with four food and drink destinations conceptualized by the founders of Michelin-starred restaurant Mural. The property, which will open in May, has been designed by studio Holloway Li. The Locke in Berlin will consist of 176 studio apartments equipped with kitchenettes and living areas, complimentary co-working space for guests and locals, a 24-hour gym and an audiophile bar. Designed by Matthew Grzywinski of Grzywinski+Pons, the property will open in July.
Marriott to debut Le Méridien in Penang: Marriott International has signed an agreement with Rackson Hospitality Sdn. Bhd to introduce the Le Méridien brand to Penang, Malaysia. As part of the Penang Gateway development, the 200-key Le Méridien Penang Airport will be part of a mixed-use development that will also feature an independent residential tower, medical center, retail and commercial space. The construction of the hotel is slated to begin later this year and will completed by the end of 2026. The hotel, designed by SA Architects Malaysia, will consist of 186 rooms and 14 suites, including a 2,000 square feet presidential suite, and the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub.